2026 Group 4 Shooting Guards to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The new basketball season is coming soon as October is nearly halfway over. The 2026 class is set to make its mark on the hardwood this season, especially in Group 4. Here are the 2026 Group 4 shooting guard prospects to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1874042' first='Micah' last='Pierce'], 6'3 Paterson Kennedy</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pierce has made an impact for the Knights over his first two varsity seasons and should take a step up in his junior season. The 6'3 guard has a smooth release on his jumper and can get hot from distance in a hurry. Pierce is more than just a shooter as he can also put the ball on the floor and finish around the basket. He is a solid rebounder and uses his length to make plays on the defensive end. Pierce's ability to stretch the floor and make plays on the defensive end makes him a prospect to track over the course of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2107955' first='George' last='Boley'], 6'3 Jackson Memorial</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Boley transferred into Jackson Memorial from College Achieve and is slated to have a big junior season. The 6'3 guard attacks the basket with a purpose as he finishes strong around the rim and is able to draw contact in the paint. Boley sets his feet before he shoots and can make opponents pay for giving him space behind the arc. He is an underrated passer and slides his feet on the defensive end. Boley will have the ball in his hands more this season, which should lead to a breakout 2024-25 season for him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2342645' first='Kamai' last='Lowery'], 6'1 Plainfield</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lowery has the ability to play either on or off the ball, which makes him an intriguing prospect to watch. The 6'1 guard has a quick first step, which he uses to beat his defender off the bounce and finish around the rim. Lowery sets his feet before he shoots and has a solid release on his jumper. He pushes the pace in transition and slides his feet on the defensive end. Lowery had 10 double-digit games last season and should eclipse that mark in 2024-25.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1981659' first='Jake' last='Russell'], 5'10 Westfield</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Russell will shoulder a bigger scoring load this season, which will help his stock in a big way. The 5'10 guard plays with composure on the ball as he rarely gets rattled by on-ball pressure and can find his open teammates in the halfcourt. Russell finishes nicely around the basket and has a nice touch in the mid-range. He sets his feet before he shoots and is an underrated defender. Russell's ability to play on and off the ball is something that will help his development throughout the course of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2505361' first='Sidd' last='Narayanabhatla'], 6'2 Ridge</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Narayanabhatla had some big moments in 2023-24 and should take a step up in 2024-25. The 6'2 guard has a good shooting stroke and can get hot from distance in a hurry. Narayanabhatla moves well without the ball in his hands, freeing himself for open jumpers and layups in the halfcourt. He works hard on the defensive end and is a solid rebounder. Narayanabhatla had four games last season with three made triples and that number should increase in the upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Other Prospects to Watch:</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1628300' first='Fernando' last='Badillo'], 6'3 Union City</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2327063' first='Jason' last='Whitlock'], 6'5 Hightstown</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2342602' first='Jake' last='Sliwinski'], 6'1 Southern</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1919209' first='Chris' last='Delgado'], 5'10 Cherry Hill East</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2342690' first='Jake' last='Jones'], 6'2 Shawnee</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->