Charlie Hughes Showcase Preview – Class of 2026 Guards to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There is no better event on the calendar from an evaluation or recruiting standpoint than the annual IBCA/IHSAA Charlie Hughes Showcase. This weekend, which is a live evaluation period for Division I college coaches, 170 of the best teams in the state of Indiana will descend on Carmel and Westfield High Schools for an absolutely excellent three days of basketball. Prep Hoops Indiana will have boots on the ground coverage from the opening tip-off to the final buzzer. However, before the event even starts, we will be rolling out content all week long to preview this outstanding event. Let's dive on in and take a look at 12 rising juniors guards that college programs of all levels will want to start to get to know at the 2024 Charlie Hughes Showcase.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2106236' first='Bo' last='Brunner']: 6'3" Shooting Guard (Concord H.S. 2026) - A talented three-sport athlete for the Minutemen, Brunner will put his skills on display this weekend at the Charlie Hughes Showcase. He is a bigger, physical wing that doesn't shy away from contact and does an excellent job of finishing around the basket. Very versatile on both ends of the floor due to his combination of physical and athletic tools.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1139937' first='Devin' last='Craig']: 6'0" Point Guard (Lapel H.S. 2026) - Lapel features the talented Judge twins in the rising senior class, but don't sleep on this rising junior point guard that helps run the show for the Bulldogs. He averaged 7.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game as a sophomore. Also a very good quarterback for their football. Craig is an athletic playmaker that should continue to garner more attention on the hardwood going into next season for what should be a very good Lapel team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1981704' first='Albert' last='Gooden III']: 6'0" Point Guard (Lawrence Central H.S. 2026) - This point guard has excellent physical tools with strength, physicality, and athleticism beyond his years. Gooden III has no issue playing through contact off of the bounce and can finish through, or above, bigger defenders at the end of his drives. Impressive two-way lead guard that runs the show for the Bears.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1560961' first='Grady' last='Gardner']: 6'2" Shooting Guard (Martinsville H.S. 2026) - An under-the-radar guard from southern Indiana, Gardner averaged 16.5 points per game as a sophomore and shot an excellent 65-158 (41.1%) from three-point range. He is one to keep an eye on this weekend at the Charlie Hughes Showcase.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1282878' first='Blake' last='Gray']: 6'2" Shooting Guard (University H.S. 2026) - Capable of playing either on or off of the ball, Gray averaged 9.9 points per game for the Trailblazers as a sophomore while shooting 45.5% from three-point range. He can really shoot the basketball and creates for himself off of the dribble as well. Poised for a breakout junior year and that begins this weekend at the Charlie Hughes Showcase.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1560945' first='Dezhon' last='Hall']: 6'2" Point Guard (Pike H.S. 2026) - Don't forget just how talented Hall is. He battled an injury through a large portion of his sophomore season and plays for an out-of-state AAU team, so within Indiana this may be the first time for many to see him in a while. He is a super athletic, dynamic, left-handed guard that does an excellent job of getting to the rim consistently.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1561440' first='Korbyn' last='Hammel']: 6'3" Point Guard (Kokomo H.S. 2026) - Anxious to see Hammel again this weekend as he steps into a bigger role for Kokomo after the graduation of Mr. Basketball Flory Bidunga and Indiana All-Star Karson Rogers. There will be much more asked of the Wildkats backcourt now and Hammel should be up for the challenge. The long, athletic guard has had a great spring so far.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1560995' first='Reggie' last='Hinton']: 5'11" Point Guard (Gary West Side H.S. 2026) - Hinton is a Division I caliber guard that low and mid-major programs should be watching this weekend at the Charlie Hughes Showcase. He has some real explosiveness in a straight line off of the bounce, does a great job of playmaking for his teammates, and is tough on the ball defensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1561063' first='Kingston' last='Rhodes']: 5'9" Point Guard (Crown Point H.S. 2026) - A key piece for Crown Point as a sophomore, this Rhodes twin will continue to step into a larger playmaking role as a junior. He is an excellent ball handler, passer, and all-around table setter for his team. One of the better pure point guards in Indiana's Class of 2026 that really played well in the spring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1560956' first='Omari' last='Thomas']: 5'11" Point Guard (Franklin H.S. 2026) - Thomas is a talented, playmaking point guard that will take over the reigns offensively for Franklin after the graduation of Indiana All-Star Micah Davis who is off to Eastern Kentucky. He is a very good ball handler with good court vision and is capable of making open outside shots. Transfer from North Central High School. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1560958' first='Elijah' last='Tricker']: 5'9" Point Guard (Danville H.S. 2026) - Playing a key role in Danville's success since his freshman season, Tricker is now entering his junior year after averaging 11.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game for the Warriors. Really intriguing playmaker that should start to garner more attention on a statewide basis this summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1561129' first='Julian' last='Vogt']: 6'5" Shooting Guard (Carmel H.S. 2026) - After a strong spring, this 6'5" guard is ready for a breakout summer heading into his junior season. Vogt has great positional size and length on the perimeter to pair with his high-level catch-and-shoot ability. He has also shown some flashes of being able to create off of the bounce which will only further expand his game. Really high-upside prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->