Top new guards from 2026 rankings update part 2

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our 2026 rankings update saw almost 20 new names get added to our list for the first time. In this article we'll break down four guards who made their debut this week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2621329"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67b7847109a88"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Olentangy Orange has built one of the best backcourts in the state with a pair of 2026 football first prospects. Between Schroeder and Ohio Football commit [player_tooltip player_id='1535701' first='Levi' last='Davis'], this duo gets it done in the fall and winter for the Pioneers. I've been impressed with the on ball defensive activity of Schroeder and ability to move the basketball quickly. Olentangy Orange plays a fast brand of basketball and Schroeder is a perfect compliment to some of the other taller pieces within their offense. After falling short in the regional title game back-to-back seasons, the Pioneers are looking to lift that elusive state title with Schroeder as a strong role piece.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2399297"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67b7847109b01"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gahanna is known for its guard play and Whitfield is set to get the keys to the offense next season after showing impressive flashes this winter. Another multi-sport athlete, Whitfield stars for the Gahanna basketball and baseball team. I caught him at the Holiday Hoopla this season and was impressed with his perimeter shooting ability and touch on jumpers, floaters and layups. I'll be curious to see which sport Whitfield ends up prioritizing to play at the college level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2576066"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67b7847109b4d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I caught Johnson a few times at the Midwest Fall League in Cincinnati and he consistently was one of the top performers on the court with his ability to get places off the dribble and play in transition. This winter he led Mason in scoring at 13 PPG. Going into his senior year, I'll be looking for Johnson to improve his efficiency and lower his turnovers, two areas where I believe he can grow in. The offensive ability and frame seems to be coming along which led to a lot of production as a junior, look for Johnson to take another leap and establish himself as one of the best guards in the GMC.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2209610"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67b7847109b90"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">After attending the Prep Hoops Expo showcase in the fall, Wilkinson got on my radar as an underrated guard in Columbus. He followed that up with multiple impressive performances this winter which led him to being named honorable mention all city. The lefty can play with pace and has the ability to make plays off the bounce. The Nubians have a mostly junior core and could return as Columbus City League favorites and Division V state title threats next season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->