Spring Review: 2026 Lead Guards

These guards show value initiating the offense, skilled playmakers with the ball while holding substantial IQ on the defensive end. Pure playmakers on both ends of the floor, these lead guards have proven themselves throughout the last few months.    Washington is a high motor guard who constantly looks to put pressure on the opposing defense. Bringing a quick first step, she finds plenty of opportunities in the driving lanes, luring in multiple defenders often. Certainly a scoring threat while in space with either hand, her gravity often plays a role in opening the floor for teammates. Active making the extra pass to the corners or a baseline slasher, Washington stays poised to set up her teammates for success. Washington follows a productive season with Columbine, posting 16.1 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.     A particularly high motor guard who makes plays on both ends, Booker has brought consistently high defensive intensity throughout the spring. Already at a team high 14.2 points per game with George Weashignton High, Booker continues to capitalize on her opportunities early on. Her lateral quickness and willingness to make quick decisions have allowed her to be one of the better perimeter defenders in this 2026 class.     Similar to her time at The Vanguard School where Blanchard averaged 4.5 assists per game, she has taken on plenty of the facilitating duties with [program_tooltip program_id='902184' first='Southern' last='[program_tooltip program_id='712469' first='Colorado' last='Premier']'] 2026. A confident ball handler, she takes her time surveying the floor, often pushing the pace in transition. Even getting lengthy outlet passes out in transition, Blanchard looks to set up teammates in successful positions however possible. Defensively, she does well getting into position to contest shot attempts, certainly capable of reading opponent's early on.     Another knockdown shooter from the perimeter, Vigil continues to produce for the Hoopsters this spring. Effective taking advantage of small openings in the defense, her quick handle allows her to be a threat at the rim just as much along the perimeter. Actively maintaining good spacing within the halfcourt, Vigil is always moving along the perimeter to stretch out the defense. Her constant motor is another reason for her minutes this spring and with Riverdale Ridge, constantly hunting for loose balls or urgently helping over from the help side. Following a steady season with 4A champions, Vigil follows averages of 5.3 points and 3.5 rebounds per game with 25-3 Riverdale Ridge.     Johnson's skill handling the ball has allowed her to command plenty of gravity both at Salida and with PLUTO Prospects. A smooth ball handler in the open floor or versus pressure, she looks to create the best shot possible each possession. Particularly active either off the catch or while attacking the rim, she stays ready sending kickouts to perimeter shooters. Her refined footwork allows her to mitigate turnovers out of the pivot, staying patient to make the right decision versus doubles. Following averages of 11.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game with Salida, Johnson remains one of the most coveted small school guards in this class.

These guards show value initiating the offense, skilled playmakers with the ball while holding substantial IQ on the defensive end. Pure playmakers on both ends of the floor, these lead guards have proven themselves throughout the last few months.