Summer Tip-Off: 2026-28: Guards
In this article:
Saturday July 1st I attended the West Coast Elite/Hoopers On1y Summer Tip-Off at the Phhacility in Phx, AZ. I mainly focused my attention on 17U Gold Division and 15U Boys. Here were some of the 2026-28 guards that stood out: John Mattingly John Mattingly 6'0"…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingSaturday July 1st I attended the West Coast Elite/Hoopers On1y Summer Tip-Off at the Phhacility in Phx, AZ.
I mainly focused my attention on 17U Gold Division and 15U Boys.
Here were some of the 2026-28 guards that stood out:
John Mattingly John Mattingly 6'0" | PG Sunnyslope | 2026 State AZ Sunnyslope (Monstarz 17) (Pictured)
A very strong scoring point guard. He defends on the ball and will rebound. He can score with the catch three with range off the pull or catch, step backs on his defender and has advanced post footwork making him a tough cover. He makes every read he needs to make when he doesn’t have to score.
Grant Mattingly Grant Mattingly 6'1" | CG N/A | 2028 AZ Sunnyslope (Monstarz 17)
One of the best footwork in the paint you will see for a guard of his age as only a rising 8th grader. He is also a live dribble passer who changes speeds well and will always cut when he should. He has a sneaky quick burst with next level ball fakes and there probably aren’t too many guards currently better than Grant in his class.
Marquice Cole Jr Marquice Cole Jr 5'11" | CG Hamilton | 2026 State AZ Hamilton (AZ Grassroots 15)
A shifty ball handler gets to the rack and can make plays. He can make threes off the catch and is working on his pull-up from the perimeter. He is very hard to stay in front of. He gives a hard shot fake or jab step and then will burst right by. He usually scores or cashes in with free throws. He will throw up the court passes and can slip in a dime.
Daylen Sharper Daylen Sharper 6'4" | CG Brophy Prep | 2026 State AZ Brophy Prep (AZ Select 15 UAA)
A bigger sized combo guard with his football frame. He can hit the catch three and has enough wiggle to get into the paint to score. He often cuts for easy scores. He changes speeds well to get to the paint and knows how to have a defender on his hip and lead him to the basket. He made many live dribble passes into a teammates shooting pocket.
Luke Larrabee Luke Larrabee 6'0" | CG Brophy Prep | 2026 State AZ Brophy Prep (AZ Select 15 UAA)
An undersized lefty lead guard has a clip,. He can rattle in deep ones off the catch. He has a good sense of court awareness and has a deceptive crossover to create the separation needed to get himself space. He made multiple clutch threes in the corner with a quick trigger before the defenders would close out.
Khalil Lias Khalil Lias 6'3" | SG Eduprize | 2026 State AZ Phhoenix Prep (AZ Select 15 UAA)
An athletic combo guard is a phenomenal on-ball defender. He cleanly picked a few pockets throughout the day and he is a plus rebounder for his size. He takes contact well on the break to score thru it and when his deep shot is falling, he is a tough cover.
Mick Riordan Mick Riordan 6'1" | SG Boulder Creek | 2027 State AZ Boulder Creek (Monstarz 17/AZ Select 15 UAA)
A combo guard can hit the catch three and he plays the game with a high IQ. He is leaning out and getting taller. He gets shot ready about as quickly as you can and comes with some serious range and confidence to launch it with no consciousness. He played well on both teams showing his game and stamina.
Jeehzus Pagan Jeehzus Pagan 6'0" | PG Boulder Creek | 2026 State AZ Boulder Creek (Hoop Code 15)
A pure point guard is a ball hawk. He throws up the court passes and will defend. He collects steals in bunches and will hit the three off the catch when he is in rhythm. He has a tight crossover to get into the paint and free himself up to score or then make a play. He is crafty in the lane with tough layups and can pull-up from mid-range.
Ethan Ulrich Ethan Ulrich 6'2" | CG Skyline Prep | 2026 State AZ Cactus Shadows (Hoop Code 15)
A good sized combo guard has upper body strength. He can shoot the catch three, surprisingly dunk the ball in transition and has a good layup package with crow hops and euro steps. He has deep range and a sneaky quick burst. He looks to be an early stock riser for late August’s next rankings update.