2026 Guards: Major Offensive Threats Midway Through AAU Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These guards have been on fire this AAU season. Making big plays, dropping buckets, and turning heads every time they hit the floor. From crafty finishes at the rim to deep-range shooting, these players are doing it all. They've been carving out bigger names for themselves with each game played.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1622213"],"_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-68289b14be4e5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Balistreri has been putting on a show lately, leading his team to some dominant wins. Watching him play, it's clear he can do it all on both ends of the floor. What really stands out is how unselfish he is. He's a true distributor—he knows exactly where his teammates will be and always makes the right read. When it's time for him to score, he doesn't hesitate with a quick crossover that leaves defenders behind. When he drives to the hoop, it's smooth, powerful, and almost always results in a bucket. Balistreri has also showcased his jumper and is knocking them down from mid range to hitting multiple deep three's. His game is definitely leveling up, and he's becoming a nightmare for defenders to handle</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1555225"],"_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-68289b14be548"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Braketa has really stepped up his game lately and is quickly becoming a serious problem for defenders especially from deep. The shooting range is unreal, and the way he moves without the ball makes him tough to keep up with. He's constantly in motion, running off screens and always keeping himself ready to catch and shoot. His footwork is sharp, timing on point, and a quick release makes it nearly impossible to contest the shot. Braketa's same sharp focus and energy on the defensive side, makes life difficult for anyone he's guarding. His perimeter defense has been lights out, and he's showing he can be a complete two-way player. The way he's playing right now, he's becoming one of those guys you just don't want to match up with</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1622334"],"_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-68289b14be592"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Van is seriously fun to watch. His ability to attack the basket and get downhill is next level. He's got smooth handles, and a quick first step creates space in an instant. Once he gets going, it's tough to stop him from getting to the rim. What really stands out is how crafty he is around the rim. He finishes with both hands, uses both sides of the basket, knows how to avoid defenders in the paint. He doesn't force things either, showing smart with the ball and reading defenses like a pro. Whether it's drawing help and kicking it out or making a slick pass in traffic, Van knows how to create scoring chances for his teammates. He's got that mix of control and explosiveness that makes him a real problem for any defense</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2400920"],"_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-68289b14be5fb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hemme has really been coming into his own this season, and it's been awesome to watch. He's playing with a ton of confidence, the ability to read defenses and score almost at will is something special. Whether it's pulling up for a jumper or driving into the lane, he just seems to make the right decision. He's setting the pace, keeping the offense flowing, and constantly creating easy looks for his teammates. Hemme sees the floor so well, finding a cutter at the perfect moment or drawing the defense in and kicking it out to an open shooter, he's always a step ahead. His jumper has been smooth, and he's been knocking down shots from deep with confidence. Defenders can't sag off because he'll make them pay, and that spacing opens everything up for his team. He's really starting to look like the full package</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1892740"],"_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-68289b14be643"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Meurer has been just as impressive this season, especially on a team that's already loaded with talent. His athleticism really jumps out, he can get to any spot on the floor with ease. Whether it's coming off screens or creating off the dribble, he's always in attack mode and ready to let it fly. His jumper is smooth and a three point shot that defenders really struggle to contest. What makes him tough is how well he creates separation, constantly using quick changes of pace and sharp footwork to keep defenders a step behind. Meurer has that quick first move to flash into the lane, catch the pass, and finish with an easy bucket. With the way he's been performing, he's becoming one of those guys you have to keep an eye on at all times</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->