Updated 2026 Rankings: Guards (5-1)
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The first ever Prep Hoops VA class of 2026 rankings came out, ranking the top freshman/rising sophomores in the state. Obviously with this being the first one, there will be a lot of changes moving forward as players grow, develop…
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Continue ReadingThe first ever Prep Hoops VA class of 2026 rankings came out, ranking the top freshman/rising sophomores in the state. Obviously with this being the first one, there will be a lot of changes moving forward as players grow, develop and emerge over the next few years. The 48 player prospect rankings are just a starting point, and we’re excited to continue to monitor and learn new names moving forward.
Here’s a look at the top 5 point and combo guards in the 2026 class.
5) Silas Devonish Silas Devonish 5'9" | PG Bishop Ireton | 2026 State VA | 5’9” PG | Bishop Ireton (#13 Overall)
Devonish is one of those players that wasted no time making a name for himself even before he was in high school, as he put up huge numbers at DMV Live as a rising freshman and continued that production throughout his freshman year in the WCAC. While he isn’t the biggest guy on the floor he’s a nightmare matchup as he has blazing speed in transition and a quick first step with the ball in his hands, he shoots it very well from deep and has effortless range and he can get hot quickly and take over games with his scoring ability. Throw in the fact that he’s a lock down on ball defender and a good playmaker with the ball in his hands and you see why he’s considered one of the top young guards in the WCAC.
4) Styles Clemmons Styles Clemmons 6'2" | PG Princess Anne | 2026 State VA | 6’1” PG | Princess Anne (#12 Overall)
Clemmons came into a PA team that needed a go-to scorer, and he was one of the best in the beach regardless of class and was so good he was named Region 5A Player of the Year as just a freshman which never really happens. The 6’1” lead guard is as dynamic as they come as he’s quick and shifty off the bounce, he scores it in bunches from all over the floor and he is a strong and explosive athlete when he gets downhill. He thrives in the pick-and-roll setting as he can turn the corner and is a threat to score it and make plays for others, and he has a competitive chip and toughness to him that you just can’t teach.
3) Anthony Brown Anthony Brown 6'1" | PG Paul VI | 2026 State VA | 6’1” PG | Paul VI (#9 Overall)
Brown is a player that likely would have started for 80% of teams in the state, but because he was on a PVI team that was one of the best in the country with six nationally ranked players he was relegated to a backup role but still showed his ability in flashes. He’s a stocky and strong guard that handles pressure and changes speeds and directions well, he has feel and vision beyond his years and he’s a natural floor general and leader at the point guard position. He is an efficient scorer who picks his spots and thrives in the midrange game, and he can set the tone defensively too with his strength and ability to move his feet.
2) Keon Mitchell Keon Mitchell 6'2" | PG Norview | 2026 State VA | 6’2” PG | Norview (#8 Overall)
The 757 has a plethora of young and talented guards throughout the area, and Mitchell showed this year he’s one of the best in the area regardless of class as he put up big numbers all year and took the reigns as the go-to guy at Norview with no problems as a freshman. The 6’2” guard is strong as an ox and plays like he’s much older with his physicality and ability to get downhill and finish through contact. He plays with a great motor on both ends of the floor as he fights for loose balls and forces turnovers, he is a natural scorer with the ability to create space and make shots from all three levels and he stays in attack mode as a scorer. He’s been putting up good numbers with Boo Williams 15U this summer and will be one to keep an eye on for division one coaches in the 757.
1) Jordan Smith Jr. Jordan Smith Jr. 6'3" | CG Paul VI | 2026 State VA | 6’3” CG | Paul VI (#2 Overall)
In almost any other year since we’ve been doing this Smith would have been the number one prospect, but the 2026 class has more freshman that made major impacts than any other class that we’ve done. While he wasn’t a starter on the super talented PVI team as a freshman, he was major for them off the bench with his energy and his willingness to accept a lesser role despite being so talented is a very good thing as he never let the fact that he wasn’t a go-to player affect his game in any way. The 6’3” combo has very long arms and is likely still growing, and he’s a big time athlete with a great motor who thrived this year as a defender who would guard the other team’s best player and as a dirty work guy who hit the offensive glass regularly and fought for loose balls as well. He’s a very good athlete who plays above the rim effortlessly already, he can handle the rock and has good feel and vision as a playmaker, he’s a good shooter from all over the court and his winning attitude and style of play is something you simply can’t understate.