2026 Class Review: The Lead Guards

These were a few guards who control the pace well, setting up their teammates with great looks regardless of where on the floor. All bringing excellent handles to make great decisions versus ball pressure, they have found success creating advantages one on one.    Muna    Muna has the ball on string regardless of direction, excellent at changing speeds on a dime, maximizing his low center of gravity. Adept at utilizing ball screens to either facilitate for teammates or create mid-range shot attempts, the guard has been proactive at both 17U and 16U levels this summer. Effective pulling up for mid-range attempts with limited space, the small guard is about as skilled as anyone in the class.     Jones has routinely impressed for 7070-Grant, dependable making the right decision versus aggressive ball pressure. With a quick handle and quick first step, the guard is likely set up for success with one of the state's best run programs in Mesa Ridge. Capable of drawing contact for fouls around the rim, his dependable free throw efficiency alongside the confidence to attack the paint makes him a noteworthy riser from this past month.     Eason brings above average size and athleticism as a lead guard for Colorado Magic, getting to the rim at will this previous month. Additionally bringing a high motor on the glass, the guard looks to push the pace in transition, immediately off the defensive rebound. Alternatively, Eason has been a routine hustler on the offensive glass, sending putbacks against weak opponent box outs. Behind the arc, the guard has been capable of stepping into shots in transition or from a standstill, not fazed by the incoming contest. Defensively, his size and lateral quickness allows him to defend both backcourt positions, certainly a rising name at Overland this coming season.     Gonzales has the ball on a string, one of the more exciting finesse perimeter playmakers in this class. A bold playmaker with the ball, the guard is adept at hitting cutters and rollers through tight windows, much more daring than the vast majority of lead guards in this class. Gonzales also provides finesse shotmaking inside the arc, adept at rising up for floaters or pull-up jumpers, especially efficient inside the free throw line. Defensively, although undersized, the guard has great instincts at the point of attack to cause deflections or poke the ball away from opposing playmakers.     Routinely impressive within his age group at the club level, Nesbitt's passing vision and superb handle have allowed the guard to set up a wide variety of Rocky Mountain Triple Threat teammates with great looks. Following the departure of two of Rock Mountain High School's three assist per game leaders, Nesbitt should be set up to be an impactful facilitator at the varsity level. More than just a passer, the guard has found success with his floaters and mid-range attempts following ball screens, maximizing his opportunities despite his relative height disadvantage.     Down in Pueblo County, the guard is quick to find teammates in the fullcourt, rewarding breakaways. Capable of running plays out of ball screens, the guard has been excellent as a primary playmaker.

These were a few guards who control the pace well, setting up their teammates with great looks regardless of where on the floor. All bringing excellent handles to make great decisions versus ball pressure, they have found success creating advantages one on one.