Updated 2027 Rankings: Guards (25-16)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We recently updated our class of 2027 rankings, with a lot of new players as we learn more about the class as they grow and develop. Things have shaken up quite a bit, with over 25 new names being added to the rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at part one of the top point and combo guards in the sophomore class rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>25) [player_tooltip player_id='2548318' first='Tabren' last='Hawkins Jr']. | 6'1” CG | Maury (#57 Overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2548483,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/tempImageo8qmdb.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/tempImageo8qmdb.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2548483" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hawkins had a good sophomore season for a good Maury team that made the state playoffs, and he'll have a much bigger role next year with the departure of many of their top players. At 6'1” he has a great frame and is very strong whether he's handling it or on the defensive end, he can hit shots from multiple levels on or off the ball and he is a good rebounder for his position too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>24) [player_tooltip player_id='2470583' first='Trey' last='Barnhart'] | 6'2” CG | Kellam (#55 Overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2502944,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/tempImagekcnpFl.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/tempImagekcnpFl.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2502944" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Barnhart has been one of the top guards in the Beach District in both his freshman and sophomore season, and he is on his way to being the next big time player for a Kellam program that has produced plenty. The 6'2” combo is an all-around player who can handle pressure and make plays for others, he can get to spots off the bounce and make tough shots around the rim and in the midrange and he can move off the ball and knock down shots from deep too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>23) [player_tooltip player_id='2252325' first='Daylen' last='Martino'] | 5'8” PG | Fairfax Christian (#53 Overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Martino transferred to Fairfax Christian from Meridian this past summer and reclassified to the 2027 class, and he seems to have made a great move as he helped them win another VISAA D3 State Championship. Martino is what a lot of people think of when they think of a traditional point guard as he's savvy and makes great decisions with the ball in his hands, he can knock down open shots from deep and he's able to control the tempo and set the tone defensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>22) [player_tooltip player_id='2623725' first='Jay' last='Capel'] | 6'1” CG | Westfield (#52 Overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Capel at times gets overshadowed as he's on a Westfield team that has a loaded and experienced backcourt, but they couldn't keep him off the floor throughout the year as he is naturally talented and makes things happen when he's playing. He's a good athlete with a quick first step and the ability to get downhill, he can score the ball in a number of ways whether he's on or off the ball and he plays with good energy on the defensive end too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>21) [player_tooltip player_id='2546241' first='Micah' last='Young'] | 6'0” CG | Paul VI (#51 Overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Young is another player that gets overshadowed as he's on one of the best teams in the DMV loaded with division one talent, but when we've seen him play there's a reason he's at the school. The 6'0” combo is highly skilled as he can shoot the cover off the ball from deep, he's crafty off the bounce and can create for himself and others and he has a great IQ as a playmaker too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>20) [player_tooltip player_id='2470586' first='Jessiah' last='Hines'] | 5'11” PG | North Cross (#47 Overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hines is emerging as one of the best players in Roanoke, and after an impressive freshman season he doubled down with a huge sophomore year helping lead North Cross to the VISAA D-II Final Four and putting on a show while he was there. While Hines is often the smallest guy on the court he is dynamic with great speed and a quick first step, he gets downhill and draws contact, he's a lights out shooter who can score it in bunches and he has take over ability many don't have.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>19) [player_tooltip player_id='2470580' first='Elijah' last='Simpkins'] | 6'2” CG | Bishop Ireton (#46 Overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Simpkins is a player who could be higher on this list when it's all said and done, but he plays in a crowded backcourt with some of the top guards in the DMV, but he still does make plays for them as a good piece off the bench. At 6'2” he's likely still growing and has a good frame already, he's dynamic in transition with good finishing ability, he can make shots from multiple levels and he's a very good defender too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>18) [player_tooltip player_id='2353640' first='Amare' last='Long'] | 6'0” PG | Miller School (#40 Overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2548547,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/tempImageMUx4UW.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/tempImageMUx4UW.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2548547" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Long transferred to Miller from Wakefield after a good freshman season, and while it was thought that he would have to wait his turn injuries gave him a chance to show what he's got and he ended up being a big piece to the Maverick's second straight state championship. He's a quick guard who can break down defenders and touch the paint, he can hit open shots, he plays hard on both ends and he's likely still growing as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>17) [player_tooltip player_id='2194706' first='Kevin' last='Parker'] | 6'0” CG | Denbigh (#38 Overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Parker is the catalyst for a Denbigh program who is turning around after nearly a decade of being at the bottom of Peninsula, and he had a huge season putting up big numbers regularly. The 6'0” combo can fill it up in bunches with his ability to light it up from deep with great range, he can get downhill and finish around the rim and he makes everyone on the team better too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>16) [player_tooltip player_id='2624539' first='Austin' last='Agosto'] | 5'9” PG | Blue Ridge (#38 Overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Agosto is following in his brother's footsteps as the tone setter for Blue Ridge, and he was a huge piece with them being highly successful this season. While he's only 5'9” he's a feisty guard who will pick up and get under ball handlers the length of the court, he has great speed in the open floor and a quick first step to blow by defenders, he picks his spots and scores it efficiently and he makes everyone better with his playmaking too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->