2026 Smartball Classic 1st Round Guard Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The opening round of the 2026 Smartball Classic featured no shortage of impressive guard play, with prospects making their presence felt as scorers, facilitators, and defenders. From lead guards controlling the pace to shot-makers delivering in key moments, several players separated themselves during the first round of action. Here is a closer look at some of the guards who stood out during the opening round.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2234320"],"_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-6a850cfb4acd4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">King continues to have a strong Summer, coming right out of MHC play and looking like the primary scoring option for an Eagle Bronx team that will again challenge for the PSAL crown this season. It will be on senior guard, who enters his 4th year of varsity play, to lead his team through Smartball and into his final year as a whole. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2886592"],"_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-6a850cfb4ad0f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The youngest player on this list, Almodovar's skill as a creator likely helps him to play significant minutes in his first year. With a great handle, IQ, and vision, his ability to run the show will allow All-CHSAA candidate [player_tooltip player_id='3035533' first='Akeem' last='McLaren'] to shoulder more of the scoring load this season. Scanlan appears to be in line to compete near the top of the NY/Bronx division this season, and Almodovar should play a real role. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2859528"],"_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-6a850cfb4ad33"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the top scorers in New York City regardless of class or Public school/Catholic- Romeo will be looking to make his last year the best. The senior guard had 24 points before half time in their opening round win, and has the type of firepower that could see Achievement First go on a deep run both at Smartball and deep in the PSAL again this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3270158"],"_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-6a850cfb4ad54"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A true point guard, Martinez lived in the lane during their opening round victory. The crafty and quick floor general had little issue knifing into the lane and either finding his big man for easy drop offs or kicking out to open shooters. He keeps his head up at all times, constantly surveying for where he may find the right pass to help his team get an advantage. As he gets stronger and becomes more of an offensive threat himself, look for college attention to come. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2960371"],"_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-6a850cfb4ad73"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">It's truly a new era at St. Raymond and Arrington looks more than ready to take over as the #1 option at point guard this season. A cat-quick creator who can get offense for himself and others, Arrington dazzled with his ability to get into the lane and find open teammates. Ray's as a whole will count on their speed and ability to turn teams over, so don't be surprised if Arrington has a big sophomore season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2780678"],"_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-6a850cfb4ad92"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Toomer is another point guard who like the other NYC area guards on this list, can create off the dribble at a high level. The lanky guard will likely be tasked with point guard duties this season and looked more than comfortable doing so with Masters. On a rising team with several scorers around him, the talented playmaker will have every opportunity to flourish through his sophomore season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->