2026 Guards With Best Chance to Rise This Season

As our rankings go through routine updates, it's always useful to go through as asterisk some names that will have a chance to improve their status this high school season. Whether it be sheer improvement, stepping into a bigger role with more expectations, or a combination of the two, even when we submit the updated rankings we know there is a chance we are still lower on a few names. For this article, I'll highlight some guard prospects in MD/DC who will have a chance to build their argument for a boost in the next update down the road.    Harvey steps into the primary scoring option for the Admirals this season after losing last year's engine, Kingston Price (Fordham), to graduation. The 6-foot-3 two-guard has shown that he's able to shoulder the responsibility with a strong summer on the UAA Circuit and throughout the scholastic live period as well as fall showings. He's a capable shot-maker from all three levels, but when operating off the bounce, is looking to gain an edge on his defender and finish around the rim. He can use his quick first step to attack defenders on kick-outs or swing passes and has enough explosion to make a play at the rim through traffic.     Taylor is another name stepping into a key role as a senior. Although he was the primary option for Pallotti last season, the 6-foot-2 lead guard spent his summer adding more mass to his frame in order to score through contact, create separation off the bounce in the mid-range, and remain consistent with his legs throughout the course of games. Taylor can put up a crooked number in the scoring column and will likely have the neon green light for his team again this winter as they look to surprise some teams in the MIAA A Conference as they enter as one of the sleeper teams. Currently ranked No. 60 overall, a big season could result in a jump into the top-40.     In order for John Carroll to reach their potential and fulfill their aspirations of being a true contender in the BCL and MIAA A Conference, they'll need a consistent and efficient scoring option as opposing defenses will gameplan to stop [player_tooltip player_id='1782586' first='Aidan' last='Able'] (UMBC) at all costs. Lee brings great positional size at 6-foot-4 and range with his jumper off the catch that can extend a few feet beyond the arc. He's shown flashes as a playmaker off the bounce, but will need to put together stretches in order to demand the defense's respect in that manner. Nevertheless, the Patriots' up-tempo, three-point happy offensive style suits Lee's strengths and with Able developing his willingness as a playmaker for others, there should be plenty of games where Lee can leave his mark.     We've covered Byrd pretty extensively since getting eyes on him this summer. I'm confident that he'll be a riser in the future update for a multitude of reasons. The first being that he's the straw that stirs the drink for what should be a good B-CC team this season. To add, his balanced skillset as a scorer and overall playmaker will further boost his value as will his ability to dial in on the defensive side of the ball. He's shown elite leadership qualities and communication as the quarterback of the defense when playing along the backline or weak side in help position. His passion and intensity are infectious to those around him and the consistent effort that he provides should warrant a long list of DIII programs vying for his services.     Hopkins has quietly become on of the more improved senior guards in the Baltimore area and is now garnering attention from DIII programs thanks to his steady production and performances this fall. He can be featured on or off the ball for this McDonogh team and when he's off of it, can pose as a spot-up threat around the perimeter as well as a guy who can create his own offense with the shot clock winding down. Hopkins can control the tempo and push the pace to expose advantages in the open floor for his team and while he provides solid on-ball defensive pressure, becoming more vocal will be a key point of improvement for him moving forward and eventually at the collegiate level.     This Blake team is equipped with a stable of senior guards alongside top-10 prospect Baba Oladotun who will further their case as favorites to earn a spot down at the Xfinity Center this March. There's a great chance that Kennard's production and contributions will play a factor in just how dynamic of a team they can become. If they make a run in Montgomery County like the majority believe they will, Kennard's value and ranking will improve as a result. A quick-twitch primary ball handler, Kennard is a tough check in straight-line drives where he gets to the rim in a flash for quick scoop lay-ups. When he turns the corner or finds a driving lane, Kennard isn't just fixated on scoring. He has the feel and anticipation to find his bigs along the baseline when their man steps over to halt the penetration. He's a capable shot-maker that defenders must respect with a high hand on the perimeter, making him an all-around, but under the radar threat who has a chance to rise this season.

As our rankings go through routine updates, it's always useful to go through as asterisk some names that will have a chance to improve their status this high school season. Whether it be sheer improvement, stepping into a bigger role with more expectations, or a combination of the two, even when we submit the updated rankings we know there is a chance we are still lower on a few names. For this article, I'll highlight some guard prospects in MD/DC who will have a chance to build their argument for a boost in the next update down the road.