Playmaking Guards to Watch Heading Into the Spring and Summer

As the spring and summer circuits approach, playmaking guards continue to stand out. They do this by controlling the pace. They make others better and consistently perform against high-level competition. The following guards have proven they can run a team, handle pressure, and impact winning in meaningful ways. Each brings a different style to the position. Yet, all share a common trait. They have a high-level feel for the game that college coaches value.   <div></div>    Claiborne is a true lead guard in every sense. He shows a strong command of the game. He plays for a nationally ranked Petersburg program loaded with talent. He excels at organizing the offense, reading ball screens, and consistently putting teammates in scoring positions. His feel for timing and spacing stands out. He rarely forces the game. He understands when to push tempo versus when to settle his team. Despite being under six feet, Claiborne competes at a high level against top guards. He has proven he can impact games with his decision-making. His toughness is also a key factor.   Offensively, Claiborne is a three-level scorer who can hurt defenses in multiple ways. He changes pace well. He handles pressure with confidence. He gets into the paint where he finishes with craft, touch, and a reliable floater. His jumper is compact and dependable, especially off the catch, and his basketball IQ consistently shows late in games. On the defensive end, he's aggressive at the point of attack and embraces the challenge of guarding opposing lead guards. As we move into the spring and summer, Claiborne is set for a breakout stretch. This should solidify his status as one of the top point guards in Virginia's 2027 class.     Lamm has established himself as the engine behind a young Benedictine squad. He brings toughness to the team. His leadership is evident, and he consistently demonstrates it on a nightly basis. He plays the game with a hard-nosed mentality and thrives at getting downhill, putting pressure on defenses early and often. His experience as a lead guard is easy to see. He manages possessions effectively. He keeps teammates engaged and performs well against high-level competition on a demanding schedule. Lamm's presence is felt immediately, as he sets the tone with his competitiveness and poise.   What separates Lamm is his maturity and feel for the game. He's comfortable in high-pressure moments, never shying away from responsibility, and consistently makes the right play. He can score from anywhere on the floor. However, his ability to create for others truly elevates his value. His skill in reading defensive coverage's is also a significant factor. He plays every possession with intent, competes defensively, and brings an edge that college coaches covet in a point guard. Regardless of class, Lamm continues to prove he belongs in conversations among the top point guards in the state.     Golden has emerged as one of the top young guards in the area. He is only a sophomore. Despite his age, he has earned the trust to lead a stacked Henrico roster. He plays with a calm, composed demeanor. He shows advanced instincts as a playmaker. He consistently reads ball screens and identifies scoring opportunities for teammates. His ability to get downhill and collapse defenses has been a major asset. He also demonstrates a strong understanding of how to control the flow of the game.   His basketball IQ stands out even more when watching his shot selection and decision-making. Golden makes high-percentage plays, rarely forces the issue, and continues to grow more confident as a scoring threat. His jumper is solid and improving. As defenses respect him more as a scorer, his playmaking becomes even more dangerous. Golden projects as a long-term name for college coaches to track. His skill set and feel for the game should only continue to rise over the next few years.     Tyler is undersized, but his speed, confidence, and competitiveness immediately jump off the page. He's one of the quickest guards in the area. He plays with an aggressive mindset. This mindset allows him to impact games on both ends of the floor. Tyler excels as a playmaker. He uses his quick first step to break down defenders. This creates advantages, especially in transition. This is where he's at his best.   Defensively, Tyler brings nonstop energy, capable of picking up full court and disrupting opposing guards. Offensively, he's a dangerous perimeter shooter. He can get hot in a hurry, making defenses pay when they go under screens. He also makes them pay if they lose him in transition. His confidence never wavers, and he plays with a chip that fuels his production. As the spring and summer circuits ramp up, Tyler is a guard. He will surprise people and make real noise against quality competition.     Mooney plays with the polish and feel you'd expect from a coach's son. He shows an elite understanding of the game well beyond his years. He does an excellent job controlling tempo. He excels at reading defenses. He makes subtle plays that don't always show up in the box score. These plays consistently impact winning. His ability to dictate pace and keep his team organized stands out, especially for a guard in the 2028 class.   Offensively, Mooney is a skilled three-level scorer with a smooth jumper and crafty ball-handling ability. He's comfortable creating his own shot or setting up teammates, particularly in transition, where he sees the floor exceptionally well. His high basketball IQ and shooting touch make him a guard to watch. His overall feel for the game is another reason college coaches should monitor him closely as he continues to develop. Expect Mooney to take another step forward this spring and summer as his confidence and role expand.    As the spring and summer evaluation periods approach, these guards have positioned themselves as names college coaches should prioritize. Each offers a strong blend of basketball IQ, competitiveness, and leadership at the point of attack. They consistently prove they can impact winning against quality competition. These playmakers excel at controlling tempo. They excel at creating for others and stepping up in big moments. They are trending in the right direction. They should continue to elevate their stock as the live periods get underway.

As the spring and summer circuits approach, playmaking guards continue to stand out. They do this by controlling the pace. They make others better and consistently perform against high-level competition. The following guards have proven they can run a team, handle pressure, and impact winning in meaningful ways. Each brings a different style to the position. Yet, all share a common trait. They have a high-level feel for the game that college coaches value.