Class 1 Guards to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Hoops Missouri begins it preseason previews with a look at some of the top Class 1 guards to watch in 2025-26.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2626120' first='Jack' last='Meyerkorth'] (Rock Port): A 6'2 2027 sharpshooter who is one of the top returning scores in the Class 1 ranks. He made 83 3-pointers last season with many coming from well beyond the line. As a sophomore, he averaged 23 points, three assists and four steals a game in leading Rock Port to a berth in the state quarterfinals. He was an All-State selection last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2205728' first='Brennen' last='Meloy'] (Bunker): A 6'3 2027 guard who has earned All-State honors in both of his first two seasons of varsity ball. He is a big guard who uses his size and strength to dominate smaller defenders in the post. He also puts in work on the perimeter with his ability to drive it and also knock down 3-pointers off the dribble. He had a high game of 49 points against Steelville last season. He has already scored more than 1,000 points in just two seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2966451' first='Maddox' last='McCarthy'] (Halfway): A 6'1 2026 guard who is one of the top small-school players in the SWMO area. He is a consistent scorer from all three levels. He has the physical strength to score around the basket and he will also knock down shots from 3-point range. He has already surpassed 1,000 career points. He was an All-State selection last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2843271' first='Nathan' last='Sawyer'] (Wheatland): A 6'0" 2026 guard who earned All-State honors after leading the Mules to a Final Four berth in the state tournament. He is an excellent 3-point shooter who hit more than 80 triples while shooting 38 percent from beyond the arc. As a junior, he averaged 16 points, five rebounds and three assists a game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2966383' first='Gary' last='Tilley'] (Richland): A 6'4" 2026 guard who returns as one of the top sharpshooters in the SEMO area. He has a smooth release with shooting range that extends well beyond the 3-point line. He can also attack the close outs to score off the dribble for pull up jumpers and layups. He was an All-State performer after averaging more than 20 points and leading Richland to a district championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2968298' first='Prestin' last='Kinyon'] (Chadwick): A 6'1" 2027 guard who is the top returning player for the Cardinals, who have won back-to-back Class 1 state championships. He is an excellent athlete who attacks the basket well and also plays with a strong motor. As a sophomore, he averaged 14 points and seven rebounds a game while shooting 38 percent from 3-point range.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2966389' first='Danny' last='Janssen'] (Higbee): A 6'2" 2026 guard who has a smooth shooting stroke from 3-point range. The southpaw sniper moves well without the ball and relocates well to the open spots. He also operates well from the high post where he can attack off the dribble and hit the mid-range jumper. He did a nice job in emerging as Higbee's new go-to guy on offense. He was selected to the All-State team last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Max McMillen (Faith Christian): A 6'2" 2026 guard who is a two-sport standout who also excels on the baseball diamond. He is a smooth lefty who exudes calm and confidence when he has the ball in his hands. His court vision is excellent as he can zip passes from multiple angles to open teammates. He also gets downhill on the drive to get buckets. He can also operate in the high post with his ability to pass it or score on the drive or the jumper.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2919088' first='Balston' last='Brown'] (Brunswick): A 6'2" 2028 guard who is one of the top young prospects in the Class 1 ranks. He has good size and athleticism, which enables him to impact the game at both ends of the floor. He will play an even bigger role this season as a sophomore after a solid freshman season on a talented Brunswick team last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Eli Rogers (Risco): A 6'0" 2026 guard who is one of the top returning players from a Tigers team that won 27 games and a district championship last season. He's a smooth southpaw who can really fill it up from 3-point range. He can also drive it and score in the lane from the variety of angles. He is also not afraid to take big shots in clutch situations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->