Who Are the Top Guards in the 2027 Class? (25-16)

With the updated 2027 rankings coming out earlier this summer, we decided to take a look at who some of the top players at each position are. Here's a look at part one of the top ranked point and combo guards in the rising junior class in VA.   25) [player_tooltip player_id='2623725' first='Jay' last='Capel'] | 6'1” PG | Westfield (#69 Overall)   <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol>   Capel may be stuck behind one of the deeper backcourts in the NOVA area with Westfield, but his talent got him on the floor plenty this past season and he showed a lot of flashes moving forward. The 6'1” guard can handle pressure and has a quick first step to get by defenders and get to the paint, he can score the ball in a number of ways both on and off the ball, and he brings a very competitive fire to his team as well.   24) [player_tooltip player_id='2353624' first='Jeremiah' last='Stanford'] | 6'1” PG | Fairfax Christian (#65 Overall)   <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol>   Stanford played a big role for Fairfax Christian in their third straight state championship, and he is one of those throw back style floor generals who can control the game and makes everyone better. The 6'1” lead guard is dynamite in transition with his vision and speed, he knocks down open shots off the catch and gets to the midrange well, and he sets the tone defensively with his on ball pressure too.   23) [player_tooltip player_id='2470583' first='Trey' last='Barnhart'] | 6'2” PG | Kellam (#64 Overall)   <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>   <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol>   Barnhart has been one of the top guards in the Beach District since he set foot on the high school basketball court, and he continues to be one of the most well-rounded guards you'll see in the state. He is fundamentally sound with great footwork on the pull-up and at the rim with moves that aren't flashy but are effective, he scores the ball efficiently from all three levels, and he has a high IQ and makes the right play constantly.   22) Jonathan “JJ” Bell | 6'1” PG | Gar-field (#63 Overall)   <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol>   Bell has been a standout at Gar-field from day one as a starter his freshman season, and he's been one of the better scoring guards in the NOVA public schools since that time. He is electric in transition with his speed and ability to make plays for himself and others, he can knock down tough shots from all three levels, and he puts constant pressure on the defensive with his ability to get downhill.   21) [player_tooltip player_id='2470586' first='Jessiah' last='Hines'] | 5'11” PG | North Cross (#60 Overall)   <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol>   Hines has been one of the top scorers in Roanoke since he was a freshman, and put the state on notice when he led North Cross to a VISAA D-II state semifinal appearance and had a huge game on the biggest stage. The 5'11” guard may not be the biggest but he has in the gym range and tons of confidence in his ability to knock down shots, he is quick off the bounce and has great speed in transition, and he has the ability to get to the rim and either finish or draw contact to get to the line.   20) [player_tooltip player_id='2470580' first='Elijah' last='Simpkins'] | 6'2” CG | Bishop Ireton (#58 Overall)   <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol>   Simpkins is one of those players that is stuck behind some very talented and more experienced guards, but every time he gets in the game you see the upside and talent that he has. At 6'2” he's a strong built guard who can play on or off the ball, he is shifty and quick to get the rim and finishes well in traffic, he can knock down shots off the catch from deep, and he brings great energy on both ends of the floor.   19) Tabren Hawkins | 6'0” PG | Catholic (#53 Overall)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/07/tabrenhawkinsjr-27-catholic-va-crop-1626x1068-1751355363.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/07/tabrenhawkinsjr-27-catholic-va-crop-1626x1068-1751355363.png?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2893011" /></a></figure>   <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol>   Hawkins looks like he'll transfer to Catholic after being a starter last year for a very good Maury team, and he is one of those old school type of players that can impact the game in a lot of different ways on both ends of the floor. He's very strong which he uses to play through contact and get physical defensively to keep defenders in front, he can knock down shots off the catch from deep, he scores it off the bounce in the midrange and at the rim, and he's a good rebounder for his position too.   18) [player_tooltip player_id='2353640' first='Amare' last='Long'] | 6'0” PG | Miller School (#51 Overall)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/07/amarelong-va-premier-millerschool-va-27-crop-1676x1100-1753536883.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/07/amarelong-va-premier-millerschool-va-27-crop-1676x1100-1753536883.png?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2915851" /></a></figure>   <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol>   Long was one of the unsung heroes for Miller School in their run to their second straight VISAA D-II state championship, and with the departure of many of their top guards he'll play a much bigger role next season. He's fundamentally sound with a tight handle and the ability to get to spots without many dribbles, he puts pressure on the defense getting downhill and makes great reads, he scores it efficiently from multiple levels, and he's an excellent on ball defender.   17) [player_tooltip player_id='2624539' first='Austin' last='Agosto'] | 5'9” PG | Blue Ridge (#50 Overall)   <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol>   Agosto may not be the first person you think of when you look at Blue Ridge's very big roster, but the 5'9” guard does a lot of things to impact the game with his quickness and all-out style of play on both ends of the floor. He's an absolute dog on the defensive end that can get under ball handlers and make them uncomfortable, he has blazing speed in transition and blow by quickness in the half court, and he is extremely savvy as a playmaker on both ends of the floor.   16) [player_tooltip player_id='2788037' first='Kevin' last='Reyes'] | 5'11” PG | Stone Bridge (#45 Overall)   <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol>   Reyes was perhaps the biggest breakout player in Loudoun County last season, earning All Region honors and emerging as one of the top guards in the area. The 5'11” guard is as crafty as they come with a shifty handle and great finishing ability over bigger defenders, he has a great IQ as a playmaker and makes the right play consistently, he can fill it up from deep and in the midrange, and he makes winning plays consistently.

With the updated 2027 rankings coming out earlier this summer, we decided to take a look at who some of the top players at each position are. Here's a look at part one of the top ranked point and combo guards in the rising junior class in VA.