New Year, New Guards to Watch: 2025 & 2026
At the start of the new year, the high school action is alive. Several players are proving that the success they experienced at the beginning of the season was no fluke. In addition, holiday tournaments allowed players to showcase their…
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Continue ReadingAt the start of the new year, the high school action is alive. Several players are proving that the success they experienced at the beginning of the season was no fluke. In addition, holiday tournaments allowed players to showcase their talents outside of the school season. A lot of new guards took that opportunity and stood out over the holiday.
New York City guard play is always at a high level. With the plethora, of 2024 talent the city has to offer, there is a strong contingent of underclassmen gaining attention. Here is a list of guards that have played well over the holiday and may be new guards to watch for the rest of their high school career.
Kion Danso
Kion Danso
Kion Danso is a flat-out hooper. At his size, Danso has no fear driving into the lane and meeting giants at the summit. But it also helps, that Danso is quick and crafty with the basketball in his hands. And that’s on the floor as well as in the air. If defenders give Danso too much room, he will knock down the 3-point shot. We also love Danso’s ability to pull up and hit the midrange as well.
Demarjay Smith
Demarjay Smith
Demarjay Smith is a new edition to the guards over at Murry Bergtraum, and he fits right into their system. Smith is extremely active when he’s on the floor. At all times, Smith is talking, moving, diving for loose balls, and fighting for steals or rebounds. Smith gives 110% on the defensive end, and bothers guards with his strength and quickness. While also being a solid shooter from downtown, Smith showed the ability to drive and finish through contact.
Anthony Durant
Anthony Durant
Anthony Durant stands solid at 6’0″ and his game is built the same way. As a lead guard, Durant completely controls the pace and doesn’t allow defenders to speed up his game. But because of his dynamic ball handling and subtle quick twitch moves, Durant can be hard to figure out overall. We love that Durant can create his own shot, but is always scanning the floor looking for teammates.
Devin Louisson
Devin Louisson
Devin Louisson is doing a little bit of everything for Wagner this season. At the guard position, Louisson can put points up in bunches in a variety of ways. With the ball in his hands, Louisson doesn’t waste moves and gets to the spots where he’s most effective. One trait that isn’t noticeable at first sight is Louisson’s strength. But when attacking the basket, Louisson made a couple of defenders bounce off of him in his pursuit of the goal.
Karim Camara Karim Camara PG Poly Prep Country Day | 2025 NY is a point guard everyone needs to be watching. On defense, Camara is tough and does a good job forcing ball handlers away from the hoop. For Poly Prep, Camara runs the show and his teammates follow his lead. Camara doesn’t allow the ball to stick to his hands, constantly moving himself and the rock. And defenses can never relax while Camara is in the game. He can break down defenders off the dribble, or find open spots when he doesn’t have the ball. This often leads to easy shots for him and his teammates.