Prep Hoops Freshman Showcase: Top Five Guards Who Showed Out

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Whitney Houston sang, "I believe the children are our future." "Teach them well and help them lead the way..." Well Sunday, these boys didn't need any help. They led the way alright with class, hustle, and motor to boot. Go was from the gate. We witnessed a myriad of talent at Mainland High School that afternoon. Players from all over the state came to play with the best of 2026. I met a few in particular I will be traveling to see this year. Talent was not lacking in the least. Below are my top five guards from the showcase. Stayed tuned for my top five posts!</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator {"className":"is-style-wide"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_6358f742c28d0","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1633099"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1639914,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"This 5'10 scrappy point guard reminded us what it is to work and have a blast.  He threw some pretty impressive alley-oops to multiple players on his team.  Isaiah would float down the middle, then suddenly throw it up in mid-air.  Out of no where, a big man would slam it home.  His passes are smart and on a string.  This kid is exciting to watch.  Isaiah is a quick, agile, fearless, unapologetic, shifty point guard that gets buckets.  Period.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1633069"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Tayler is a highly-skilled guard that can change direction at the drop of a hat.  He loves to start fast-breaks and get the ball down-hill quick.  He drives towards the rim like the basket is a tall drink, then splash... there goes another one.  He has a great pull up and loves to get his teammates involved.  His defense is fierce and his anticipation is on point.  He tracks the ball well.  I feel sorry for his opponents.  This young man will only continue to get better with time.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1633134"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Isaiah is quite the player.  He remains calm in sticky situations, loves to drive, and can pull-up in transition from three.  His game is more finesse with a touch of pizzazz. This point guard makes waves with his shifty demeanor, and leads his team at an up-tempo pace.  He is pretty savvy on the passing game and loves to make plays.  We look forward to seeing more from Isaiah in the future!","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1633089"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"In my eyes, Justin gives teams a mean mismatch at the small forward position.  He is a swing man- meaning he can play the three or four, depending on the line-up.  I actually prefer him on the perimeter.  His mid-range jumper is pretty consistent and he looks to get other players involved on his drive.  He is a great passer, and plays with just the perfect amount of confidence.  He has a quick first step and plays aggressively.  We will definitely be seeing more of his highlights this upcoming season.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["1633082"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Toby's IQ was unmatched this tournament.  He led his team like a true point guard.  He got in the paint and rebounded, threw the ball ahead on breaks, and overall ran the show.  He has long arms for his stature, so getting a hand in the passing lane is easy for him.  He made passing and being a floor general look so simple.  He reminded me of a young John Stockton; so cool, but could rack up assists and points quickly and quietly.  I look forward to seeing Mr. Lane play again!","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"align":"","mode":"preview"} /--> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/> <!-- /wp:separator -->