Small School Guards in 2026 Rankings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>West Virginia is full of small schools, as a matter of fact, compared to most states, all our schools are small. But here in almost heaven the smallest of the small is what we call single A and double A and those schools produce some great basketball talent, in particular guards. Lets highlight a list of the guards from small schools, in the top 100 of the 2026 class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2303408' first='Kingston' last='Christen'] will return as the alpha dog and leading scorer for the Magnolia Blue Eagles. Christen is a crafty point guard with a scorer's mentality and will make you pay if you give him space. Give him some weapons to distribute to and he is just as potent and can run the point as well as anyone on this list as will be his projection to the next level. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1851879' first='Braydun' last='Ferris'] has been synonymous with Tug Valley hoops for two years now and this year will be no different. A smooth and slashing point guard, Ferris will not hesitate to drop a dagger from deep or mid-range as well in traffic or contested. Certainly a next level point guard who easily plays the role of distributor and dish man.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2337624' first='Brody' last='Giovinazzo'] is an emerging shooting guard from Tyler who came on as a long range specialist last season. Giovinazzo will need to assume more of a ball handling role to get consideration as a next level guard, nonetheless his shooting from deep was something opponents had to game plan for in 2023-24. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2385111' first='Caden' last='Ours'] is a smooth shooting guard for Petersburg who is poised to lead to a state tournament birth. Ours will certainly have some games where he puts up big numbers, and for the Vikings to have a run late season he'll have to. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2306373' first='Mikey' last='Mitchell'] is a combo type guard at Tucker County but should be a primary option at the point. Mitchell is a shifty and fast player with ball in hand while dynamic scorer being able to score it at all levels. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2390883' first='Jerod' last='Trent'] returns on a state tournament program from last year and will likely emerge as the Bulldogs leading scorer and best player. A great ball handler, smooth scorer and floor leader, Trent will be an all-state contender. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2303410' first='Braylan' last='Dawson'] might be the least known name on this list, but truth be known might be the most talented. Dawson is a scoring threat from anywhere and puts constant pressure on defenses with the ball in his hands. Undoubtedly Wirt's best player and scorer as well as two-way player, Dawson will likely be amongst the state's top single A scorers. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2306566' first='Isaiah' last='Turner'] has burst onto the scene for us as he's just competed in the Prep Hoops Expo this past weekend and absolutely killed it in front of a big crown of parents, coaches, college scouts and college players. Turner will be in consideration for the best player in the WVCAT this season. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2303392' first='Jase' last='Smith'] has been hampered by injury but we'd expect the long and athletic guard/wing to return this season with a chip on his shoulder and take on a huge role for the Beavers after graduation has depleted much of the roster. Smith is a slasher and scorer who could be one of the state's better defenders considering his athleticism and length. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2211906' first='Eli' last='Sancomb'] is a name everyone is beginning to know and a force to be reckoned with. Sancomb keeps defenders off balance with his pull up and mid-range combined with top notch ball handling. Not the quickest first step off the dribble but quick enough to couple with his 6'5" frame that defenders struggle to stay in front. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2390881' first='Carson' last='Newsome'] is a role player turning to matchup problem. While Ferris will demand every teams best on ball defender, Newsome is waiting to take advantage of a mismatch and has the tools and skills to do it. Newsome handles like a point guard and shoots it as well as anyone on the floor. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2390886' first='Isaiah' last='Sanders'] returns to a St Joe squad that was talented but young a year ago and is just one of several names that could lead that squad offensively. One of three returning double figure scorers, Sanders will be one of the best true combo guards in single A with great size and experience. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2303397' first='Jayden' last='Castillo'] moves over to Teays Valley Christian from Cabell Midland and likely hits the ground running. Castillo has a complete skill set from ballhandling through traffic to shooting at deeper levels. Jayden is in a program that is blessed with a group of tremendous guards and will be in constant competition for time amongst some of WV's best. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->