HS Preview: ’26 SG/SF Poised to Take a Leap

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The high school season in Southern California is just under a month away and we wanted to take some time to shine a spotlight on some players who are poised to make a big leap as players and recruits. Below we take a look at six shooting guards and wings who we believe will boost their stock.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1956481' first='Eli' last='Garner'] | Damien</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For those familiar with basketball in the San Gabriel Valley, and more specifically what Damien coach Mike LeDuc has done over the course of his illustrious career, he always puts his main offense weapon in position to score a lot of points. Garner has been and will be that guy this season as the Spartans transition away from 7-footer Nate Garcia which means more perimeter looks for the smooth 6-foot-5 shooting guard. Garner is one of the best catch-and-shoot threats in the region and Coach LeDuc knows how to use shooters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1956621' first='Ezekiel' last='Walker'] | Francis Parker</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Walker turned some heads in the summer playing for head coach Mason Biddle and the Francis Parker Lancers. The 6-foot-3 shooting guard is a consistent perimeter scoring threat with his ability to hit off-catch and off-bounce three-point and mid-range shots but what makes Walker so effective is the athleticism he has to go with it. His ability to elevate into his jumpers allows him to shoot over the top of closeouts and makes him an effective at-rim finisher.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2425767' first='Jeremiah' last='Lark'] | Oak Hills</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lark opened some eyes and showed people of his improvement as a perimeter offensive player and his potential as a next-level wing. The 6-foot-4 senior is best as a slasher and finisher or rip-and-go driver as his combination of physicality and explosive athleticism allows him to score at the rim efficiently. Lark's growth has come as a shooter with his confidence and consistency as a catch-and-shoot threat has improved.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2888818' first='Josh' last='King'] | Orange Lutheran</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've briefly discussed how King was injured last season before his transfer to Orange Lutheran and the 6-foot-3 off-guard can really fill up the scoring column. King's shooting ability should rank him among the state's best sharpshooters as his consistency off the catch, off the bounce, on the move, and with a lightning quick release, check all the boxes of an elite shooter. King isn't just a specialist, though, as he can create in isolation or slash to the rim and finish through contact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2425657' first='Tariq' last='Iscandari'] | St. John Bosco</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Iscandari will likely be the biggest beneficiary of the departure of [player_tooltip player_id='1956464' first='Tajh' last='Ariza'] to Link Academy in Missouri as it opens up a lot of playing time and shots on the wing. The 6-foot-4 senior has proven to be a reliable three-point shooter off the catch and, based on Bosco's roster, the need for a sharpshooter is clearly evident. Iscandari is also a good wing defender with his combination of size, strength and lateral athleticism.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2888674' first='Xzavier' last='Miller'] | Legacy Christian</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Miller is a physical and athletic left-handed wing/forward whose ability to play inside and out offensively lends to his versatility. The 6-foot-5 senior thrives in transition offense where he can get to the rim as a lane filler and cutter or driver. His physical and athletic tools then allow him to seek out and initiate contact and finish through it or elevate and score over the top of rim protectors. Miller is also a consistent threat to knock down the catch-and-shoot three-ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->