The Talented 2026 Class: Guards
While it’s still early, the freshman class in the state of Virginia has shown that they are already very talented and could be one of the top classes we’ve seen in the past few years. There’s still plenty of players…
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Continue ReadingWhile it’s still early, the freshman class in the state of Virginia has shown that they are already very talented and could be one of the top classes we’ve seen in the past few years. There’s still plenty of players we haven’t seen, but from what we have seen this class could be special. Here’s a look at some of the top guards we have seen so far in this class.
Jasiah Canady | 6’0” PG | Bishop O’Connell
Canady is part of a young Bishop O’Connell core that is going to be scary if they can stay together, and he’s so talented he’s one of the few starting freshmen point guards in the WCAC. Canady is an excellent shooter with effortless range past the NBA line off the catch or off the bounce, he’s a very good on ball defender who can guard the length of the floor and he has a good feel and good IQ with the ball in his hands.
Adam Oumiddoch | 6’4” CG | Bishop O’Connell
Oumiddoch is the other freshman backcourt piece for the Knights, and he’s shown he has a lot of upside as he’s already a crafty scorer who can put up big numbers against very good players. At 6’4” he already has good size and knows how to use his body and is a crafty finisher through traffic, he attacks the glass and makes energy plays when fighting for loose balls and rebounds and he can knock down shots when he’s open once he gets it going.
Styles Clemmons | 6’1” PG | Princess Anne
Clemmons is already showing that he’s one of the top guards in the 757 regardless of class, and he’s been putting the Beach District on notice with some big time performances already. He’s a highly shifty and skilled guard that can create space effortlessly off the bounce, he can make shots from all three levels and he has natural instincts and quickness with the ball in his hands.
Ant Brown | 6’0” PG | Paul VI
Brown may not always get in because of the depth and talent of this PVI team, but in the times we’ve got to see him play he’s shown a lot of poise and talent for such a young guard. He has a strong frame with broad shoulders and knows how to use his body to keep his defenders at bay, he has good touch and shown the ability to score it off the bounce in multiple ways and he has terrific feel and vision as a playmaker too.
Carmelo Swinson | 6’2” CG | Norcom
Swinson has been one of the top freshmen in the 757 this season, and he is an uber talented offensive player who can create his own shot at will and score it from all over the place. He’s shifty off the bounce with a tight handle and the ability to create space, he can score it from deep off the bounce or get downhill where he can use his strength to finish in the paint and he can make plays for others as well.
Silas Devonish | 5’9” PG | Bishop Ireton
Devonish is looking like one of the top freshmen in the WCAC, as he has put up big numbers this season and he brings it on both ends of the floor. He plays like he’s shot out of a cannon with great speed and he plays with a great motor on the defensive end, he’s a knock down shooter from deep and he’s excellent in transition with his speed and playmaking ability.
Jordan Smith | 6’3” WG | Paul VI
Smith projects to be a combo guard, the same way that senior teammate and Maryland commit DeShawn Harris-Smith DeShawn Harris-Smith 6'5" | SF Paul VI | 2023 State #53 Nation VA does as he can play on or off the ball and has a smilier high motor and intensity to his game. He’s already a superb athlete and is likely still growing, he can make plays for others and is unselfish and he really thrives defensively where he can lock up the best of the best regardless of class.