Top new Guards from 2026 Rankings Update

Our 2026 rankings update saw 27 players get added to our list, in this article we'll break down seven guards who made their debut today in our rankings!    Gilbert had a career-high 26 points in Newark's victory over defending state champion Olentangy Orange over the weekend in what was another statement performance this season for the unbeaten Wildcats. An elite shooter of the basketball, Gilbert has enough wiggle off the dribble to attack closeouts and Newark's quick ball movement makes them a tough cover. Gilbert is a standout multi-sport athlete for Newark, as he's also a top golfer in the OCC.     A unique guard prospect, Dye is a stocky guard who wants to play through contact and then hit perimeter shots in your face if you aren't prepared for the shot. An impressive shot-maker, Dye can put up points in a hurry if he catches fire. Rhodes has consistently been one of the top programs in the Cleveland Senate league currently sit at 8-1 in conference play, with their lone loss coming to Glenville by just five points. With a tough non-conference schedule that's allowed Rhodes to play some top teams across northeast Ohio, they'll be battle tested before a potential rematch in the Senate title game.     While his younger brother Keonte receives a majority of the attention on Dayton Northridge, their success this season wouldn't be possible without senior [player_tooltip player_id='2392355' first='Deonte' last='Smith']'s leadership, toughness and defense. Smith averages 2.6 steals per game, which is tied for third in the TRC. Smith is a strong guard who wants to use his physicality to overpower smaller defenders in the paint. Smith's 27-point performance in a season opening win over Cincinnati Elder gave people an instant look at the potential the Polar Bears had this season and with a 15-1 record right now, they have generated a lot of buzz this season.     Despite being undersized, Cunningham has been a steady varsity contributor for a Springfield program that continues to improve. Cunningham has scored 10+ PPG each of the past three seasons. An impressive perimeter shooter, Cunningham consistently knocks down shots when opposing teams try to play zone defense against Springfield. A multi-sport athlete, Cunningham is a defensive back for the football team, one of the top public school programs in Ohio. Look for Cunningham to generate some recruiting interest on the hardwood as small colleges continue to try and build out their roster.     The first of two GCL-South guards in this article, Gruber is the third leading scorer on a senior-laden Bombers squad. Gruber has a quick first step and a strong upper body, allowing him to fit in with the physicality of GCL-South basketball. Gruber had one of the highlights of the season with a 3/4 court shot at the end of a quarter Vs Covington Catholic, that game was one of four double-digit scoring efforts so far for Gruber this season.     Caldwell has been one of the top programs in the east district for a while and Schott is a senior guard who is an elite shooter who knocked down 46% of his 3-pointers and 94% of his free throws as a junior. Caldwell is currently 11-2 as they split with rival Fort Frye while also falling to defending state champion Monroe Central. Their season opening win over Racine Southern stands out on the Redskins resume as they try to establish themselves as a Division VI contender.     Another GCL-South guard and another multi-sport athlete, kind of a theme of this article. It's not surprising that prospects who stay busy playing multiple sports have burst onto the basketball scene a little later and while Lang's future is on the soccer pitch where he's committed to Bellarmine and was named to the United Soccer Coaches 2025 High School All-America Team, Lang is a guard who deserves to be shown some love for his talents on the hardwood as well. A quick guard who is able to change directions quickly, the burst and footwork of Lang is noticeable from the soccer pitch to the hardwood. A confident set shooter, Lang is shooting above 40% from 3-point range this season. Lang's near 2/1 A/TO ratio also stands out as a guard who Moeller can trust with the ball in his hands to get it to the right scorers. Impressive overall athlete from Cincinnati!

Our 2026 rankings update saw 27 players get added to our list, in this article we'll break down seven guards who made their debut today in our rankings!