Freshman Focus: Guards

Prep Hoops will wait until fall to rank the 2026 class. By that time, we’ll have given the class a full spring and summer on the club circuit following its freshman season. We’ve already seen enough quality in the class that we’re excited to create a list, but we’ll patiently wait.

In the meantime, here’s a look at some guards from the 2026 class who are making an impression in their ninth grade season (in alphabetical order):

KaeVon Bonner KaeVon Bonner 5'10" | SG Seaman | 2026 KS , 5-foot-10 guard, 2026, Seaman:

After winning the state title a year ago, the Vikings were left with a lot of holes to fill. They graduated guards who could handle the ball, distribute and score in the paint and midrange. Part of the load was handed to freshman KaeVon Bonner KaeVon Bonner 5'10" | SG Seaman | 2026 KS , who can learn the ropes from his older brother Kaeden. Like his big brother the younger Bonner came in most comfortable as a shooting guard. But he’s talented enough to assume some of the ballhandling and playmaking as well. KaeVon has really hit a stride offensively of late, averaging about 14 points per game in January. KaeVon has yet to hit a growth spurt, but look for him to get taller and stronger like Kaeden did throughout high school.

Cooper Carr Cooper Carr 6'1" | CG Baldwin | 2026 State KS , 6-foot-1 guard, 2026, Baldwin:

Like Bonner, Cooper Carr Cooper Carr 6'1" | CG Baldwin | 2026 State KS can learn some tricks from an older brother, senior guard Caleb Carr Caleb Carr 5'11" | PG Baldwin | 2023 State KS . Cooper is a long and active guard who makes a difference in the little ways. He hits the boards and gets in passing lanes. He’s gaining confidence in his outside shot. He had six assists in a couple of games. It tells you quite a bit about the younger Carr that he’s the second leading scorer on a top 10 4A team. He is currently averaging 9 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists.

JaKhai Carter, 6-foot-1 guard, 2026, Shawnee Mission West:

One of the most highly regarded freshmen coming into the season, Carter has been a contributor for a team with a lot of good returners. He’s a big guard who has handled the pressure put on a varsity ball handler well. He’s shown a good handle and vision at the point. He’s currently contributing 6 point and 1.5 assists. The Vikings will look to Carter to take on a bigger load next year for sure.

DJ Jackson DJ Jackson 6'0" | PG Piper | 2026 KS , 6-foot guard, 2026, Piper:

Piper is having a nice season, and Jackson has played an increasingly big part in that success. After making a big splash with 16 points in his first varsity game, he has played a supporting role, but blew up at the Tonganoxie Tournament where he earned MVP. Jackson is carrying more of the ball handling and distribution role as the season plays out, and he’s shooting a respectable 33% from deep. The freshman is averaging 8 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists for a young and talented group.

Brayden Myovela Brayden Myovela 6'3" | CG Maize | 2026 State KS , 6-foot-2 guard, 2026, Maize:

Maize lost a lot from its extremely talented teams from the past few years. This turned into a rebuilding season for the Eagles. Myovela is getting a lot of experience in a program that has shown it can develop college players. He stepped in and showed on day one he could compete. He notched 11 points and 4 steals in his first varsity game. Myovela is a long and physical guard who can defend various positions too.