2026 Lead Guards Worth a Look

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All of these prospects provide exceptional IQ along with upside as perimeter shotmakers. Hailing from programs ranging from 6A powerhouses all the way down to 2A programs, keep tabs on their development over the next few seasons.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='510718' first='Addison' last='Beck'] - Cherry Creek</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beck has shown plenty of scoring upside throughout the club season with Hardwood 15U, proving to be a versatile perimeter shotmaker. The incoming sophomore is a knockdown shooter from beyond the arc, typically getting to those shot attempts off the catch. Beck possesses a quick release, allowing her the potential as a movement shooter down the line. Another area of production has been her right hand floater, capable of scoring those attempts going straight at the rim or flowing off-balance. She has excellent touch on difficult shots, likely setting her up for success going into her sophomore season with a growing role. Her progression as a facilitator will be intriguing, given how well she manipulates driving lanes through her shooting gravity.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='495885' first='Kniyah' last='Dumas'] - Highlands Ranch</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":442750,"width":275,"height":183,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/06/Kniyah-Dumas1.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-442750" width="275" height="183" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dumas will be an up and coming two-way guard, possessing excellent defensive instincts while providing a versatile impact on the offensive end. The guard is excellent at making reads on drives, seeking out strong side kick outs once the defense collapses. Dumas gets downhill with either hand, proving capable of making great decisions regardless of driving direction. If needed to play off-ball, Dumas shows value as a spot-up shooter out to the three point line. Defensively, the incoming sophomore is proactive helping onto ball handlers or if put at the point of attack, she can stay in front thanks to her quick foot speed. Her progression as a tough shotmaker around the rim will be intriguing, given the flashes throughout her freshman season at Highlands Ranch.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='510713' first='Gracie' last='Ward'] - Holy Family</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ward is a knockdown shooter from beyond the arc, possessing a compact form. The guard has been consistent on the offensive end throughout her club season, providing excellent value as a complementary shotmaker. The guard maximizes her impact off the ball, staying shot ready and filling open space when necessary.&nbsp; Another area that adds value to Ward's impact is her willingness to push the pace in transition. She is typically one of the first down the floor, proving to have excellent endurance. She looks to assert herself next season with Holy Family, who are of the state's top programs.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='657244' first='Kya' last='Piel'] - Merino</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A capable lead ball handler and decision maker, Piel played a large part in the 2A program's 23-4 record. She does a great job creating scoring opportunities, either in transition or the half court. Often pushing the pace from the rebound, Piel is all about efficient shots at the basket. Off the catch, Piel is an efficient three point shooter, proving capable when shot ready. Through her freshman season, the guard showed value on and off the ball, proving proactive in whatever environment needed. Her quick processing speeds go both ways, proving capable of reading passing lanes, leading to plenty of steals. Piel's role as a facilitator will be incredibly valuable for Merino over the next few seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->