Updated 2027 Rankings: NOVA Guards (Part 1)

We at Prep Hoops VA recently updated our 2027 rankings, expanding over 150 prospects who we feel are ones to watch in the junior class. Here's a look at part one of the guard prospects from the Northern VA area in the rankings.   #12) [player_tooltip player_id='2353606' first='Amani' last='Asare'] | 6'0” PG | Highland   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/Asare-Amani_6d738c.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/09/Asare-Amani_6d738c.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2966696" /></a></figure>   Asare transferred to Highland after being an All State performer at Potomac last year, and he showed without a doubt that he can not only compete with anyone, but will often get the best of them as well. The 6'0” point guard has all the intangibles you want as far as his toughness and leadership, he is a lock down defender who can guard the length of the floor, he is lightning quick with good speed in the open floor and can make plays for others, and he can score it from multiple levels and make tough shots too.   #20) [player_tooltip player_id='2353569' first='Makiah' last='Gray'] | 6'0” PG | Bethel Academy   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/IMG_4937.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/IMG_4937.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-3300252" /></a></figure>   Gray was a breakout performer for Bethel this past season, with the chance to really make a name for himself this summer if he plays like he did. He's a tough nosed floor general who sets the tone on both ends with his relentless style of play, he touches the paint at will and has good feel to make plays for others, he can score it efficiently from all three levels, and most importantly as a point guard he's a true winner!   #23) [player_tooltip player_id='3571110' first='Judah' last='Bontemps'] | 5'11” PG | The St. James   Coming from NYC to play on the EYSL with St. James in their first year Bontemps was fantastic for them as the guy who ran the show and kept all the talented pieces happy. The 5'11” guard personifies the NYC style as he is tough as nails and guards the length of the floor, he is super shifty with a tight handle and the ability to blow by defenders, he has good vision and delivers passes on point, and when his team needs a play to be made he's the one who gets it done.   #30) [player_tooltip player_id='2470569' first='Jemal' last='Smith'] | 6'2” CG | Highland   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/IMG_5548.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/IMG_5548.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2714752" /></a></figure>   Smith was a big part of Highland's run this past year, teaming up with Asare to make one of the toughest backcourts in the entire state. The 6'2” combo guard is extremely strong for his position allowing him to body up defensively and get downhill and score through contact, he can create off the bounce with a shifty handle, he can move off the ball and knock down shots from deep, and he's relentless attacking the defense and putting pressure on them.   #35) Camontae Griffin | 6'1” PG | Gillion Academy   Griffin joined an already loaded Gillion team this summer, where his ability to make plays for himself and others had him fit in like a glove. The 6'1” guard has a compact and strong frame that allows him handle physical defenders and be one himself, he shoots it well from deep and gets to spots in the midrange, he has good feel as a playmaker, and his versatility allows him to fit into multiple roles as well.   #47) [player_tooltip player_id='2470596' first='Ben' last='Edmonds'] | 6'1” PG | Episcopal   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/benedmonds-27-episcopal-va-crop-1329x873-1736266437.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/benedmonds-27-episcopal-va-crop-1329x873-1736266437.png?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2722137" /></a></figure>   Edmonds was one of the top scoring guards in all of the DMV this year, as he put up big numbers nightly and did so relatively efficiently and consistently. The 6'1” guard is a underrated athlete with a great first step and good hang time to finish in traffic when he gets downhill, he can get to spots all over the floor and make tough shots off the bounce, he can work off the ball and attack or shoot it off the catch, and when he gets it going he's tough for anyone to cover.   #51) [player_tooltip player_id='2788037' first='Kevin' last='Reyes'] | 6'1” CG | Stone Bridge   Reyes was one of the best guards in all of NOVA public schools, and his ability to control the game on the offensive end is very impressive. He's a shifty ball handler who can create space and make tough shots from all three levels, he changes speeds well and has good burst to get by defenders, he's very good in ball screens and dribble-hand-offs, and he makes others better when defenses start to hone in on him.

We at Prep Hoops VA recently updated our 2027 rankings, expanding over 150 prospects who we feel are ones to watch in the junior class. Here's a look at part one of the guard prospects from the Northern VA area in the rankings.