Updated 2026 Rankings: Guards (5-1)

With the recent update of our class of 2026 rankings, we will take a look at positional rankings between guards, wings and forwards.   Here's a look at part three of the top point and combo guards in the junior class.   5) [player_tooltip player_id='1963392' first='Keon' last='Mitchell'] | 6'2” PG | Norview (#16 Overall)   <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol>   Mitchell has been one of the best guards in the 757 since he was a freshman, and he continued his strong play as a junior for a Norview team that had a great season. The 6'2” lead guard is best described as “dynamic and well rounded,” as he's able to make plays in a number of ways and stuff the stat sheet regularly. He's a very strong guard who gets downhill and finishes well through contact, he is quick and doesn't need a lot of dribbles to get to his spots, he can make shots from multiple levels and he is a good defender and rebounder for his position too.   4) [player_tooltip player_id='2252287' first='Darius' last='Bivins'] | 6'0” PG | Bishop O'Connell (#9 Overall)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/07/eZy-Watermark_13-07-2023_10-32-29-7080PM.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/07/eZy-Watermark_13-07-2023_10-32-29-7080PM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2083600" /></a></figure>   <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol>   I'll be the first to admit that I may have Bivins too low, as these rankings came out before the state tournament and he was absolutely fantastic leading O'Connell to the state championship game before losing in a heart breaker to Highland School in overtime. The nationally ranked guard may not pass the look test with his size, but he does everything you want out of a lead guard, especially a smaller one with his ability to control the game and execute in the biggest of situations. He plays with fantastic pace and is able to dictate the tempo with his ability to push in transition and handle pressure when he's being pressed. He's great in pick-and-rolls as he stays out of traps and makes the right read consistently, he has a great middle game to negate his size, he has great instincts on the defensive end and while he's known for his playmaking ability for others he also has the wherewithal to know when he has to take over and make plays for himself.   3) [player_tooltip player_id='1782590' first='Lawrence' last='Brown'] | 5'11” PG | Paul VI (#8 Overall)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/turkbrown-pvi-26.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/turkbrown-pvi-26.png?w=852" alt="" class="wp-image-2722122" /></a></figure>   <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol>   Brown transferred to PVI from St. Andrew's in Maryland this summer, and he stepped in as their primary ball handler and playmaker and helped lead them to the second WCAC Championship in a row. Brown is built like a running back with a strong frame and a quick first step, and he is able to touch the paint and play through contact when he does. He really excels in his playmaking ability, as he sees the game a few plays ahead, reads rotations and can deliver any type of passes with both hands with pinpoint accuracy. He has improved in his ability to knock down open shots off the catch and off the bounce, and he has great instincts and a competitive chip on the defensive end too.   2) [player_tooltip player_id='1660045' first='Donovan' last='Williams Jr.'] | 6'3” CG | Oak Hill Academy (#3 Overall)   <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol>   Williams came in to Oak Hill with the chance to be the primary ball handler and one of the go-to guys this season, and he didn't disappoint as he helped lead Oak Hill to a very good season where they were nationally ranked for much of it. The Florida native is a fantastic prospect who can impact the game in a number of different ways, and his frame and athleticism will translate to the highest level effortlessly. He's quick and shifty off the bounce with the ability to create space and make shots with little to no room, and he gets downhill aggressively with the ability to use his strength and athleticism to finish at the rim and through contact. He can get hot quickly and fill it up in bunches, he can make plays for others and he is a solid point of attack defender too.   1) [player_tooltip player_id='2148767' first='Jordan' last='Smith'] | 6'3” CG | Paul VI (#1 Overall)   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/Smith-Jordan-crop-3226x2118-1706383041.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/06/Smith-Jordan-crop-3226x2118-1706383041.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2333372" /></a></figure>   <ol class="wp-block-list"></ol>   Smith has been the top prospect in this class for almost three years now, and it doesn't look like he's going to give that up as he is one of the most sought after prospects in the country with the resume to back it up as well. He led PVI to back-t-back WCAC championships this year, he is a consensus top 20 player in the country, he's played for USA basketball and is a two time All State selection as just a junior. He's one of the toughest and most intense players you will come across, as he plays with a motor you don't see from many stars nowadays and it allows him to impact the game across the board. He's one of the best perimeter defenders in the country, with long arms to challenge and block shots, great instincts to jump passing lanes and the foot speed to guard the length of the floor. He can score the ball from all three levels, he's an unselfish and good playmaker, he is a very good rebounder for his position and he can find ways to score both on and off the ball efficiently.

With the recent update of our class of 2026 rankings, we will take a look at positional rankings between guards, wings and forwards.