Top 2026 Guards in Western Pennsylvania

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This season, we've seen plenty of young players improve and make significant impacts on their team's performance. Here are five 2026 guards who've stood out in Western Pennsylvania.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":[2466501],"_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":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eNando Mirarchi, a 5'11” sophomore guard, has quickly risen to prominence as a top sophomore guard in Western PA, highlighted by his recent performance where he scored 23 points against rival McDowell. u003c/spanu003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eMirarchi's shooting ability commands attention. His shooting range forces defenders to guard him closely, opening up the floor for his team. In addition to his shooting, Mirarchi's speed and agility enhance his offensive. He runs the fast break well, using his good vision to see the floor and make smart decisions in transition. His ball-handling skills are also noteworthy.u003c/spanu003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eWhat sets Mirarchi apart, especially for a player of his age, is his basketball IQ and his understanding of when to pass and when to take shots himself. His ability to make these decisions with the maturity of a more experienced player is exceptional. He has also become more physical in his play, showing no hesitation to drive the lane against larger defenders, a testament to his increased confidence and strength. In fact, in the recent game against Rival McDowell, it was Mirarchi's physicality that broke the game open for Cathedral Prep. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_1_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='2643812' first='Maddox' last='Bennett']","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_1_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_1_player_details_height":"6'5u0022","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_1_player_details_position":"77248","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_1_player_details_school":"DuBois","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_1_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_1_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_1_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003e[player_tooltip player_id='2643812' first='Maddox' last='Bennett']'s shooting ability is his most notable strength. He has a smooth and consistent shooting stroke with incredible range. This range makes him a significant threat from the perimeter and forces defenses to extend. In fact, he is one of the most formidable shooters in District 9.u003c/spanu003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eIn addition to his shooting prowess, Bennett's physical attributes contribute to his effectiveness on the court. His combination of size, speed, and strength gives him a considerable advantage, particularly when matched against smaller defenders. This physicality, coupled with his shooting ability, makes him a versatile player capable of scoring in many ways.u003c/spanu003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eWhile Bennett was primarily known as a spot-up shooter during his freshman season, he has developed into an all-around player. His average of 14 points per game this season is a testament to his growing role.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1406953"],"_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":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eEric James Jr. is rapidly establishing himself as a top player in Western PA. Recent standout performances include scoring 22 points against Belle Vernon.u003c/spanu003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eJames' quickness is one of his most evident attributes. He combines this speed with an ability to read passing lanes, making him a significant threat on defense. His anticipation and quick reactions often lead to steals and fast-break opportunities, where he excels in transitioning from defense to offense.u003c/spanu003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eOffensively, James possesses a nice shooting stroke with good range. His quick release makes him a consistent scoring threat anywhere on the court.u003c/spanu003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eHis athleticism is another standout feature. He is a high-flier, with highlight-reel dunks that have become a staple of his game this season. James' fearlessness while driving the lane and his ability to finish at the rim further underscore his all-around capabilities. u003c/spanu003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eWhile he already holds a Division I offer from Lehigh, expect more offers to be coming his way shortly. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1406938"],"_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":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eLamont Perkins is a lock-down defender with quick hands and ability to read the passing lanes. His ability to play above the rim makes him an exceptional shot blocker.u003c/spanu003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eOffensively, Perkins displays good range and a smooth shooting stroke. His threat from beyond the arc forces defenders to guard him closely, which opens up the floor for his teammates. Furthermore, his strength makes him a player who can score in a variety of ways.u003c/spanu003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eIn addition to his scoring ability, Perkins is a good passer with a clear vision of the floor. u003c/spanu003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eHis strength and toughness are impressive for his age, and he will probably keep growing in the coming years. Perkins' ability to finish well through contact is another noteworthy aspect of his play. His strength and body control enable him to absorb contact and still complete plays, making him a constant threat in the paint.u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["2335973"],"_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":"u003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eNick Dressick, shows significant potential in his game. His recent performances, including scoring 13 points against Bedford and 21 points against Chestnut Ridge, highlight his emerging impact on the court.u003c/spanu003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eOne of Dressick's key strengths is his shooting. He possesses range that extends to the professional three-point line. His ability to get his shot off quickly is particularly valuable, allowing him to score even when tightly guarded. Though his game is still a bit raw, Dressick has shown remarkable improvement throughout the season. u003c/spanu003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eDressick's court vision is another area where he excels. He is a great passer. His unselfishness on the court enhances his team's cohesion and effectiveness, as he consistently looks to create scoring opportunities for his teammates.u003c/spanu003eu003cbru003eu003cbru003eu003cspan style=u0022font-weight: 400u0022u003eDressick's performance so far indicates a player with a lot of upside. As he continues to develop and refine his skills, Dressick is expected to continue his upward trajectory and solidify his status as a top sophomore guard in Western PA. u003c/spanu003e","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65b7ee7749548"} /-->