2026 Rankings Update: Must Watch Guards Outside the Top-20

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1578220' first='Talbert' last='Borne III'] - George Washington&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>'Tre' Borne possesses notable reach and athleticism, providing two-way value off the jump. The guard is a proactive off-ball player, cutting when possible and finding ways to be threat without the ball with his physicality. More than capable finishing dunks above the rim, Borne brings upside as a lob threat. The guard has shown value knocking down spot-up jumpers, with a greater volume there is little opponents can do with him. Defensively, Borne can defend 1-3 thanks to his athleticism, more than capable of getting up to block shots while remaining physical. He will be a valuable rebounder and defender for George Washington, possessing a intriguing young freshman core.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2057061' first='Pistol' last='Chavez'] - Flatirons Academy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chavez showed value back at the Colorado Live Showcase due to his shotmaking ability along the perimeter. Proving capable of scoring off the catch or movement, the guard has total confidence in his jump shot. The incoming sophomore is capable flowing off of screens into the jumper, setting his feet quickly on those relocations. Chavez is still active reading the floor, seeking out drives following the on-ball screen or off the catch if the lane presents itself. When needed to finish through contact, Chavez can do what's needed to get a bucket.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2082257' first='Alex' last='Cornejo'] - Coal Ridge&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cornejo brings a blend of strength and IQ, proving capable as a facilitator. The incoming sophomore guard has excellent size for his position, proving capable of leveraging his strength and ball handling fluidity to get downhill. He is patient, awaiting for the best possible opportunity to have a driving lane or passing opportunity depending how the defense plays him. The guard showed upside as a perimeter shooter, stepping into multiple threes from the Colorado Live Showcase. No doubt that Cornejo will be a valuable asset for Coal Ridge, who likely brings in a fairly youthful roster of underclassmen.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1764303' first='Javon' last='Gonzales'] - Fort Lupton&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A twitchy ball handler, Gonzales has great vision with the ball in his hands, looking to make a big jump in his second season at Fort Lupton. The guard is tough to stay in front of, thanks to his array of quick moves going either direction. Should help approach or someone on defense ball watch, Gonzales has quick instincts that allow him to make passes to teammates through tight windows. He was fairly efficient both inside and outside the arc, leaving plenty of room for growth with his shot volume. No doubt that Gonzales will be key contributor to Fort Lupton, who came off of a very successful season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1877574' first='Luke' last='Schmeeckle'] - Silver Creek&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Schmeeckle is worth a watch as a highly skilled perimeter scorer who is comfortable getting to his jumper under a variety of circumstances. The incoming sophomore stands right around 6' tall, proving comfortable off the catch or within an efficient self-created move. He is adept as utilizing a one dribble side step or step-back to free himself up, where his jump shot form is concise. He does an excellent job of reading the floor for extra passes and driving lanes. Should opponents not wall off the lane, Schmeeckle can get to his in and out or crossover to create space attacking the rim. The guard is going to be a steadfast scoring threat for Silver Creek, producing efficient numbers throughout his freshman season with the program.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2082743' first='Garrett' last='Owen'] - Belleview Christian</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The incoming sophomore guard brings a diverse portfolio entering his second season with Belleview Christian. Capable of scoring in the paint through short floaters and ambidextrous finishes, the guard will be a valuable asset to the 1A program next season. Owen showed upside as a shooter off the catch, stretching out to NCAA range at times. The guard may be deployed on or off the ball, doing the little things through off-ball movement to be a threat wherever he is. His continued growth in volume will be worth tracking over the next couple seasons. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->