2027 Rankings Update: Notable Backcourt Playmakers
These were a few guards worth noting thanks to their defensive value and quick decisions as playmakers. Keep tabs, as a few of these names should get opportunities from the jump at the varsity level. Arielle Boyd Arielle Boyd CO…
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SubscribeThese were a few guards worth noting thanks to their defensive value and quick decisions as playmakers. Keep tabs, as a few of these names should get opportunities from the jump at the varsity level.
Arielle Boyd
Boyd brought notable value on both ends of the floor, notably through her perimeter defense. Especially quick laterally, the guard was among the most difficult opponents to pass when guarded at the point of attack. Also a proactive playmaker, Boyd was a urgent decision maker with the ball, quick to send passes on outlets or halfcourt decisions. Transition will be an area of obvious impact, showing her quickness getting out on the break quickly and with urgency. Boyd’s continued growth as a perimeter shooter will be interesting, although she brings a dependable brand of basketball entering her initial high school season.
A capable ball handler in traffic, Narducci has shown value changing speeds and attacking the rim with pace. Effective getting downhill quickly with either hand, the guard is a slithery playmaker inside the arc, tough to stay in front of. When confident, Narducci can step into quick triples off the bounce, either on the secondary break or from a step-back. With her continued growth in efficiency, the freshman guard has one of the most exciting play styles among backcourt prospects in this class. Her ability to space the floor will be immense for Grandview, who is still playing a heliocentric offense around nationally ranked forward Sienna Betts.
Waymire has shown value as a lead guard and playmaker with the ball. Effective hitting rollers out of ball screens, the guard does well leading the pass, setting up teammates for easy shots around the rim. With a pass first mindset, the guard is especially proactive finding teammates through tight windows, certainly an intriguing floor general this season.
McCombs has been especially exciting to watch, given her grit on defense along with her willingness to attack the paint off the dribble. Her quick handle has allowed to get immediate separation from combo moves, allowing space for driving lanes. She is already an ambidextrous finisher around the rim, fairly comfortable with either hand. McCombs’ impact as a facilitator will be especially interesting, given her quick handle and speed while attacking downhill. No doubt that McCombs will be among the more difficult opponents to defend in the backcourt, over the coming seasons. Few guards possess a handle and motor as consistent as McCombs.
An especially high motor guard, Spellman is all over the place on both ends of the floor. Especially effective utilizing her quickness with the ball to attack the paint, the guard has no fear drawing contact or getting into the thick of it on finishes. Defensively, the guard is all over opposing ball handlers, particularly quick laterally. Alongside her quick moves, Spellman boasts quick reactions, tipping away the ball or deflecting passes. Their awareness reading passing lanes has been impactful, likely leading to plenty of turnovers. Mountain Vista will be in good hands, featuring two excellent backcourt prospects in the Spellman sisters and their frontcourt prospect in Grace Roscoe.