2026 Review: Versatile Backcourt Prospects

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These guards will be valuable contributors for their high school programs, proving effective and efficient while taking on complementary roles. Effective either on or off the ball, versatility is what sets these guards apart from so many within that 2026 class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='510715' first='Cobelyn' last='Wiesner'] - Falcon</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wiesner is a versatile complementary scoring guard, showing versatility finishing shot attempts around the rim. The incoming sophomore guard has shown consistency finishing floaters in the paint, quickly getting up shots above incoming contests. She does a great job of being a threat within a few dribbles, getting downhill off of rip throughs and her quick first step. Another aspect of Wiesner's impact has been her spot-up jumper from beyond the arc, possessing a fairly quick release. The guard is active pushing the pace in transition, either through timely outlet passes or self-created coast to coast drives. </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 dependable downhill scoring threat, capable of reacting to opposing defenders and scoring around contests. A dynamic guard, Ward can be impactful under a variety of roles. Certainly effective as a perimeter shooter, the guard can rise up into spot-up attempts or utilize the side steps to leverage space on the pull-up jumper. Ward is equally effective stepping into shots off the catch, flowing into movement jumpers off the ball. A confident ball handler, Ward keeps her eyes up for teammates along the weak side moving into an opportune position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='510714' first='Payton' last='Meineke'] - Riverdale Ridge</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Meineke is a confident perimeter shooter, not fazed by incoming contests. The incoming sophomore will play a valuable role spacing the floor and running the break for Riverdale Ridge. The lefty is knockdown off the catch, getting to the bulk of her perimeter attempts off of spot-up attempts. Her quick first step creates plenty of driving lanes, already leveraging her shooting gravity. Meineke is no slouch on defense either, possessing quick hips to recover onto opponents, the guard will be an impactful two-way player for Riverdale Ridge.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='558121' first='Jayda' last='Vigil'] - Cherokee Trail</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Vigil will be a noteworthy guard due to her diverse impact on the game. Capable of hounding opponents at the point of attack, Vigil shows value defending backcourt opponents, eagerly awaiting drives to swat away shot attempts. On offense, the guard shows notable value as a downhill scoring threat, utilizing her dynamic footwork to score around contests. Although active inside the arc, Vigil can stretch out the floor through spot-up jumpers, bringing a versatile impact on both ends of the floor.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='510721' first='Isabella' last='Monk'] - Widefield</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Monk is especially active pushing the pace in transition, getting out on the break early to pressure the defense. The incoming sophomore guard works hard off the ball, utilizing backdoor cutters and surveying the halfcourt to be a threat. Given her prowess in transition, Monk is often one of the first up or down the floor, helpful for outlets or as a defensive safety. Her continued growth as a facilitator will be interesting, given her steady pace of play and comfort handling the ball.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->