Top new guards from 2026 Rankings Update Part 2

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our final 2026 rankings update saw 23 players make their debut in this final update after the OHSAA state championships. In this article we'll break down six guards who were added this week to the rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3148641"],"_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-69c6bc2f792de"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Badin had an excellent season, splitting the GCL Co-Ed title and making it all the way to a regional final. Stroud led the team in scoring at just over 14 PPG and also led the conference in steals with over one more steal per game than second place had. The lefty Stroud also knocked down 35 3-pointers this season and led the conference in assists. A small college target who checks a lot of boxes offensively, Stroud could find a nice niche as a combo guard who can make smart decisions, make shots and use his quick hands defensively to find a role.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2874795"],"_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-69c6bc2f79352"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A high academic tri-sport standout for the Blue Aces, Culver was an impressive guard, wide receiver and middle infielder at Granville. Culver has quick change of direction ability on the ball, using his explosive athleticism that translates from sport to sport. In Granville's marquee win of the season over Licking Heights, Culver led the way with 21 points and four 3-pointers. During the fall, Culver had three touchdowns in Granville's thrilling 30-28 playoff win over Sheridan, showing that when the lights shine brightest, he comes ready to play no matter the season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2300384"],"_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-69c6bc2f7939f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A state champion, Thigpen helped Massillon Washington complete their dream season with a title in a thrilling overtime contest Vs Westerville North. Thigpen plays aggressively on the offensively end of the court, using his quick first step and explosive athleticism. I liked how Thigpen stayed in attack mode whenever he was on the court and looked to run in transition whenever possible. While he holds some small college offers on the gridiron for football, I think Thigpen also has the ability to play small college basketball as well if he desires.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2709157"],"_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-69c6bc2f793e6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">North Royalton has won back-to-back regional championships in Division II during the new seven Division format and it's because of steady guard play. Escano is a multi-sport athlete who can knock down shots off the catch and has a compact frame that allows him to play with strength and physicality. Best of luck to Escano as he prepares for his senior season of baseball, his top sport.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2892735"],"_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-69c6bc2f79428"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Despite being undersized, Luis plays with a lot of heart on both ends of the court and was an impact player at the Prep Hoops Expo. One of the best 3-point shooters statistically in Ohio, Luis connected on almost half of his 92 3-point attempts this season. Shooting is at a premium at all levels of college basketball and Luis can do that at an extremely high level. Troy made the district title for the first time in over a decade and Luis is looking for an opportunity to play at the college level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2620326"],"_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-69c6bc2f7946b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Waynesville went on an incredible 22 game win streak to advance all the way to the regional finals with a talented group. Sesslar has a quick change of direction with the ball in his hands and plays with real juice when attacking off the dribble. I was impressed with how Sesslar played against talented athletes on Summit Country Day in the regional title game, earning him a spot in our rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->