2026 Rankings Update: Stock Rising Guards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last week we provided a fresh update to our class of 2026 rankings which included 20 prospects who elevated their stock with their play throughout the season. Below we quickly break down the guards who elevated their stock and why.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1956470' first='Chace' last='Holley'] | Redondo Union</strong> - Holley's game has taken off as expected with his increased role at Redondo. The 6-foot-1 guard uses his dynamic speed and athleticism to thrive in the Sea Hawks uptempo offensive and defensive schemes which helped Redondo earn a share of the Bay League championship and earn a spot in the CIF Southern Section Open Division playoff field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1956481' first='Eli' last='Garner'] | Damien</strong> - Garner had to step up in a big way this season after losing teammate [player_tooltip player_id='1630667' first='Nate' last='Garcia'] to a season-ending injury. The Spartans had to adjust their style of play with the 7-footer out of the lineup and Garner stepped up to be the main scoring option with his fluid perimeter shooting from three-point and mid-range areas both off the catch and off the bounce.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2425687' first='Acen' last='Jimenez'] | La Habra </strong>- Jimenez broke through as a prospect this time last year when he led the Highlanders to a CIF Southern Section championship and he used this season to solidify his position as one of the best point guards in the area. Jimenez is a high IQ playmaker, tough and smart defender and can take over a game as a scorer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2131789' first='Noa' last='Edwards'] | Arcadia</strong> - There are few prospects who stuffed the stat sheet quite like Edwards did this season at Arcadia. The 6-foot-3 combo guard averaged just under 14 points to go along with 6.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game while leading the Apaches to 17 wins.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1956509' first='DeLan' last='Grant'] | St. Francis </strong>- Grant was forced into a different role this season with the departure of point guard Mazi Mosely leading to the need for another ball handler to step up and create offense. The 6-foot-2 guard took on that challenge and grew in that role throughout the season all while maintaining his ability to drive and score at the rim and guard multiple positions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1703073' first='Rodney' last='Westmoreland'] | Santa Margarita</strong> - Westmoreland has put together a standout season for the Eagles and is another point guard prospect who truly grew into his role as a floor general and steadying playmaker. The 6-foot-1 junior is one of the quickest players with the ball in his hands and used that speed to get opposing defenses on its heels and put pressure on the rim. Aside from running offense and getting the ball to his teammates, Westmoreland flashed plenty of scoring punch when his team needed it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->