Who’s Running the Point? Guards Ready to Make Noise

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">This spring and summer were loaded with high-level backcourt play, and a number of point guards separated themselves as impact players. These guards not only controlled pace and made plays for their teams, but also showed they are poised to lead their programs in the upcoming season. Here's a closer look at several who stood out…</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2948581,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/PH-Kamari-Johnson-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/PH-Kamari-Johnson-C.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-2948581" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Kamari Johnson</strong> (6'0/PG/2027/Matoaca HS)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: Sh0wtime.mari</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @KamariJohnson27</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Kamari is a versatile backcourt talent who can thrive both on and off the ball. He is a true two-way guard as he applies constant pressure on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he spaces the floor with deep shooting range and has the creativity to set up teammates as a secondary ball-handler. This season, he will be leaned on more heavily in a lead guard role, where his passing instincts and ability to think two steps ahead will be valuable. Defensively, Kamari is a disruptive presence with active hands and a knack for generating deflections.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2948582,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/PH-Jayson-McCoy-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/PH-Jayson-McCoy-C.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-2948582" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Jayson McCoy</strong> (6'0/PG/'26/Oakwood)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: 256_Chos3n</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @FalconsTirso</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Jayson is a poised, left-handed guard who makes an impact on both ends of the floor. His calling card is his ability to stretch the defense with consistent perimeter shooting, but he is also effective putting the ball on the deck, getting into the paint, and finishing through contact. He is really good at using his strength and savvy to be productive. On the defensive end, his on-ball disruption stands out. If Oakwood is to make another deep run toward the Final Four, Jayson's leadership and floor-general presence will be essential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2948583,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/PH-JJ-Short-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/PH-JJ-Short-C.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-2948583" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1808863' first='JJ' last='Short']</strong> (6'0/PG/'27/Bishop McGuinness)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: jj._short</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @JJShort14</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">JJ is a true lead guard who consistently initiates offense and sets the tone for his team. He brings a reliable scoring arsenal as a lefty who can finish from all three levels, often knocking down tough shots despite size disadvantages. Beyond scoring, his vocal leadership and ability to organize his team make him a trustworthy floor general. If he carries over the strong play he displayed throughout the spring and summer, Bishop McGuinness will be positioned for success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2948584,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/PH-Anthony-Wiggins-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/PH-Anthony-Wiggins-C.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-2948584" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Anthony Wiggins</strong> (6'2/PG/'27/Pope John Paul)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: anthonywigginss2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @AnthonyWig61483</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Anthony is a confident lead guard with solid positional size and a complete offensive game. He excels at getting downhill, finishing at the rim, and keeping defenders off balance with his ability to also step out and hit open threes. His balanced approach as both a scorer and facilitator makes him a tough cover and a valuable weapon for Pope John Paul. Expect him to shoulder a major offensive load this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2948585,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/PH-Tye-Clay-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/PH-Tye-Clay-C.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-2948585" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2415232' first='Tye' last='Clay']</strong> (6'0/PG/'27/Burns HS)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: tyecly1</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @Tye_Clay5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Tye is a cerebral point guard who plays with maturity beyond his years. He balances facilitating and scoring, showing a strong feel for when to get teammates involved and when to take his own opportunities. With his steady hand and reliable decision-making, Tye projects as a dependable floor general ready to lead his squad into the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2948586,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/PH-Noah-Rupert-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/PH-Noah-Rupert-C.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-2948586" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Noah Rupert</strong> (5'10/PG/'27/Cooper City HS)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: 0ffic1al_noah</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @0ff1cial_noah</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Noah is a quick-twitch guard who thrives attacking the paint. His aggressiveness off the bounce allows him to collapse defenses and create scoring opportunities, both for himself and others. He is a tough shot-maker for his size, and he impressed on the #UANext circuit with his fearless style of play. While he can improve by cutting down on over-dribbling, Noah's ability to spark offense and constantly pressure defenses makes him a difference-maker at the point guard spot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->