Grassroots Recap: Don't Sleep on These Upperclassmen Guards

This summer was a big time for myself scouting in AAU, as I took many road trips all over the state to see different levels of talent compete at the high school level. From EYBL to 3SSB to GASO to RCS Sports, I was determined to discover the hidden talent from all around Texas and give them the exposure they work so hard for. Here are some upperclassmen guards who caught my attention from GASO sessions across the months of May-July.    [player_tooltip player_id='3661169' first='Jayden' last='Ybarra'] is a combo guard who possesses high IQ and has the wherewithal to always make the right play on offense. He showcases quick speed and ballhandling during fastbreak opportunities and often is very efficient in his shooting from deep range. He is a dual threat playmaker/scorer who can affect the stats column by either passing or scoring and he rebounds well crashing the glass on both sides of the ball. Ybarra was one of my highest stock rising guards this summer and I think he has a very bright future ahead of him at the varsity level.     [player_tooltip player_id='2686452' first='Karsen' last='Ramsey'] out of Brazos Christian is a strong guard with a physical frame that gives 110% effort every possession. He can play bully ball with smaller guards in the post and finish under the rim, his midrange jumper is effective and shoots it at a high rate, and he receives the ball multiple times per game because of his ability to cut to the basket. He creates opportunities for himself and teammates off the dribble and is also a fundamental catch and shoot combo guard.     [player_tooltip player_id='2556363' first='Marcus' last='Epps'] is a player that competes hard on both ends of the floor and plays very physical defense on opposing ballhandlers. He hustles for loose balls, throws dimes to open teammates, and drives to the paint finishing through tough contact. One of the floor generals for a Klein Oak team returning most of their players this upcoming season, Marcus looks to play a huge role at the combo guard slot.     [player_tooltip player_id='3661677' first='Raul' last='Palacios'] is a guard who can shoot the lights out beyond the arc if left open and made the opposing team pay several times when I watched him at the GASO in Bryan. He handles the ball well under full court pressure and consistently finds his way into the paint or around the perimeter, coming off ball screens and making defenders work to guard him. One of the more underrated players I laid eyes on this summer, Palacios should definitely work his way onto college radars sooner than later going into the 2027 academic year.     Dillon made a case for one of the strongest defensive guards I got to scout this summer, especially on the perimeter. His passing lane awareness allows Colbert to notch several steals and help his team capitalize in transition. He can bury jump shots when left open from the midrange and three point area. Coming off a 2nd team all-district and a strong summer with Miles Select, Dillon looks to raise his stock and be a senior leader for the Mustangs this year.

This summer was a big time for myself scouting in AAU, as I took many road trips all over the state to see different levels of talent compete at the high school level. From EYBL to 3SSB to GASO to RCS Sports, I was determined to discover the hidden talent from all around Texas and give them the exposure they work so hard for. Here are some upperclassmen guards who caught my attention from GASO sessions across the months of May-July.