Up & Coming 2026 Guards from Northern Colorado

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1622320' first='Bode' last='Nesbitt'] - Rocky Mountain</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Although undersized, Nesbitt has supreme IQ for the game. Capable of seeing plays before they occur on both ends of the floor, he is quick to jump passing lanes or tipping away the ball at the point of attack. Another area of value has been Nesbitt's capabilities handling the ball under pressure, showing value as a facilitator even under pressure. While capable in the halfcourt, the lead guard does well controlling the pace at all times, seeking outlet passes when available. Progressing as a three point shooter, primarily off the catch, Nesbitt is a truly well rounded guard from offense. Adding strength over the coming seasons will be essential to his long term upside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1877574' first='Luke' last='Schmeeckle'] - Silver Creek</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Schmeeckle was immediately impressive on shot attempts off the catch, stretching out multiple feet behind the line. Another area of intrigue has been the guard's ability to handle the ball under pressure, consistent with either hand. Most often attacking downhill through straight line drives, Schmeeckle keeps his head up throughout those situations. Growing his versatility as a shotmaker off the bounce and as a playmaker with the ball will be areas necessary for the guard's success at the next level.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1874429' first='Drake' last='Walker'] - Northridge</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Walker is a strong guard, efficient as a decision maker within the halfcourt. Most active as a secondary shotmaker, the guard is especially effective attacking closeouts for layups at the rim, often through tight contests. Receiving plenty of playing time last season with Northridge, Walker excelled while ending fourth in points per game and first in assists. Another area of intrigue has been Walker's continued production beyond the three point line, up around 37% last year and at a similar clip throughout showcase events. Walker provides notable value for his class, although there is still room for growth as a lead ball handler.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1877577' first='Blake' last='Varney'] - Severance</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Varney shows value spacing the floor along the perimeter, capable of flowing from off-ball actions for quick jumpers. Equally effective with the ball, the sophomore is efficient handling the ball while attacking closeouts, typically attacking the rim with urgency. Varney competes every possession on defense, fighting around screens to leave his opponent with minimal space. Accustomed to fly around on defense, the guard has a positive impact on fifty-fifty opportunities, embracing contact. Interesting future ahead for Severance, which features quite a few scrappy perimeter defenders across their classes.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1622343' first='Damarii' last='Wright'] - Severance</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wright showed plenty of value throughout the summer, boasting notable quickness and a wide reach at his position. Capable of utilizing wide crossovers to get downhill, the scoring guard could ease into the paint. As well, Wright shows a high feel for the game, prepared to pressure the defense to facilitate a proactive pass or efficient shot attempt. With added strength, Wright should add value as a help side or point of attack perimeter defense.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1622278' first='Carter' last='Gray'] - Fossil Ridge</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gray is a quick trigger perimeter shooter off the catch or flowing into a pull-up three. Dynamic beyond the arc, the guard looks to bring offensive value for a scrappy new look Fossil Ridge group. There is no doubt the guard will work hard to find scoring opportunities off the ball, a necessity within that program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->