2026: Emerging Combo Guards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today the focus is on combo guards, and each of these players brings their own specific skill set to the court, making them unique. Their ability to do more than one thing on the court makes them invaluable at the next level and dangerous for opponents heading into the upcoming season. These prep prospects are names to know around the state, regardless of what skill type you are looking for. Each has the skills to pay the next level bills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2894296"],"_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-68d6b53b27276"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Conrad hopped in the rankings and shot straight to Top 15 for a reason. He is a gamer. After watching him play several games he is obviously skilled and gifted. He is a perfect mixture of basketball player and hooper and really from game to game he shows a different style. He is an efficient scorer from anywhere on the court, utilizing his dribbles and making shots at a high level. He is a dangerous play maker. He is a dime dropper. When he is challenged, the hooper shows up and then the show starts. He is a wizard with the ball and he is smooth. Conrad went dark during AAU season, but his return could be epic as he looks to lead Central back to the Dome. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2758658"],"_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-68d6b53b272e2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Carrico is a local basketball hero known for his ability to just knock down shots. On a Friday night when I want to step away from the big gyms, a quick trip to Choudrant where the gym is small, but the games are big. Small town hero [player_tooltip player_id='2758658' first='Carson' last='Carrico'] is in the gym knocking down big time shots. I have watched him hit 10 and 8 three pointers in games and do it all with a smile on his face. He is a sniper and a constant competitor. He is going to fight to protect home court. With a bag full of skill, and heart ready to compete and a smile for the crowd, you can bet on Carson to put up big numbers. Senior season in Choudrant is going to be full of highlights. Coaches looking for a tough and scrappy shooter and facilitator should give him a look. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2331926"],"_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-68d6b53b2732b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dunn is new to the rankings but known around North La for his hardnosed playing style. At Ouachita this season he will step into a lead role, and he surely has the skill and will to handle the new role. Last season he was placed in for defensive intensity and to knock down big shots. Now he will be asked to continue those things but will be given more time to showcase his overall skill set. He is a defensive menace and will turn any match up into a dawg fight quickly. Calling him intense is an understatement. Dunn wants all the smoke and this season he could earn the name of one of the state's top defenders. Dunn is ready for the big stage and increased responsibility at Ouachita. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2414908"],"_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-68d6b53b2736b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Demery is set to have the biggest season of his career and will surely put scouts and coaches on notice. My first evaluation of him was a 17pt, 25 rebound performance and every game since he has just been steady and consistent with his style of play. He looks taller than 6'3 and plays the post like he is 6'8. Simply put, Demery is a bully and if you dont have a traditional big on your roster he is going to dominate the post. He is an offensive rebounding machine and his high energy style of play coupled with his end-to-end skill make him one to look out for. He will carry NCHS in a lot of games this year offensively but watch out for his intangible game changing skills. He could very easily lead NCHS back down south for another Ring Run. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1543705"],"_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-68d6b53b273a8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Rideau has played the perfect complimentary role in the past, filling in where he was needed whether it was blocking shots, defending or scoring the ball. He is an easy 20 PPG player if that is his assigned responsibility but he is a team guy. This season, Rideau could take on more of an offensive role and showcase more of his skill. He has the ability. He is a long and athletic combo guard with a high IQ and skills to match along with a team first mentality. He is what coaches look for at the next level and his potential is there. The ultimate box checker and one to watch will be a big name for Opelousas this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stay tuned for more player evaluations and spotlights leading up to the rankings updates coming in October. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->