2026 Public Combo Guard Prospects to Track

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>September is officially 10 days away, meaning the new academic school year is getting closer. The 2026 guard class is filled with talent who should make an impact on the floor this season, especially in the public section. Here are the 2026 public school combo guards to track this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1788757' first='Justin' last='Bethea'], 5'11 Paterson Eastside</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bethea has been a big part of the Ghosts' offense over the past couple of seasons and should continue to make plays for them in his junior season. The 5'11 guard has a good handle, which he uses to get by his defender and finishes nicely around the basket. Bethea has a nice touch in the mid-range and sets his feet before he shoots. He makes good decisions with the ball in his hands and slides his feet on the defensive end. Bethea's ability to run the offense effectively is something that will help his stock in a big way this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1608251' first='Bryce' last='Hillman'], 6'2 Camden Eastside</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hillman is primed to have a breakout season as the ball should be in his hands more. The 6'2 guard has a good first step, which he uses to get to the rim off the bounce and can finish in a number of ways around the basket. Hillman is more than just a slasher as he wastes little motion in his release and can make opponents pay for giving him space behind the arc. He is a strong rebounder and pushes the pace well in transition. Hillman is a tough guard prospect whose ability to score inside and outmakes him a prospect to watch this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2237119' first='Caleb' last='Williams'], 6'0 Paterson Eastside</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williams led the Ghosts in scoring last season and is looking to do so again in 2024-25. The 6'0 guard has a smooth release on his jumper and can knock down triples in bunches. Williams moves well without the ball in his hands, freeing himself up for open jumpers and layups in the halfcourt. He is an underrated passer and gets deflections on the defensive end. Williams is a sharpshooting guard prospect who should torch the nets throughout the course of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1412105' first='Jacob' last='Edgecomb'], Point Pleasant Beach</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Edgecomb had a solid summer and is looking to carry it over into the winter. The lefty guard plays with confidence on the ball as he knows how to get to his spot on the floor and can score in the mid-range. Edgecomb doesn't mind drawing contact in the paint and has a nice release on his jumper. He jumps passing lanes on the defensive end and finds his open teammates in the halfcourt. Edgecomb has been a steady presence for the Garnet Gulls over the last two seasons and should continue to do so in his third varsity season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2401469' first='RJ' last='Heigler'], 5'11 Woodbury</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Heigler stepped up as the leading scorer for the Thundering Herd this season and should do so again in 2024-25. The 5'11 guard has a good handle, which he uses to get to the rim off the bounce and finishes in a variety of ways around the basket. Heigler is more than just a slasher as he has a clean release on his jumper and can get hot from distance in a hurry. He uses his anticipation to get steals on the defensive end and is able to get his teammates involved in the halfcourt. Heigler had five 20-point games this season and should have more games like that in his junior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->