Playoff Watchlist: Guards, Wings, and Game-Changers

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">As the postseason nears, roles sharpen, possessions tighten, and real difference-makers rise. These are the players who can tilt games, swing momentum, and separate themselves when the lights are brightest. Whether it is elite shot-making, leadership, versatility, or competitive edge, each of these names is trending up, and coaches, fans, and college programs should be paying attention…</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3455806,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/PH-Joshua-Marshall-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/PH-Joshua-Marshall-C.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-3455806" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2396600' first='Joshua' last='Marshall']</strong> (6'3/CG/'26/JCA)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: n0.limitt.j</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @No_limit_Josiah</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Joshua is a matchup nightmare and one of the most complete players in this article. He is a true do-it-all combo guard, and legitimately plays positions 1 through 5 for JCA. He shoots it, handles it, passes it, scores at all three levels, and makes winning plays without needing direction. His feel for the game is advanced, and his ability to impact possessions organically separates him from most guards in his class. He has a polished midrange game that forces defenders into impossible decisions, and once they overcommit, he has the burst and vertical pop to rise above the rim and finish with authority. He is a high-flying guard who plays above the rim, yet still thrives with patience and craft in the half court. Add in his ability to post smaller or even bigger guards, knock down the three consistently, and defend at a high level, and you have a true three-level scorer who affects the game on both ends.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3455905,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/PH-Caleb-Brooks-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/PH-Caleb-Brooks-C.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-3455905" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Caleb Brooks</strong> (6'2/G/'28/Auburn)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: cbrooks_21</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @Caleb24Brooks</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Caleb is an impact guard who lives in attack mode. He is active on both ends of the floor, plays with consistent intensity and brings energy every time he steps between the lines. While not always the primary scoring option, he has proven he can capitalize when opportunities present themselves by making timely shots, attacking gaps, and finishing plays. His defensive effort, motor, and willingness to do the little things make him a valuable postseason piece. As he continues to grow, his offensive confidence will only rise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3236682,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"media","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/PH-Everett-Welch-C.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/12/PH-Everett-Welch-C.png?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-3236682" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Everett Welch</strong> (6'5/Wing/'27/Dothan)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: everett_welch03</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Everett is a floor-spacing weapon with the length teams covet on the wing. He is a reliable catch-and-shoot threat from deep, and he forces defenses to stay honest which opens driving lanes for teammates who thrive downhill. His size and shooting touch make him especially valuable late in games when spacing becomes critical. If Everett can consistently knock down perimeter shots during the playoff stretch, his impact will extend far beyond the box score, as he will stretch defenses, shift coverages, and create offensive balance for his squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Jarell Jordan</strong> (5'9/PG/'27/Vigor)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: rellripkinzie</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @relljordan2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Jarell is a floor general who controls games with pace, poise, and pressure. He dictates tempo, gets his team organized, and understands when to attack versus when to facilitate. Despite his size, he consistently plays bigger than his frame, using speed, instincts, and toughness to impact winning. He can score when needed, but his true value lies in how he runs the show. He puts teammates in their spots, keeps defenses off balance, and thrives in moments where decision-making matters most. In the playoffs, guards like this win games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3070713' first='Jaehden' last='Johnson']</strong> (6'0/PG/'26/New Hope)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: _jaebuckets</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @_jaedabuck</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Jaehden is the engine that keeps everything running and the ball is in his hands for a reason. He has a high skill level seen in his tight handle, quick burst, and shooting touch that is both accurate and confident. He embraces being the primary decision-maker, consistently balancing scoring and playmaking while setting the tone with his effort. His competitiveness, combined with his production, makes him a guard you trust late in games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>TreVonte Flowers</strong> (6'3/PG/'27/Highland Homes)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">TreVonte brings a physical presence and mature approach to the guard position. He is athletic, strong, and smart, and plays the game with a high IQ and natural leadership qualities. He understands spacing, reads defenses well, and doesn't shy away from contact. His ability to control the game physically while still making smart decisions makes him a tough cover in playoff environments. He is the type of guard who elevates the level of play around him and thrives when games get tight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->