Class Of 2026: Updated College Prospect Rankings – Guards To Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The updated class of 2026 rankings are in, and several players have taken huge leaps in their game. With official offers starting to roll in, it's becoming clearer who the top prospects are as they enter their first year as upperclassmen. These athletes are stepping up, and below are a couple of more players to keep an eye on</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/illinois/rankings/2026-rankings/">Class of 2026 Rankings</a></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["661254"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66cd21bfe78d2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Donovan on the defensive side of the ball is what many programs are looking for. She plays the game with great instincts and has the foot speed to match it. Offensively, she knows what angles to hit to get to the rim, and has no issue making the extra pass.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["836403"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66cd21bfe795a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nina will be suiting up for a very talented but young Whitney Young team this winter, and I'm sure she'll be one of their many impactful guards. Whether she starts or comes off the bench, Nina can get it done around the rim, and shows glimpses of her ability to make plays as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["508963"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66cd21bfe799f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Benet will be in the conversation as one of the most competitive teams in the state, which means every role will be needed. Thomas should see a good amount of minutes on the varsity squad this year, and as a sharpshooter, her skillset will be needed. She's fast, confident and can stretch the floor with some of the best guards in this class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["515490"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66cd21bfe7a1f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are some talented guards suiting up for WWS this season, and Abby is for sure one of them. The IQ is present on both sides of the ball, and defensively she has the speed to keep up with the quicker guards. With some new additions on their team this year, I'm excited to see her ability to play off the ball as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["846768"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66e5e22941af6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Fanta has had a strong summer, and you can see the development in her game starting to grow. DGN's identity seems to be hustle and grit, and Adysen displays that on every possession. Offensively, she checks off a ton of boxes: off-ball movement, spot-up shooting, and a simple dribble package. Defensively, her length is her go-to tool, and she's able to guard 1-3 because of it. Looking for her to take another big leap this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->