Arizona's 2017 class of prospects is shaping up nicely to be a strong class in the state, as many young prospects in the class have already emerged among the top prospects at their respective positions in the state. One of the elite point guard prospects in the class has now recently emerged as one of the top overall guard prospects in the state. Apollo High School's 5-foot-11, 155-pound sophomore guard Holland Woods Jr. is the real deal and is one young guard prospect to be wreckoned with in the state.
Woods (pictured left) has worked hard on his craft as a youngster and has also been around thew game of basketball all of his life. It shows as this young man is very skilled and advanced for his young age. Woods is known by his friends, family and teammates as "Boo Boo." His father, Holland Woods Sr., is an excellent teacher of the game of basketball, and has helped to develop many of the current top players in the state with his club program, the Arizona Future.
Woods Jr. is the product of these same teachings and it is showing quickly as he is off to an excellent start to this season - already leading his Apollo High School team to a nice 5-2 start to the season. Woods is averaging a team-high 15.8 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.8 steals per/game.
This year's Apollo HS team lacks much size and has a nice attack of guards that speed up the game and put consistent pressure on opposing defenses. Woods is the catalyst and is a problem for opposing guards, as a result of his quickness, handle of the basketball and feel for the game. He is capable of getting anywhere he wants to on the floor and rarely do you find guard prospects like this in the state of Arizona. He is an excellent penetrator with the basketball in his hands and is also a strong finisher in the lane and at the basket over bigger defenders. He is a good shooter with range on his shot and possesses good shot selection. He also has a strong mid-range game, which makes him difficult to slow down.
Woods also pushes the basketball up the floor as often as he can, and always seemes to find the open man on the floor. He enjoys making the extra pass, and gets more joy from an assist than he does scoring the basketball - although he is a very good scorer.
Woods is now regarded by our staff as one of the elite guard prospects in Arizona’s 2017 class, after his recent performances as of late. He has a bright future ahead of him and I look forward to seeing him continue his strong development over the next two years.
