Updated 2026 Rankings: Guards (15-6)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the updated version of our class of 2026 rankings coming out, it's time to look at some of the changes we have in the new version. We added over 25 new players to the rankings, with a lot of movement based on last high school season and the spring as well. Throughout the week we'll be putting out content on new faces, biggest risers and positional rankings as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at part two of some of the top point and combo guards in the rising senior class rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>15) [player_tooltip player_id='2347779' first='Nick' last='Byrd'] | 5'10" PG | Hopewell (#48 Overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Byrd had an exceptional junior season being named First Team All State and leading Hopewell to a Class 3 state championship appearance, and he was one of their main catalysts as their primary ball handler and floor general, essentially the straw that stirred the drink. Byrd's ability to control tempo and make reads in transition is as good as they come, he scores it efficiently from all three levels off the bounce, he's excellent in ball screens and hand-offs, and he sets the tone defensively too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>14) [player_tooltip player_id='2301294' first='Akim' last='Iscandari'] | 6'0” PG | Potomac School (#47 Overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Iscandari was a VISAA D-I All State selection after a huge junior season for Potomac, and he's proven time and time again he's one of the most consistently productive guards in the DMV area. Speed kills as they say, and Iscandari is one of the fastest players you'll come across in the entire state. He flies in transition with the ability to be a one man fast break, he can blow by defenders in the half courts and touch the paint at will, he's a good finisher at the rim and in the midrange, and he's a fantastic on ball defender too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>13) [player_tooltip player_id='2246278' first='Julian' last='Burgdolf'] | 6'0” PG | St. Stephen's St. Agnes (#44 Overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2683842,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/IMG_5131.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/IMG_5131.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2683842" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Burgdolf was another DMV guard that had a fantastic junior season, as he was the floor general for SSSAS on their run as a 6 seed to the VISAA D-I semifinals, and he's one of the most all-around skilled lead guards in the state. While he isn't the biggest guard he's as smooth as they come with a tight and shifty handle to create space, he changes speeds and directions well and makes great decisions in ball screens, he can score it efficiently from all three levels off the bounce or off the catch, and he has great instincts on both ends and as a leader as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>12) [player_tooltip player_id='2252294' first='Jemon' last='Price'] | 6'2” CG | Westfield (#43 Overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2562164,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/tempImageFszDK5.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/09/tempImageFszDK5.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2562164" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Price was fantastic his junior season for Westfield as one of their top scorers and shot makers, and he's continued that strong play this summer with Local Legends RVA and recently earned his first division one scholarship from Stetson. Price has what we refer to as the “it factor” in the sense that he always makes big shots in clutch situations, he makes it look easy when he's working off the bounce to create separation or get by defenders to make plays, he can play multiple positions and roles, and he is very consistent from game to game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>11) Zyon McClone | 5'10" PG | Peninsula Catholic (#40 Overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1910737,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/McGlove-Zion-rotated.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/McGlove-Zion-rotated.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-1910737" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McClone transferred to Peninsula Catholic where he helped lead them to the VISAA D-II state championship before falling to Miller School in heartbreaking fashion, and he showed throughout the year that he was one of the more electric and dynamic guards in the 757. At 5'11” he isn't the biggest guy but he's got blazing speed in the open floor and a quick first step to get by defenders, he is an explosive finisher with great hang time, he's excellent in the pick-and-roll and can make shots off the bounce from multiple levels, and he can use his athleticism to make plays on the defensive end too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10) [player_tooltip player_id='1782688' first='Khaliq' last='Carson'] | 5'10" PG | Bishop Ireton (#37 Overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Carson is a throw back type of floor general that you always hear coaches say they want in a point guard, and while he doesn't put up big scoring numbers often he's able to impact the game in a lot of different ways that can help a team win. He's an absolute pest defensively who an guard the length of the floor and is very disciplined on the basketball, he has great instincts as a ball handler and playmaker to stay out of traps and make the right read when he gets in the paint, he picks his spots and scores it efficiently when he needs to, and he doesn't back down from any matchup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9) [player_tooltip player_id='1963397' first='Chris' last='Morrison'] | 6'2” PG | West Potomac (#32 Overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2219612,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/Screen-Shot-2023-09-29-at-4.54.02-PM.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/Screen-Shot-2023-09-29-at-4.54.02-PM.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2219612" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Morrison took a brief departure from West Potomac to go to Bishop O'Connell before transferring back midway through his junior season, and as soon as he got back he reminded everyone why he's one of the top guards in NOVA public schools putting up big numbers on a regular basis. At 6'2” he's got a strong frame and really thrives when he can get downhill and finish through traffic, he's very good in pick-and-rolls as a guy who can drag it out and work mismatches or read rotations and make good passes, he can score the ball from all three levels off the bounce, and he does a lot of little things like rebound and fight for 50-50 balls you love to see out of a lead guard.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>8) [player_tooltip player_id='1963392' first='Keon' last='Mitchell'] | 6'2” PG | Norview (#23 Overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2853962,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/Mitchell-Keon.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/05/Mitchell-Keon.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2853962" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mitchell has been one of the best guards in the 757 since he was a freshman at Norview, and he's probably one of the more underrated recruits you'll come across in that area of the state. The 6'2” guard is a definition of a “do it all” type of player as he can score it off the bounce getting downhill or creating space off the bounce, he can catch and shoot on ball reversals and kick-outs, he touches the paint at will and can both make plays for others and finish through traffic, and he's a stout defender who brings great energy on that side of the ball too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>7) [player_tooltip player_id='1446198' first='Carmelo' last='Swinson'] | 6'2" CG | Massanutten (#22 Overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2147640,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/Screen-Shot-2023-09-04-at-3.23.39-PM.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/09/Screen-Shot-2023-09-04-at-3.23.39-PM.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2147640" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Swinson transferred to Massanutten to play on their post grad team from Norcom where he was a two year starter, and watching the transformation from the go-to scoring option to a well-rounded guard on a talented team was a lot of fun to watch throughout the season. Swinson is a smooth lefty who can play on or off the ball and can score it in a lot of different ways off the bounce, he shoots it well from deep off the catch, he improved a lot in his ability to make the right read and the simple play, and he showed he's willing to compete on the defensive end as well. All in all, he is still a very talented scorer who can fill it up in bunches, but he showed improvement in the right areas that will translate to the next level very well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6) [player_tooltip player_id='1782590' first='Lawrence' last='Brown'] | 5'11” PG | Paul VI (#11 Overall)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2722124,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/turkbrown-pvi-26-crop-1382x908-1736266045.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/turkbrown-pvi-26-crop-1382x908-1736266045.png?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2722124" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:list {"ordered":true} --> <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brown transferred to PVI from St. Andrew's in Maryland, and was a big reason that the Panthers won their second straight WCAC Championship and made it to the VISAA D-I state semifinal. The 5'11” guard was their primary ball handler and playmaker throughout the season, and his wizardry with the ball in his hands is something you just don't see with many guards now-a-days. While he isn't the tallest guy he has a very strong build to be able to take bumps and play through contact, he is shifty off the bounce with a tight handle and great counters, he thrives in the pick-and-roll and can deliver every pass with both hands in very tight windows, and he showed significant improvement in his ability to make shots from deep and in the midrange throughout the year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->