Top new guards from 2027 Rankings Update

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our 2027 rankings update was released last week and in this article I'll break down five guards who were added to our list this week!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3537733"],"_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-6a0cbf7c29f11"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Westland is a program that has continued to improve under Joel Jackson, the 2025-26 OCC coach of the year. While he has set a standard for their culture and demanded toughness, he also has some quality talent playing for him like Heller. A quick guard, Heller is tough to contain at the point of attack offensively and a hard-nosed on-ball defender. Heller won the Columbus Dispatch player of the week back in December as he was one of the breakout players from central Ohio's 2027 class as a junior. Look for Westland to once again contend near the top of the OCC and for a district title with Heller and [player_tooltip player_id='2294839' first='Antwon' last='Pollard'] leading the charge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3588082"],"_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-6a0cbf7c29fec"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">North College Hill was one of the biggest year to year turnarounds in the state of Ohio last season with Lipscomb leading the team in scoring at over 17 PPG. Lipscomb showed the ability to score at multiple levels with 42 made 3-pointers, over 100 made 2-pointers and 65 made free throws last season. Lipscomb had five games scoring 25 or more points last season as he has some real on-ball scoring ability. I'd imagine Lipscomb gets some quality looks from small college and JUCO programs due to his ability to thrive in up-tempo environments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3626307"],"_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-6a0cbf7c2a083"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An explosive athlete from the guard position, Jackson is a fun player to watch operate. Jackson is shifty from the triple threat and has the explosive athleticism and quick burst to get by his man and finish above the rim. I love guards who finish off two feet and Jackson is the unique athlete who can finish with a dunk off two feet at the rim. Jackson was named first team all-league after his junior season due to his impressive scoring numbers. If Jackson can continue to round out his game he should get added to priority small college recruiting lists.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3588077"],"_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-6a0cbf7c2a117"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cleveland Central Catholic has an excellent 2027 backcourt as they made another deep playoff run. Duncan checks a lot of boxes from the guard position as he has a stock frame that allows him to play physical at both ends of the court. A leader on the court, Duncan is unselfish, usually in the right place as a help-side defender and makes sure his teammates are set where they are supposed to be. Duncan finds ways to impact the game without scoring so when he does score as well it's the cherry on top for his impact. Expect the Ironmen to be a tough out once again this winter in northeast Ohio.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2436907"],"_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-6a0cbf7c2a1a8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Northwest Ohio always has a group of regional small college prospects that end up making an impact at the small college level around northwest Ohio and the surrounding regions. Welch is the lead guard for their group this year at the 17 U level. Welch has a high feel for the game as he takes care of the basketball incredibly well against pressure and sets up his teammates with easy shots. Able to get low on drives, Welch has a low center of gravity and has a compact frame which allows him to be a standout on the gridiron as well. Van Wert should be a force in both football and basketball this season with Welch as an impact senior for both groups.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->