7 Under Recruited NOVA Guards That Can Impact a Program

Heading into the high school season, I would like to highlight some players that I think are underrated or under recruited by colleges. These players are, in my opinion, either being overlooked by colleges at the level they could play for, or don't have enough schools at that level that are aware of the impact they could bring. Here's a look at seven guards in the Northern VA area that should be getting more love from college coaches.   [player_tooltip player_id='1963397' first='Chris' last='Morrison'] | 6'2” PG | West Potomac   <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>   Morrison has been one of the top guards in the NOVA area over the past three seasons, and the fact is he can make an immediate impact not only with his game, but he has the size and strength to transition to the next level easily as well. He gets in the paint off of ball screens and can finish well through contact, he can score the ball off the bounce efficiently from multiple levels, and he is a good rebounding guard as well.   [player_tooltip player_id='2252294' first='Jemon' last='Price'] | 6'2” PG | Westfield   <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>   Price was good when he was young, but he's steadily improved every year and coming off a big summer he's also been very impressive this fall and is someone coaches should really take a look at with his mix of toughness and skillset as well. He's a shifty guard with good change of pace and direction, he can create space and make tough shots from multiple levels, he can move off the ball and knock down shots off the catch, and he can set the tone on the defensive end too.   [player_tooltip player_id='2246278' first='Julian' last='Burgdolf'] | 5'11” PG | St. Stephen's St. Agnes   <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>   Burgdolf is a throwback style guard who can step in and make an immediate impact with his savvy as a floor general and ability to step in to a new system and grasp concepts making him capable of running the show early at the next level. He's very good in ball screens and hand-offs with the ability to read the defense make good decisions whether he turns the corner or drags it out, he is an efficient scorer who picks his spots and keeps defenses honest, and he has great instincts on the defensive end whether he's guarding the ball or jumping passing lanes.   [player_tooltip player_id='2605296' first='Messiah' last='Dixon'] | 5'9” PG | Fairfax Christian   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/tempImageng69OW.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/03/tempImageng69OW.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2801389" /></a></figure>   Dixon is a player I think could be a game changer at the next level who is often looked over due to his height, but his all-out style of play and tremendous speed makes him a game changer on both ends of the floor. He's a relentless on ball defender who can get under ball handlers and make them uncomfortable, he shoots gaps in the passing lane and has quick hands to pick-pockets in the open floor, he is dynamic in transition and puts a ton of pressure on the defense with his speed, and he can make an impact as both a scorer and a distributor as well.   [player_tooltip player_id='1966646' first='Noah' last='Barnhart'] | 6'1” PG | Robinson   Barnhart has been one of the top guards in the NOVA public schools over the past few seasons, as he's one of the most consistent scoring guards who can impact the game in a number of different ways. He's a strong and dynamic guard who can get in the paint and use his strength to play through and finish through contact, he can drill shots from deep off the catch and off the bounce, he's a heady playmaker and very crafty to draw contact and get to the line, and he can get hot and take over games when he gets it going.   [player_tooltip player_id='2148857' first='Cole' last='Forbrich'] | 5'10” CG | Evergreen Christian   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/Forbrich-Cole.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/Forbrich-Cole.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2966737" /></a></figure>   Forbrich is one of those players you will underestimate every time he steps on the floor, but his mix of toughness and shooting ability, coupled with his relentless work ethic, will make a big impact for a small school over a four year span. He is the type of player who leaves it all on the floor and comes back from the trainers table ready to leave more, he has effortless range and although it's a bit of a funky release it goes in more than it doesn't, and he has a knack for getting in the heads of his opponents as well.   [player_tooltip player_id='1588122' first='Mark' last='Stafford Jr']. | 5'9” PG | St. Stephen's St. Agnes   Stafford is a sleeper on an SSSAS team that is stacked in the backcourt, but he's the type of player who always finds a way to make an impact with his relentless motor, toughness and willingness to do whatever it takes to help his team win. He guards with tremendous energy and despite his size is very physical on that end, he has great burst and end-to-end speed to put pressure on the rim, he can make plays for others, and his tenacity is something that teammates feed into as well.

Heading into the high school season, I would like to highlight some players that I think are underrated or under recruited by colleges. These players are, in my opinion, either being overlooked by colleges at the level they could play for, or don't have enough schools at that level that are aware of the impact they could bring. Here's a look at seven guards in the Northern VA area that should be getting more love from college coaches.