2026 HGAL Guard Prospects to Track This Weekend

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The HGAL finals are coming up this weekend with teams across the area looking to take home a championship. The 2026 class is looking forward to putting on a show this weekend, especially in the back court. Here are the 2026 HGAL guard prospects to watch this weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1859568' first='Shaan' last='Nayar'], 6'1 PG/CG Ranney</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nayar has had a solid July and will be looking to end it on a high note this weekend. The 6'1 guard has a smooth release on his jumper and can knock down triples in bunches. Nayar can also get into the paint off the bounce and score in the mid-range. He moves well without the ball in his hands and gets deflections on the defensive end. Nayar is a sharpshooting guard prospect whose ability to knock down jumpers from distance will help his stock in a big way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2342604' first='Dean' last='Yellen Jr'], 6'0 CG Johnson</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Yellen Jr has the potential to have a monster weekend as he should show the ability to play both on and off the ball. The 6'0 guard has a nice handle, which he uses to beat his defender off the bounce and finishes well around the basket. Yellen Jr plays with composure on the ball and sets his feet before he shoots. He is an underrated passer and slides his feet on the defensive end. Yellen Jr's ability to make plays with the ball in his hands will help his stock in a big way this weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2862249' first='Richie' last='Gardner'], 6'3 SG/PG Bridgewater-Raritan</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gardner has the potential to play either on or off the ball, which he should put on display this weekend. The 6'3 guard uses his handle to get to his spot on the floor and can make shots through contact around the rim. Gardner has a good release on his jumper and makes opponents pay for giving him space behind the arc. He has the length to defend multiple positions on the floor and pushes the pace well in transition. Gardner's versatility is something that will help his stock rise over the course of the weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2858071' first='Isiah' last='Pennyfeather'], 6'1 CG/SG Franklin</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pennyfeather has the potential to have a huge weekend as he should make plays at both ends of the floor. The 6'1 guard attacks the basket with a purpose as he finishes strong around the rim and is unafraid of drawing contact. Pennyfeather can also score in the mid-range and rarely forces shots in the mid-range. He is a tough on-ball defender and moves well without the ball in his hands. Pennyfeather is a gritty guard prospect whose ability to run the offense and defend the point will help his game in a big way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Brody Halik, 6'3 SG Morris Knolls</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Halik has the ability to play either perimeter spot and should put it on display this weekend. The 6'3 guard knows how to get to his spot on the floor and finishes nicely around the rim. Halik can also score in the mid-range and moves well without the ball in his hands. He is a strong rebounder and makes it tough for his man to get to his spot on the floor. Halik is a hard-working guard prospect who should make plays at both ends of the floor throughout the course of the weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->