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Tough Guards to Watch

Tough Guards to Watch
Aasim Sullivan
Aasim Sullivan January 27, 2026 @ 11:15 AM
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In this article:

Emmanuel Ayeye
Emmanuel Ayeye 6'4" | CG/SF | 2027
NY
David Gaymon
David Gaymon 6'3" | CG | 2026
New E
Luca Balducci
Luca Balducci 6'0" | PG | 2028
New E
Joel Nash
Joel Nash 6'0" | PG | 2026
New E
Alonzo Archbold
Alonzo Archbold 6'8" | PF | 2027
New E
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Got you — cleaner, more straight to it:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Guard play continues to define winning at every level, and this group stands out for their consistency, skill, and impact on the game. These are players who can create offense, handle pressure, and make the right reads when it matters most. Whether it's scoring at all three levels, defending their position, or controlling tempo, they bring a level of reliability coaches value. Each of these guards has proven they can influence outcomes, not just fill the box score.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2341337"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6978f2a834837"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nash is a super skilled guard who consistently puts pressure on the defense with his ability to get to the rack. He plays with a high IQ, showing a strong feel for timing, spacing, and decision-making. Nash does a good job of reading help defenders and finding teammates when the defense collapses. As a scorer, he's comfortable creating his own shot and finishing through traffic. He shows patience in the half court and rarely looks rushed with the ball in his hands. His skill level allows him to impact the game both on and off the ball. Overall, Nash is a reliable offensive presence who makes those around him better while still being able to score when needed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2486597"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6978f2a8348c4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Balducci is a tough three-level scorer who consistently finds ways to put points on the board. He does a great job of getting to his spots and playing with confidence in the half court. When defenders give him space, he's comfortable rising up and knocking down shots over the top. He also shows the ability to score off the bounce, keeping defenses honest. Balducci plays with a strong feel for pace and doesn't force the action. His scoring versatility makes him difficult to game plan against. He's a player to continue to watch as his impact continues to grow.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2207287"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6978f2a834925"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Archbold is a talented guard whose stock continues to rise with his consistent play. He has nice positional size, which allows him to see over the defense and create advantages. Archbold does a strong job finishing around the basket, using touch and body control in traffic. He's also capable of finishing above the rim when he gets a clean lane. His physical tools translate well on both ends of the floor. Archbold plays with confidence and continues to expand his offensive impact. He's a guard to keep a close eye on moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Emmanuel Ayeye","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'4u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77244","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Holy Trinity","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6978f2a8349e6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ayeye is a dynamic guard who brings range from three and confidence as a shot maker. He plays at a smooth, controlled pace that allows him to stay under control in the half court. When he finds a rhythm, he can heat up quickly and change the momentum of a game. Ayeye also shows good playmaking instincts, making the right reads and setting up teammates. He impacts the game on both ends, using his length and timing to block shots. His versatility allows him to contribute in multiple ways beyond scoring. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2759593"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6978f2a834a3d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gaymon is a smooth guard who can score in a variety of ways within the flow of the offense. He does a good job getting downhill and putting pressure on the rim. When he's aggressive, he has the ability to take over a game on the offensive end. Gaymon is also a tough defender who consistently gets his hands in the passing lanes. He plays with good anticipation and competes on that end of the floor. On top of that, he isn't afraid to come down and rebound his position. His all-around impact makes him a guard who influences winning on both ends.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

Got you — cleaner, more straight to it:

Joel Nash

Joel Nash

New E
PG
HEIGHT 6'0"
POS PG
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Joel
Nash PG
Class
2026
Height
6'0"
HS
Avon Old Farms
|
New E
Tough Guards to Watch
Nash is a super skilled guard who consistently puts pressure on the defense with his ability to get...
Written by Aasim Sullivan
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Joel Nash

State: New England
School: Avon Old Farms
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Highlights

Luca Balducci

Luca Balducci

New E
PG
HEIGHT 6'0"
POS PG
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Luca
Balducci PG
Class
2028
Height
6'0"
HS
Loomis Chaffee
|
New E
Tough Guards to Watch
Balducci is a tough three-level scorer who consistently finds ways to put points on the board. He does...
Written by Aasim Sullivan
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Luca Balducci

Instagram Twitter
State: New England
School: Loomis Chaffee
Club: NY Rens
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Alonzo Archbold

Alonzo Archbold

New E
PF
HEIGHT 6'8"
POS PF
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Alonzo
Archbold PF
Class
2027
Height
6'8"
HS
Hotchkiss School
|
New E
Tough Guards to Watch
Archbold is a talented guard whose stock continues to rise with his consistent play. He has nice positional...
Written by Aasim Sullivan
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Alonzo Archbold

State: New England
School: Hotchkiss School
Club: New Heights
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Highlights

Emmanuel Ayeye

Emmanuel Ayeye

HEIGHT 6'4"
POS CG
CLASS 2027

Emmanuel Ayeye

School: Holy Trinity
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David Gaymon

David Gaymon

New E
CG
HEIGHT 6'3"
POS CG
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
David
Gaymon CG
Class
2026
Height
6'3"
HS
Putnam Science
|
New E
Tough Guards to Watch
Gaymon is a smooth guard who can score in a variety of ways within the flow of the...
Written by Aasim Sullivan
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

David Gaymon

State: New England
School: Putnam Science
Club: New York Lightning
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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