Updated 2026 Rankings: Stock-Rising Guards (Pt. 1)

The 2026 rankings were updated and with that, we'll be breaking down the prospects in several ways. We observed the top-10 and all of the changes within it, but now it's time to shift the focus towards the prospects who made significant jumps thanks to their production. We start with part one of the stock-rising guards.    Parlow has fully embraced his increased role with the Warriors this season as more of a primary scoring guard in comparison to last season where he was more of a catch-and-shoot, floor-spacing shooter. While he still provides the valuable space due to his deadly outside shooting prowess, his game off the bounce attacking off a few dribbles or becoming a true above the rim threat in transition has not only bolstered his own stock, but also turned Mt. Zion into a much more dangerous team. Currently considered a top-10 prep program nationally, Mt. Zion will enter the thick of their schedule in the coming weeks, particularly in EPL play where the 6-foot-3 senior is averaged a blistering 23.5 points per game. Parlow moved up 22 spots in the latest update after a loud start to the 2025-26 season.     Shoultz has steadily improved since his arrival as the senior transfer took some time to adjust to his role at DeMatha. The Ohio native has settled in and now become a two-way impact guard for head coach Mike Jones who poses as a shooting threat from the perimeter off the catch with the burst to attack closeouts and finish in posterizing fashion thanks to his athletic pop. He brings a competitive edge to the defensive end that is shown with his competitiveness both on and off the ball. His low-maintenance approach and efficient offensive skill set has proven to fit nicely alongside more of a volume scorer such as [player_tooltip player_id='1782654' first='Ashton' last='Meeks']. Shoultz jumped up 28 spots from the last update.     Clinton Grace entered this season viewed as a potential juggernaut in the DMV and while they earned a few quality wins early, the Eagles have stumbled the last few weeks against some of the elite programs not only in the area, but nationally. Owinje is a key ingredient to their success as a three-point shooter that opens up driving lanes for the dynamic guards to take advantage of. In more than a few occasions, he's had to lead the scoring effort and as he proved during his junior season, can be a guy that can quickly change the momentum of a game in his team's favor. His tools that translate to the next level start with the size and the shooting. When Owinje is sticking to his strengths, it shines bright for both he and his team. If he can continue to embrace the versatile tools he poses defensively, develops a game off the bounce and becomes more of a consistent communicator, there's a chance that a DI programs may pull the trigger on an offer. Owinje's big-time outings had resulted in a 10-spot jump in this update.     All of these guard mentioned above, along with McLaughlin, remain on the market. This lead guard embodies many traits that could be coveted at the college level with the way he can dictate tempo, create opportunities for those around him with consistency and come through when his own number is called to score. McLaughlin is a two-way point guard who makes life for the opposition miserable with his impactful ball pressure and active hands. He's one of those players that you know exactly what you're going to get whenever he steps on the floor and for a point guard, that's essential in today's game. In our most recent viewing, he led Riverdale to a 2OT win over Friendship Tech (DC) as he packed the stat sheet for 20 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists and 6 steals.     Edwards caught our eye in the summer with drastic improvements in his overall skill set as well as his athleticism and consistently punching it on defenders with power. He has lived up to expectations for Catonsville and has them near the top of the Baltimore County standings all while emerging as the county POY favorite. If he can sustain this level of play, I'd fully expect the Comets to continue their run as county title contenders and prepare to make a serious run in the state playoffs. The 6-foot-1 combo guard is dynamic, a scoring threat from multiple levels and has shown real buy-in on the defensive end, which has helped him balloon 20 spots up the rankings to No. 42.

The 2026 rankings were updated and with that, we'll be breaking down the prospects in several ways. We observed the top-10 and all of the changes within it, but now it's time to shift the focus towards the prospects who made significant jumps thanks to their production. We start with part one of the stock-rising guards.