2026 Rankings: Versatile Guards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A further break down of the great guard depth in the Class of 2026, with a mixture of standouts who are proving their versatility. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1552375"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Even though Chaffin is one of the few returnees for a young Spartan squad, the sophomore is still having a strong individual year.  The shifty guard is a strong scorer in the mid-range and at the rim.  To go along with his shiftiness, he's starting to becoming bouncy. Indicating that with his good size, Chaffin could be an above the rim finisher down the road.  Another interesting aspect to his development this year is his increased responsibility on the ball has led to more production via assists, with fancy playmaking in transition.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["2297011"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"The lanky youngster in the 580 is one of the more intriguing prospects in 2026. Watching his big performance against Putnam City West in December marked him down as a 3 and D prospect to closely monitor going forward. As with many youngsters, his season is coming in spurts. With some big performances mixed in with quieter ones, especially as right now he looks to have a game that relies more on others for shot creation. But with a fluid three point shot and a great frame for a youngster, he often makes the most of opportunities from deep and around the rim.  He's a strong candidate for u0022where did he come fromu0022 a year from now when discussing the best players in this class.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["2277651"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"There have probably been a lot of observers of Booker T Washington basketball games this year that have made a simple but strong observation about Matulis. u0022That white kid from Booker T can playu0022.  It started during scrimmages in November when he proved he has the burst and bounce to attack open lanes and finish with slams. It continues to with a silky three point shot that fits in perfectly with the spread out, guard based Hornet offense. And it's capped off with Matlulis using his plus wingspan and athletic ability to be more than a dunker, as a versatile defensive and rebounding piece for his squad.  Booker T Washington has a lot of star power from the guard spot, but upside prospects like Matulis starring in their role is what has helped elevate a young Hornets team to one of the Class 5A favorites. And it's because that white kid at Booker T can indeed play.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["2335323"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Millwood is blessed with a deep backcourt and it's impressive that Clay is carving out his niche with additional scoring punch.  Younger players with stronger frames like Clay are often layup and transition based, which sets him apart is he's doing his damage in the halfcourt.  In a recent game against Dale, he showed off the full breath of his abilities. A good no look dime on a drive, euro steps at the rim and hitting threes off the dribble or spot up. He's another quality guard with a great, well rounded offensive base.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["2292195"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"A Swiss Army Knife guard, he's been impressive in many viewings of Norman this year.  It starts on the defensive end, where he's strong on the ball and active off the ball with good instincts.  The same compact and strong frame also allows him to be a good finisher in transition but he's unselfish with the transition and driving opportunities he does create. Combs-Pierce is just as likely to hand out a nifty dime to a teammate, as he is to try muscle his way through contact.  The sophomore has an outstanding base, and likely will soon add more explosiveness to his already crafty finishing ability around the basket.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["2335349"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"A multi-sport standout, Robinson is a big reason why Hooker is ranked third in Class 2A.  When watching back a game from earlier this month, he's a well rounded guard and his football background is apparent with the way he attacks the glass. He's a strong athlete from a functional and movement sense, as he's fluid and strong when pushing the ball in transition and on drives. Robinson looks to be a true point guard, as he was proficient in handing out dimes, especially in transition. With a well rounded game, look for the sophomore to be a key part of a Bulldog team that should be competing in the Big House in a little over a month.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":6,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65ba895fadd40"} /-->