Summer Risers – Big School Guards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We took a look at rising seniors who are setting themselves up for a big increase in playing time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Along a similar line, here are some unranked 2025 and 2026 guards who made a case for a varsity role with fine work this spring and summer (in alphabetical order):</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1414200' first='Isaiah' last='Handy']</strong>, 5-foot-10 guard, 2025, Junction City, SSA:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junction City seems to always be a guard-rich program. Getting playing time can be tough. Handy was an important reserve for the Blue Jays' state tournament team. Playing point guard for the up-tempo SSA team demonstrated Handy's confident handle and ability to facilitate. He's a pass-first guard who creates by using his physical strength to get into the teeth of the defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Max Orr</strong>, 6-foot-1 guard, 2026, Blue Valley West, [program_tooltip program_id='2078406' first='KC' last='Spurs']:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Orr impressed with his versatility this summer. Due to his height he was able to fill both guard and forward roles, playing inside and out, rebounding and defending against bigger players. But he showed nice ball skills and shooting ability from the perimeter. He might not be in line for playing time just yet, but Orr is a player to keep your eye on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1911626' first='Ben' last='Renze']</strong>, 5-foot-10 guard, 2026, Aquinas, [program_tooltip program_id='2078406' first='KC' last='Spurs']:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Similar to Orr, Renze might not be able to carve out a varsity role just yet due to Aquinas' loaded roster. But he demonstrated this summer that he can be a playmaking point guard or a dangerous shooting guard. On his summer team, he actually played some as a forward/wing and was effective getting to the goal, defending and rebounding in the lane and doing dirty work. Renze has a nice handle and aptitude for getting the ball in good spots. He is another guy to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2211361' first='Jilihn' last='Timmons']</strong>, 5-foot-10 guard, Wichita Heights High School, HOH:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Timmons was part of an HOH team that tore up competition this summer. He is a dynamic threat with the ball on the perimeter. He uses crossovers and step-backs to create space and he was deadly with his jumper. He is quick and bouncy on the dribble and has supreme confidence in his ability to run and attack. While Heights returns a lot of stars, Timmons might be a new face on the floor this year. He was one of the most dynamic guards in Kansas club action this summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1512900' first='Mikey' last='Williams']</strong>, 6-foot-1 guard, 2025, Highland Park, VWBA (pictured):</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williams was one of a stable full of guards at Highland Park last year. He was a key reserve and gained a lot of experience in the Scots' third-place run. He will be in line for a bigger role this year and should be one of the Scots' team leaders. Williams continues to grow and develop physically, which will give him a chance to play various roles. He was mostly found with the ball in his hands at point or off guard this summer, but he may be called on to play a forward role some this winter due to the Scots' need for some more length on the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->