Capitol Hoops Challenge: Unsigned 2026 guards to watch

The 4th annual Capitol Hoops Challenge presented by the Washington Wizards takes place this weekend at DeMatha with a loaded two-day slate featuring several of the region's top programs. See below for a preview of several talented unsigned senior guards set to take part in the event over the course of the weekend.    One of the more established entities in the region, Meeks has been torching nets almost from Day One in a DeMatha uniform, posting more than his fair share of prolific shooting performances over the years in both scholastic and AAU settings. Meeks is a certified sniper from the perimeter, a threat to knock down a half-dozen 3s any time he takes the court with a lightning-quick release and the ability to set himself at a moment's notice whether off the catch or dribble. He's a dogged defender at the point of attack and has grown in his ability to facilitate and run a team from the lead guard spot. While not a traditional point despite his stature, Meeks' exploits from beyond the arc have him firmly on the radar of a handful of mid-major programs.     Shackleford has been lost in proverbial sauce at times, with Friendship Tech outside the conversation among D.C.'s premier programs and a host of high-major talent alongside him with [program_tooltip program_id='2078457' first='Team' last='Durant'] over the years. Nonetheless, when placed under the microscope he's always looked the part of a potential D1 prospect with dynamic scoring ability and a growing presence across the floor game. A coach's son, Shackleford shows mature pace and impressive polish to his handle while navigating downhill and taking on contact at the rim. He's not quite a true point, but is able to facilitate when he draws extra defenders and shows the ability to use his length and strength to bother opposing guards on D. Shackleford could be an intriguing late addition at the scholarship-level or could take potentially take off with a year in the prep school ranks given that he's currently a younger senior.     Returning for Riverdale under new head coach Rob Garner, McLaughlin is fulfilling an important role as a senior leader and one of the sole holdovers in the program from a year ago. He's answered the bell so far this season, proving himself as one of the tougher guards around with a translatable plug-and-play skillset in the backcourt. Spending time at both guard spots, McLaughlin has a steady handle getting into the offense with a smooth and repeatable release that allows him to heat up in a hurry from beyond the arc whether off the dribble or catch. He's a tough-nosed defender at the point of attack who sets a competitive tone whenever he's on the floor. While not the sexiest, McLaughlin is full of winning traits and feels like a safe bet to contribute at the scholarship level before too long.     Another experienced backcourt prospect, Bailey has been a fixture in the St. Andrew's lineup for years while steadily growing into a go-to contributor. Bailey plays both on and off the ball, using his quickness and a slick handle to get north-south for crafty floaters as well as spotting up beyond the arc with a polished quick-release shooting stroke. He's more of an undersized '2' or combo than a true lead guard but has grown over the past year and change in his feel for the game and ability to run a team. Bailey's toughness and prolific scoring ability provide the recipe for a scholarship-level guard who could thrive in a multi-pronged backcourt attack.     Helping fill the sizable shoes of PG County's all-time leading scorer in Cam Ward (now at Michigan State), Johnson has been called upon to step up significantly after years as a valued secondary option. He's answered the bell nicely thus far, leading the Lions so far this season with his hard-charging downhill style. Johnson is consistently a problem for opposing defenses to keep in front with a blend of physicality, ball skills, and a quick first step that he uses to attack the basket with impunity. He shows that he can keep things honest with his feet set from beyond the arc and really thrives with his ability to play passing lanes before getting into transition for highlight finishes. While a bit unrefined for the D1 level, Johnson's productivity and motor make him a nice scholarship-level option late in the cycle, with D2s, JUCOs, and prep schools all highly likely to benefit from his services.

The 4th annual Capitol Hoops Challenge presented by the Washington Wizards takes place this weekend at DeMatha with a loaded two-day slate featuring several of the region's top programs. See below for a preview of several talented unsigned senior guards set to take part in the event over the course of the weekend.