Top New Guards from 2028 Rankings Update

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our 2028 rankings update saw almost 30 players added to our rankings after a busy summer of basketball. In this article I'll break down four guards who were added to our rankings for the first time this week.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2386696"],"_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-6a6c12fa20ac9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The top ranked newcomer to our list, Howard made the move from Monroe to Fairfield and has already benefitted from the increased exposure. I caught Howard for the first time at Midwest Live and immediately saw the value he could bring for an Indians program that's been knocking at the door of a regional title. As a sophomore at Monroe, Howard finished second in the SWBL in scoring at just under 20 PPG. Howard was a primary creator for Monroe as he attempted over 300 field goals and 100 3-pointers last season, and those varsity reps will help him as he prepares for tougher competition. Expect Howard to immediately find a role as a scorer but he'll have a chance to land on all conference teams if he can make an impact defensively against talented GMC guards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3663678"],"_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-6a6c12fa20b2e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">North College Hill was one of the most improved teams in Ohio from the 2024-25 to 2025-26 seasons and Watkins was one of the four double-digit scorers they had last season. Watkins was third on his team and 16th in the conference in scoring at over 13 PPG as his ability to slash to the rim and use his quick first step got him tons of layups. Watkins biggest scoring game of the season was against Princeton as he scored 20 points Vs the state champions. Watkins has the talent to explode like that against top talent, and I'd expect a handful of 20+ point outings this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2974191"],"_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-6a6c12fa20b7e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The central buckeye conference could have the most talent they've had in a long time this upcoming season with a majority of their most productive players from last season set to return this winter. Johnson was one of eight 15+ PPG scorers in the conference last season and only one of those players was a senior last year. Johnson impressed me this summer with his ability to create offense for himself off the dribble. If Johnson can improve as an off the dribble 3-point shooter, he could add a couple points to his per game averages this winter. Johnson was second in the conference in assists and I'd expect that number to increase this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2897307"],"_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-6a6c12fa20bc7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lake had an impressive summer with Ohio Champion 16 U on the UA Rise circuit and cracks our rankings after being a player I've been able to watch for a couple of years now. Lake has been a consistent producer at Prep Hoops showcases, in the Midwest Fall League and at the grassroots level. I think this winter could be Lake's explosion at the high school level as he'll have the opportunity to make a name for himself in the GCL Co-Ed playing for his grassroots program director Trey Scotti. Playing alongside star [player_tooltip player_id='2222756' first='Grant' last='Waters'], McNicholas will be looking for guys to step up and make shots and create offense and Lake could be a guy to fill that role this winter as the Rockets look to contend for the GCL Co-Ed title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->