2026 Positional Breakdowns: Top Guards
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Our 2026 rankings were released for the first time yesterday and we’re going to be going through the 15 players that were placed on our initial rankings. In this article we’ll look at the five guards who made the list!…
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Continue ReadingOur 2026 rankings were released for the first time yesterday and we’re going to be going through the 15 players that were placed on our initial rankings. In this article we’ll look at the five guards who made the list!
One of the most productive guards in the state regardless of class, Johnson had an amazing freshman season at Garfield Heights. A scorer with a game polished beyond his years, Johnson is tough, plays with good pace and can really shoot the ball from the outside. Few freshman have came in with the scoring punch that Johnson showed this winter and all signs point to him being a high major priority. Johnson has also been invited to the USA Basketball minicamp in Houston, showing that his talents have reached a national level. This is one of the most talented players in the state and should appear in national rankings for the 2026 class when those are released.
Another prospect who took the high school scene by storm, Kendrick led Northland to a Columbus City League Championship with an incredible 30+ point performance over Africentric. Kendrick is most known for his ability to shoot jumpers with either hand but his basketball talent goes far beyond this one skill. I was impressed with Kendrick’s ability to finish at the rim with impressive touch on floaters and layups. He also displays good on-ball defense and a very advanced skillset for his age. Expect Kendrick to be one of the most talked about players in Ohio’s 2026 class.
Thompson won all conference honors for Lebanon as the freshman wing guard is a big time shooter. Scoring 11.3 PPG and knocking down 47 3’s as a freshman, Thompson showed off what he can do at the varsity level this winter. Standing at 6’3, 6’4 with a 6’8 wingspan, Thompson has the measurables to be an elite 3-and-D guard at the next level. Catch Thompson with Indiana Elite on the 3SSB circuit this spring and summer.
Highlights
Another skilled scoring guard, Drexler had some huge scoring outbursts for Brunswick this season, making it rain from the outside. A smaller framed guard, Drexler has some physical developments to make over the next few years but his basketball skills are off the charts. I liked how Drexler finished off two feet in the paint and operated in the pick and roll. Brunswick has a history of talented guards and Drexler has the potential to be one of the best.
McKinney waited his turn for a stacked Pickerington Central squad that made the state championship game but I’m sky high on his long term potential. McKinney showed some flashes in the summer with his ability to attack closeouts and fit within their offense. I also thought McKinney had a good physical profile and the potential to be an impact defender down the road. I’ll be curious to see how McKinney does in a bigger role next season for the Tigers, I think he has a ton of potential.