Preseason Preview: Up and Coming 2026 Backcourt Prospects

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Either reaffirming their abilites at the varsity level or stepping into key opportunities in the near future, these are a few guards put the ball in the basket at a high clip. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1877574"],"_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-6746146e4789f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Putting up fairly efficient numbers for a Silver Creek program formerly loaded with seniors, he is set for a big season at the only remaining rotation player from last year's 20-5 run. A well rounded shotmaker who can score from all three levels, his offensive production within that team's context is uncommon to say the least. Taking right around 10 shot attempts per game last season, he will be a name whose shot diet will take a significant uptick given these roster changes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1903571"],"_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-6746146e478f8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Clark is a high motor guard who plays bigger than most backcourt assets, posting 12 points and 6.1 rebounds per game this past season at Forge Christian. Bringing efficient shooting out from distance, there are so many areas of the game he impacts, even while being more of a complementary guard. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1577228"],"_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-6746146e4793d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Morton shoots the ball at a high clip off the catch, efficient regardless of the opposing contest. Looking ready for a rotation role with ThunderRidge, he brings the quickness and strength to hold his own on both ends of the floor. A fearless guard who does not shy away from attacking the rim regardless of bigger opponents, his early signs of embracing that shooting gravity to promote driving lanes will help their halfcourt offense from the jump. He does all the little things, finding box outs early and getting into aggressive position for help rotations, he will be a consistent name in these ThunderRidge rotations. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":[2561851],"_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-6746146e4797d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jensen has shown value throughout the club season by pressuring the rim, bringing a high energy style of play. Bringing a quick first step, he does an excellent job of reading the floor quickly to get opponents on their heels early. Showing legitimate upside as a lead guard within Cherokee Trail's context, he holds his own versus physical defensive pressure, bringing counter moves to create space one on one. That energy translates to the defensive side too, which is a must for him to garner significant minutes at the varsity level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1622330"],"_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-6746146e479bd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Smith has worked to round out his offensive game, particularly with self-creation opportunities in the mid-range. Effective stopping for turnaround attempts, he is not fazed by opponent contests, set for another high volume season at Boulder. Following averages of 7.5 points and 3.7 assists per game, he does a great job leveraging double teams for timely kickout passes. His ability to raise his efficiency this season will be essential towards propelling Boulder towards a competitive record, as he will be relied upon heavily. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1951865"],"_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-6746146e479fd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McClelland brings consistent floor spacing off the catch, another name who could creep up into Rocky Moutnain's rotation full of quickly progressing 2026 assets. With great instincts on the defensive end, he works hard to intercept passing lanes, contributing towards fast breaks whenever possible. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1939215"],"_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-6746146e47a3c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A steady contributor along the perimeter, Trevino is consistent off the catch or rising up for pull-up attempts should opposing defenses stay too low. ThunderRidge continues to have a wealth of backcourt assets in the 2026 and 2027 classes, Trevino is one of those names who has complete confidence in the shot. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->