Final 2026 Rankings: Guards In The Top 25 That Moved Up

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Final 2026 Rankings have now been released. These seniors had phenomenal seasons, which helped give them one last boost in the rankings. A few of them also still have their recruitment open, and they are definitely players that colleges should take a closer look at if they need effective guards. Each of them has proven their ability to produce at a high level and impact winning, making them intriguing options for programs looking to add experienced backcourt talent.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1668933"],"_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-69b0a91288c1c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Previous Rank: 14</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I really liked what I saw from [player_tooltip player_id='1668933' first='Phil' last='Gordon'] these last few months. The hyper-athletic shooting guard gave teams issues all year with his burst, vertical, and ability to create separation, helping him average 14.7 PPG. When he attacks the basket he's hard to stay in front of, and he'll also make counter moves to elude defenders. His season high was 26 against North High School (AZ) and Desert Pines. Beyond his stellar offensive play, he was active on the glass and also caused turnovers fairly regularly.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Named My Most Improved in my 5A All-Conference Selections </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Additional 2025-2026 Season Stats - 4.1 RPG, 1.5 SPG, .4 BPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1962969"],"_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-69b0a91288cfe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Previous Rank: 16</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1962969' first='Ethan' last='Inocencio'] was one of the top scorers in 4A this season. Averaging an impressive 19.2 PPG. He has a knack for getting to his spots, and can shake most defenders thanks to his craftiness and burst. On the other end of the court, Inocencio had 2.4 steals a game, which helped him jumpstart transition for his team. All in all, he took things up a notch and put together a great senior season. At the moment he is unsigned, and is surely a prospect that may draw some real attention this spring and summer. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Additional 2025-2026 Stats - 3.2 RPG, 3.1 APG, .3 BPG </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1768793"],"_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-69b0a91288df2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Previous Rank: 23</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1768793' first='Bryce' last='Stephens'] is an all-around skilled prospect who plays winning basketball. On the defensive end, he can guard multiple positions thanks to his grit, strength, and IQ. He also applies pressure at the right times. which led to him coming up with just under 2 SPG (1.9). On offense, he can pour it in from downtown and can get hot (as evidenced in his game against Bishop Manogue). Stephens is also capable of getting to the rack if there's a lane and he's makes difficult finishes. Considering his upside, I think there's a college out there that would benefit from his services next season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Additional 2025-2026 Season Stats - 17.1 PPG, 6 RPG, 3.7 APG, .3 BPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2356155"],"_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-69b0a91288d7c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Previous Rank: 24</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2356155' first='Sheldon' last='Jacobson'] has many of the tools and traits you look for in a combo guard. His mid-range jump shot can be lethal, and he can also hit catch-and-shoot threes. I also witnessed him throw down a tough one-handed dunk at the Legacy Tip-Off Classic, showcasing his vertical. He also used his bounce and reaction time to block 29 shots this year. With all of that said, he more than deserved a bump up in the rankings and is set to continue his basketball career at Oregon Tech.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Additional 2025-2026 Season Stats - 17.6 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 3.6 APG, 2.4 SPG, .9 BPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1492605"],"_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-69b0a91288e6c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Previous Rank: 25</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1492605' first='Rylan' last='Hearns'] goes from 25 to 21 in my final 2026 rankings update. The 6'5 senior committed to Providence College in Rhode Island not long ago, and it's clear that he's ready to take the next step. He gets it done from 3-Point land and has a quick release that defenders don't always anticipate. Hearns can also make plays above the rim, and throws down dunks if there's an opportunity. As a defender, he's constantly on the move and can cover ground quickly between his large strides and wingspan. Look for him to keep progressing. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025-2026 Season Stats - 17.2 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 5.4 APG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2302752"],"_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-69b0f91071b2b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2302752' first='Elijah' last='Outlaw McDaniel']'s arrow was pointing up before the season started, and he proved to be quite the player for Durango this year. He went out and averaged 20.1 PPG, and had two 30 point games. 34 against Las Vegas and 30 against Green Valley. He has the ability to burn defenders in the open court, and it's essentially a guaranteed bucket if he gets out in transition. I also believe he has the size and wingspan to defend at the college level. While he is uncommitted at the moment, that will likely change in the coming months. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2025-2026 Season Stats - 7.7 RPG, 1.5 APG, 2.1 SPG, .9 BPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1765906"],"_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-69b0f91071b81"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1765906' first='Hunter' last='Iverson'] claims the #25 spot after taking home the 4A Lake League MVP. He did it all for the Wildcats, averaging 18.1 PPG to go with 8.6 rebounds. He lets it go from the perimeter with a ton of confidence and also utilizes his size to score inside on a regular basis. His two top outputs were against Centennial (34), and he also dropped 28 points against CIVICA. I was also a fan of how he performed in the playoffs, coming up with clutch baskets for Las Vegas and nearly helping them reach the 4A Southern Region Final. In addition to his stellar play on offense, he was scrappy on defense and contested shots consistently. Overall, he's a strong two-way player who leads his team and impacts the game on both ends of the floor.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Additional 2025-2026 Season Stats - 2.4 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 1.6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->