2027 Rankings Update: The Point Guards

Our rankings week coverage continues with a position by position look at New England's Class of 2027, starting with the Point Guards.   [player_tooltip player_id='2470946' first='LaDanion' last='Payne'], a lead guard out of Brimmer & May, checks in as the #2 ranked point guard in the class. He has a lightning quick first step, is shifty with the ball in his hands, knows how to finish creatively around the rim, and can knock down shots in bunches from behind the arc.    Below, we'll take a look at ten Point Guards to watch from the Class of 2027:   [player_tooltip player_id='2470857' first='Reece' last='Ayala']   Ayala, a big lead guard at Milton Academy, has started the year off by making a statement as a scorer. The big lefty is an explosive athlete that can finish plays above the rim, has the shiftiness to keep defenders off balance, and can get his jumper off at almost any time. He attacks the paint off the bounce, makes good passes on the move, and can defend any perimeter spot due to his combination of size, length, and athleticism.   [player_tooltip player_id='2470924' first='Ryan' last='McLaughlin']   Another guard at Milton Academy, McLaughlin is a high IQ playmaker that can really shoot the basketball from behind the arc. He can get into his jumper in a variety of ways; running off screens, creating with the ball in his hands, or in catch and shoot situations. He does a nice job of keeping his dribble alive, exploring out of ball screens, and ultimately, setting his teammates up in positions where they can score.   [player_tooltip player_id='2568332' first='Raul' last='Cruz']   Cruz, a 6'1" lead guard at Noble & Greenough, is a two-way playmaking threat. He's a terrific leader, has done a good job of improving his body, and is now a three level scorer. He's a heady decision maker with the ball in his hands, capable of getting in the paint and spraying it out to shooters. Defensively, he does a nice job of being disruptive on the ball and jumping passing lanes to create turnovers.   [player_tooltip player_id='2470979' first='Kadrian' last='Reeves']   An athletic, lefty guard at Notre Dame-West Haven, Reeves has done a nice job of running the show so far this season for one of the CIAC's top teams. He's a dynamic ball-handler that uses his handle and quickness to get to his spots as a scorer. He's tough in the mid-range, can make shots from behind the arc, and delievers pinpoint passes on time and on target to his teammates. His ability to break down the defensive in isolation situations is elite.   [player_tooltip player_id='2553690' first='Malik' last='Adamson']   Adamson, a compact point guard at Dexter Southfield, is a throwback lead guard that does whatever is needed to help his team win. He's as competitive as they get, does a great job defensively in one-on-one situations, and can score at multiple levels when called upon. He fills out the stat sheet on the offensive end of the floor, but really shines with his ability to defend, proving to be one of the better point of attack defenders in this class.   [player_tooltip player_id='2568380' first='King' last='Tiah']   A lead guard at the Wheeler School, Tiah has shown the ability to run an offense, generating good looks for himself and teammates. He's hard to guard in the open floor, utilizing good burst to go by the initial defender in one on one situations. He can make shots from behind the arc when he slides off the ball, but is at his best with the ball in his hands, working to get downhill and be a creator both for himself and others in the paint.   [player_tooltip player_id='2568379' first='Justin' last='Robinson']   Robinson, a dynamic 6'0" guard at Frederick Gunn, has had a great start to his season as both a scorer and defender. He's tough physically, which stands out on the defensive end of the floor. He moves well guarding on the perimeter, can generate steals on or off the ball, and has the vertical pop to block shots from the help side at the rim. Offensively, he scores at all three levels and has great burst getting into the paint off the bounce.   [player_tooltip player_id='2563233' first='Dante' last='Baither']   A pass first guard, Baither has done a nice job so far running the show for the Bancroft School. He does a nice job of keeping his dribble alive, allowing him to prob the defense and eventually find an open shooter or cutter. He's hard to guard off the bounce and does a nice job of keeping his eyes up as a passer. While he can score when called upon, it's his ability to efficiently run an offense that has stood out this season.   [player_tooltip player_id='2230435' first='Duke' last='Clement']   Clement, a high IQ guard at the Newman School, does a nice job of making plays on both ends of the floor. Defensively, he can guard in space, keeping opposing ball-handlers out of the paint and forcing a good amount of turnovers while doing so. Offensively, he has nice vision as a passer off the bounce, knows how to navigate ball screens, and can score from the perimeter both off the bounce and in catch and shoot situations.   [player_tooltip player_id='2568428' first='Ty' last='Grudzien']   Another 6'0" guard, Grudzien is a gifted ball-handler that does a nice job of running the show for Marianapolis. He's an unselfish playmaker that can get to his spots off the bounce while making sure to find cutters and open shooters. He does a nice job of playing off two feet which allows him to limit his turnovers, has nice burst off the bounce when attacking the rim, and can consistently knock down shots from behind the arc.   Keep an eye out for our next rankings update positional breakdown, a look at 2027's combo guards!

Our rankings week coverage continues with a position by position look at New England's Class of 2027, starting with the Point Guards.