2026 Rankings Update: Backcourt Risers

These backcourt prospects have made improvements as on-ball playmakers, mitigating turnovers while pressuring the defense that much more than preivously seen.    Prepared for a larger role at Fossil Ridge, Gray has brought value as a strong guard with upside along the perimeter. Getting more comfortable as an on-ball playmaker, the guard looks ready to facilitate a decent portion of possessions for that high school program. Paired with the fairly strong frame as a guard, Gray should be able to control his one on one opportunities to a similar degree as in this pre-season.     Perry is a talented shotmaker out of the mid-range, capable of rising up for attempts on a dime. No surprise that the guard has succeeded in both primary and secondary roles at the club level, given how he gets to his spots within only a handful of dribbles. Although somewhat undersized, Perry has great vision while off-ball, adept at intercepting passing lanes to kickstart a fast break.     Jones is set to gain significant momentum as a backcourt athlete with Mesa Ridge, bringing a high motor on the defensive end. His quick first step allows him plenty of scoring opportunities around the rim, comfortable versus contact and contests. Defensively is where in particular the guard has shown repeated success, quick laterally and motivated at the point of attack to create havoc.     Starr's perimeter shooting off the dribble should be a key cog in Saint Mary's offense, complemented by a smooth handle to initiate from anywhere. Particularly while operating out of ball screens, the guard has an opportunity to be an influential scorer at the varsity level next season.     Stiers followed an incredibly efficient season at Bennett and a summer with Anarchy, at his best as a secondary shotmaker. Bringing a knockdown shot off the catch, opponents are forced to respect the jumper.     Russell's skill as a perimeter shooter and playmaker with the ball has brought repeated success to DSST Green Valley Ranch and at recent local events. With multiple key shotmakers graduating last season, Russell has the opportunity to supersede as a primary creator for the 4A program. Defensively, he competes at the point of attack or in off-ball passing lanes, acutely aware of his surroundings.     Stroope has made steady improvements as a three level scorer, getting more creative to make space in the mid-range. Still a dependable perimeter shooter with progressing bounce, the guard should be a fun name to follow over at Grandview. Stroope's continued growth as an on-ball playmaker alongside the addition of strength at his position will be influential at the varsity level.     Love had repeated success at local showcase events, displaying his twitchy handle alongside the skill to create space one on one. The guard works hard at the point of attack, staying low while keeping his hands wide. Given his activity on both ends of the floor, the guard could get a crack at the varsity rotation this coming season, even with significant backcourt depth on that Rangeview roster.

These backcourt prospects have made improvements as on-ball playmakers, mitigating turnovers while pressuring the defense that much more than preivously seen.