2026 Independent/Prep Guards to Track

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2026 class is set to make its mark on the hardwood this July. The backcourt is filled with talent and should make plays at both ends of the floor, especially in the Independent and Prep divisions. Here are the 2026 Independent/Prep guard prospects to track.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1595679' first='Deron' last='Rippey Jr.'], 6'1 PG Blair Academy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rippey Jr. is the top prospect in the 2026 class and will look to continue his stay at the top with a strong July. The 6'1 guard is explosive off the bounce as he elevates for dunks and finishes nicely around the basket. Rippey Jr. can also score in the mid-range and gets his teammates involved in the halfcourt. He has the ability to play off the ball as well and makes plays on the defensive end. Rippey Jr. has picked up eight offers since the end of May and his offer sheet should only grow this summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1595671' first='Jebron' last='Harris'], 6'4 SG Patrick School</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Harris has had a solid spring and is looking to carry it over into July. The 6'4 guard has a smooth release on his jumper and can get hot from distance in a hurry. Harris is more than just a shooter as he can also get to the basket off the bounce and finish around the basket. He pushes the ball nicely in transition and slides his feet on the defensive end. Harris is a sharpshooting guard prospect who should continue to torch the nets from distance over the next month.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2347867' first='Sage' last='Mateo'], 6'3 PG Hun</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mateo has the ability to play on and off the ball, making him an intriguing prospect to watch in the 2026 class. The 6'3 guard has a nice handle, which he uses to get by his defender and can finish in a variety of ways around the basket. Mateo has a good release on his jumper and can make opponents for giving him space behind the arc. He rarely forces the issue in the halfcourt and works hard on the defensive end. Mateo makes plays with the ball in his hands and should continue to do so this July.</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 potential to have a strong July with his ability to impact the game at both ends of the floor. The 6'3 guard has a good first step, which he uses to beat his defender off the bounce and finish around the rim. Napoleon uses his size to see over his defender and can also score in the mid-range. He is a strong rebounder and can defend multiple spots on the floor. Napoleon is a lanky guard prospect whose ability to make plays at both ends of the floor will help his stock this July.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1607090' first='Rasheem' last='Yon'], 5'10 PG Life Center</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Yon's ability to run the offense is something that will help his development this July. The 5'10 guard uses his handle to create space from his defender and finishes nicely around the basket. Yon has a nice touch on his floater and finds his open teammates in the halfcourt. He works hard on the defensive end and can make open jumpers behind the arc. Yon is a lead guard prospect to watch this summer with his ability to run the offense effectively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->