2026 Under the Radar Guards to Watch this Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The upcoming high school season is only a few weeks away as tryouts start on November 20. The 2026 class is full of talent who should make an impact this season, especially in the backcourt. Here are the 2026 under the radar guards to watch this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1588143' first='Dylan' last='Napoleon'], 6'3 PG Pennington</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Napoleon has the ability to play either backcourt spot, making him an intriguing prospect to watch in the class. The 6'3 guard attacks the basket strong as he finishes well around the rim and doesn't mind contact. Napoleon uses his size to see over his defender and makes smart decisions with the ball in his hands. He uses his athleticism to make plays on the defensive end and is an underrated rebounder. Napoleon's ability to make plays at both ends of the floor is something that will help his game in a big way this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2107954' first='Charlie' last='Marcoullier'], 5'10 CG CBA</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Marcoullier will have the ball in his hands more this season, which should help his development. The 5'10 guard has a good handle, which he uses to get into the paint and finish around the rim. Marcoullier has a nice touch in the mid-range and sets his feet before he shoots. He can play off the ball as well and can find open teammates in the halfcourt. Marcoullier is a gritty, guard prospect whose ability to score in the lane is something that will help his stock throughout the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1790208' first='Woo' last='Cannon'], 6'3 SG Hamilton West</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cannon had a solid debut varsity season and should have an even bigger second season with the Hornets. The 6'3 guard has a good shooting stroke and sets his feet before he shoots. Cannon is more than just a shooter as he can also put the ball on the floor and finish around the basket. He has the length to defend multiple positions on the floor and is an underrated passer. Cannon's ability to score inside and out will be key for Hamilton West's success this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1788762' first='Will' last='Spross'], 6'2 PG St. Joseph Academy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Spross is primed for a breakout sophomore season as he makes plays with the ball in his hands. The 6'2 guard has a tight handle, which he uses to beat his defender off the bounce and finishes in a variety of ways around the rim. Spross threads passes to teammates in the halfcourt and pushes the pace in transition. He uses his quick hands to get deflections on defense and can also play off the ball. Spross is a crafty, lead guard prospect who should make plays for St. Joseph Academy throughout the winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1788757' first='Justin' last='Bethea'], 5'11 CG Paterson Eastside</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bethea will be a guard prospect to watch in North Jersey as he is the Ghosts' top returning scorer. The 5'11 guard has a nice release on his jumper and rarely forces jumpers in the halfcourt. Bethea moves well without the ball in his hands, freeing himself for open layups and jumpers in the halfcourt. He is a tough on-ball defender and is an underrated passer. Bethea is a tough, guard prospect whose ability to shoot from behind the arc and defend the ball is something that will help his game in a big way this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->