2026 Rankings Update: Class 1A/2A Newcomer Guards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(189) [player_tooltip player_id='3255106' first='Tyler' last='Smith'] | PG | Cascade</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A 5-10 playmaker in the backcourt, Smith is a high IQ guard who can set his teammates up or knock down shots off the dribble for the Cougars. He's enjoying a breakout senior year, averaging 11.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.0 steals on 47-40-67 shooting splits.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(204) [player_tooltip player_id='2853883' first='Zach' last='Kolpin'] | CG | Ridge View</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kolpin is an impactful two-way player for one of the best defensive teams in 2A, putting constant pressure on opposing ball-handlers with his lateral movement, length, and quick hands. The 6-1 guard can play with or without the ball in his hands on the offensive end and is averaging 8.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 2.0 steals per game, but his impact goes well beyond the box score.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(208) [player_tooltip player_id='3255091' first='Brennen' last='Dale'] | PG | West Branch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dale is a talented passer who sees the floor extremely well and loves to get his teammates involved. He's averaging a team-high 4.6 assists per game for the Bears and will also contribute on the glass (4.3 rebounds) and score from all three levels (9.0 points on 41-32 splits).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(266) [player_tooltip player_id='3255129' first='Brayden' last='Davie'] | PG | Grundy Center</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Davie is a quick, athletic 5-10 guard who was a role player on last year's Spartans team and has stepped into a leading role as a senior, averaging 12.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. He's at his best when he's playing downhill and attacking the rim, using his speed and ball-handling to his advantage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(281) [player_tooltip player_id='3041731' first='Wyatt' last='Alesch'] | PG | MMCRU</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alesch has been fantastic to start his senior year, averaging 13.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 4.4 steals per game on 59-39 shooting splits. A 6-3 guard who can knock down shots off the catch as well as impact the game with the ball in his hands, he's an impactful, tough defender with length.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(300) [player_tooltip player_id='2624055' first='Adam' last='Brophy'] | PG | Anamosa</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brophy leads the Blue Raiders in assists and steals, dishing out 3.7 helpers per game and averaging 3.0 steals. He's a quick guard who uses his speed to his advantage on both ends of the floor on a nightly basis. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(302) [player_tooltip player_id='2479688' first='Griffin' last='Messer'] | SG | Earlham</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Messer is an ADM transfer who has stepped into a starring role under Austin Ash for the Cardinals, averaging a team-high 15.5 points and shooting 37% from the arc. A talented 6-1 guard who can score from all three levels, he has been a pleasant surprise for Earlham, a team that has also been a very pleasant surprise so far this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(324) [player_tooltip player_id='3255146' first='Jack' last='Christian'] | SG | SIoux Central</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A talented scorer who can do so in a variety of ways for the Rebels, Christian is averaging 19.6 points and 2.6 assists per game on 50-43-73 shooting splits. He can also impact the game on the defensive end, averaging 1.6 steals per game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(326) [player_tooltip player_id='2425936' first='Alex' last='Belew'] | SG | Don Bosco</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Belew is a really athletic, physical 6-1 guard who stuffs the stat sheet for the Dons, averaging 11.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.2 steals per game on 49% shooting. He's really good on the glass on both ends of the floor, an active defender, and he can play downhill and get to the rim.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->