Updated 2024 Rankings: Guards (5-1)

We recently updated our junior class rankings in the state of VA, and we will take a look at each positional ranking from guards, wings and forwards. Obviously some of these players are positionless players that can fit in multiple spots, but we did our best to categorize them based on their skillset.   Here's a look at the top 5 point and combo guards in the new rankings.   5) [player_tooltip player_id='1759699' first='Kamren' last='Martin'] | 6'5” CG | Blue Ridge (#18 Overall)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/02/Martin-Kamren.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/02/Martin-Kamren.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1777527" /></a></figure>   Martin is one of the breakout players in Virginia this year, as he came to Blue Ridge as a relatively unknown player from Maryland and has quickly become one of their best players and most intriguing guards in the class. At 6'5” he has terrific size and is a good athlete at that size, he's able to put it on the deck and get to spots where he can rise up and make shots over defenders and he can get to the rim where he's a good finisher as well. He's even more intriguing on the defensive end, where he has unlimited potential due to his size and athleticism.   4) [player_tooltip player_id='1259543' first='Tavarres' last='Riley'] | 6'1” PG | Freedom-Woodbridge (#17 Overall)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/04/Tavarres-Riley.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/04/Tavarres-Riley.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1172183" /></a></figure>   Riley has had a huge junior season and is one of the top scorers in the state this year for Freedom, as he's been putting up numbers on almost a game by game basis. The 6'1” point guard is a naturally talented scorer who is dynamic and shifty off the bounce, he can drill it from deep consistently whether it's off the catch or off the dribble and he's able to get in the lane where he's a good finisher in traffic. He has a knack for scoring the ball in different ways and finds his way to the line often, and he's capable of going off against the best of the best on any day.   3) [player_tooltip player_id='1259544' first='Damon' last='Thompson'] | 6'1” PG | John Marshall (#15 Overall)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/Thompson-Damon-CBG-scaled-crop-1920x1261-1663347102.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/Thompson-Damon-CBG-scaled-crop-1920x1261-1663347102.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1589467" /></a></figure>   Thompson has made a splash on the national scene this year as he helped lead John Marshall to an undefeated record against a national schedule, and he was even named MVP of the Chick-Fil-A Classic after leading them in scoring against some nationally ranked opponents. The 6'1” lead guard makes it look easy with his ability to knock down shots from well beyond the arc, he's able to create space off the bounce and knock it down from the midrange and he's a good playmaker off the bounce too. He's been consistent all season for them and continues to improve, and I expect a big summer for him.   2) [player_tooltip player_id='1702423' first='Dontae' last='Russo-Nance'] | 6'4” CG | Oak Hill Academy (#14 Overall)   Russo-Nance came to Oak Hill from Australia where he played professionally over the last few years, and while he's had his ups and downs he has shown that ability that makes him a big time prospect moving forward. At 6'4” he has great size and is able to get to spots where he can rise up over defenders and knock down tough shots, he is smooth off the bounce with a good handle and the ability to change speeds and directions on a dime and he can move off the ball where he works well to get open and can hit shots on the move. It's unclear if he'll play on the AAU Circuit but if he does he'll turn a lot of heads of college coaches.   1) [player_tooltip player_id='1259542' first='Ben' last='Hammond'] | 5'9” PG | Paul VI (#4 Overall)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/Hammond-Ben-scaled.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/Hammond-Ben-scaled.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1583860" /></a></figure>   Hammond has been fantastic for a PVI team that is one of the best teams in the country, and the way he's stepped up this season has a lot to do with it. He's the floor general of one of the most talented teams in the country and he does a great job setting the tone defensively with his relentless on ball pressure, he is one of the fastest players you'll come across and has a lightning quick first step that allows him to blow by and get in the paint where he can make plays for himself and others and he's constantly putting pressure on the defense with his ability to turn the corner on pick-and-rolls or get out in transition with his speed. He has improved in his ability to score it and keep the defense honest but it's the little things he does at the point guard spot that makes him so dangerous.

We recently updated our junior class rankings in the state of VA, and we will take a look at each positional ranking from guards, wings and forwards. Obviously some of these players are positionless players that can fit in multiple spots, but we did our best to categorize them based on their skillset.