Top new guards from 2026 Rankings Update

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our 2026 rankings update saw over 30 players make their debut! In this article we'll take a look at six guards who were added to our list.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2476431"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66b3a065bf89a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The younger brother of Doogie James who had a breakout season at Gannon last season and was one of the top point guards in central Ohio for his class, Diante has some similar qualities. A small point guard who can set the table for his teammates, James impressed me at Midwest Live with a Northland squad that has a lot of perimeter talent. James is also capable of hitting shots from the outside either off the dribble or spotting up. Northland has been at the top of the Columbus City League the past two years and will look to defend their crown once again with James playing a key role.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2444619"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66b3a065bf8f8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I caught Jackson with OBC back in the spring and he's got a lot of ability off the dribble to create for himself. The lefty can change directions and speeds in a flash and Jackson is able to get to spots on the court and create space. Also a solid pull-up shooter, Jackson made some tough shots in the game I caught. Hoping to catch Jackson again either this winter or early in the spring because he's got a lot of talent and I've only gotten a couple of scouts of his game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2204430"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66b3a065bf943"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A steady point guard, Henry takes care of the ball, sets the table for his team and can catch fire in a hurry from long distance. Having some huge games with both Midwest Basketball Club and Upper Arlington this summer, Henry's ability to knock down perimeter shots makes him a target to go off if the defense doesn't key in on him. Henry had a huge 23 point game in the Golden Bears final regular season contest last year and should carry that momentum into his Junior season where Upper Arlington has their most talent on paper since their district title winning group in 2022.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1617824"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66b3a065bf985"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1617817"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66b3a065bf9ce"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I decided to pair the twins together for this breakdown, the duo started together for Pickerington Central during June and impressed me enough to both get added to our rankings, after they initially got on our radar at the Prep Hoops Expo last Fall. Aaven runs more on the ball for Pickerington Central while Ayden looks to score off spot-ups and set plays. While Aaven is more of a natural point guard, both twins don't let the ball stick to their hands and move it within the offense. What I like about both twins is that they are fearless, I noticed in the game Vs Richmond Heights last year that they didn't back down after a slow start and found ways to contribute and keep fighting. Both similar level prospects right now, I would imagine they could potentially be a package combo at the small college level down the road.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1960913"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66b3a065bfa16"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Booker has impressed on the Prep Hoops Circuit both at the 15 U and 16 U levels. A point guard who can flat out get a bucket, Booker does an excellent job of creating for himself off the dribble in isolation situations and is a prolific shooter from the outside. Also participating at the Toledo Top 64 last year, Booker is regarded as one of the top guards in the Toledo City League. We've written about Booker a handful of times and are excited to continue to monitor his development as he makes his entry into our rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->