Top new Guards from 2027 Rankings Update Part 3

Our 2027 rankings update last week saw over 30 players get added to our list for the first time! In this article we'll take a look at six guards making their debut in this update cycle.    Bakos had a big time performance in the regional final for Kettering Alter as he came off the bench and provided a spark as a scorer. Not shy about letting it fly from downtown, Bakos can make shots at an elite rate as he shot 50% from downtown as a sophomore. On a senior laden team I liked how Bakos fit in next to a handful of guys with state championship experience but next season it will be up to Bakos to help lead the way for the Knights if they want to remain at the top of the GCL Co-Ed.     Another young point guard who got it done on an experience team, Shelton is a heart over height type player who does an excellent job defensively and as a distributor. I was impressed with his aggressiveness to attack the paint for his size and Shelton did a nice job of not forcing the ball up at the rim when he got downhill. A pest on the ball defensively as well, Shelton picked up an early offer to Central State. A name to know in northeast Ohio's 2027 class.     One of the more productive 2027 guards in northwest Ohio, Stokes had some big time scoring efforts when I caught Maumee Valley Country Day this season. The lefty guard has a high arcing shot that rainbows into the net. I also liked Stokes pressure against opposing ball handlers, getting 1-2 pickpocket steals in both of the games I caught. We'll see if this young Maumee Valley Country Day squad can grow up together as they've already won a district and have the potential to be a statewide powerhouse in Division VI by next season.     Bishop Ready continued their winning ways as Daniels was a key piece to their 23-4 season that ended in the regional final. Daniels likes to create with the ball in his hands and is a tough cover when he's got a head of steam. I also like how Daniels anticipates help defense and can make the flashy pass to his teammates when they get open off his gravity. Despite losing some notable seniors, I still expect Daniels and company to be scrappy once again in 2025-26 when he enters his Junior season.     A knockdown perimeter shooter on an Upper Arlington squad that returns a majority of their core, Mitchell could be set for a breakout Junior season after starting to get on the radar in central Ohio this winter. I was impressed with the floor spacing he provided and he showed some ability as a secondary ball handler next to a guy like [player_tooltip player_id='2204430' first='Hayden' last='Henry'] in the Golden Bears back-court. Hoping to see some physical progression as well from Mitchell this off-season, adding strength could take his game to the next level as well.     Toledo Central Catholic had one of the youngest teams in Ohio this year and Kynard got valuable experience playing for the Irish this season at the varsity level. Kynard can knock down shots off the catch and has a quick first step to attack closeouts when the ball is kicked out to him. I'm excited to continue to monitor his development as a ball handler as he's shown flashes of being able to beat defenders off the dribble. Toledo's 2027 class seems stacked with talent and Kynard is another name fans should know heading into next season.

Our 2027 rankings update last week saw over 30 players get added to our list for the first time! In this article we'll take a look at six guards making their debut in this update cycle.