What 2026 Guards Set the Tone?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2026 guard class isn't just about scoring. These players set the pace, disrupt opponents, and lead with effort. Some get the spotlight, while others fly under the radar—but all make a real impact. Here are four guards who set the tone.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["354205"],"_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-68938390a034d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Renee is impressive on both ends of the floor. A strong, physical combo guard who creates matchup problems for opposing teams. On the defensive end, she is locked in and able to contain her defenders and stop them from getting into the lane. On the offensive end, she scores at the three, in the midrange of in the paint efficiently. What makes her stand out is her two-way play and versatility. Renee is a talent to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["584222"],"_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-68938390a02a6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I've mentioned before that is a guard to watch in the 2026 class, and here's why. Zoey has great pace, gets into the paint, and finishes well around defenders. Her poise shows when she handles defensive pressure—she's able to maintain great handle, pace and composure. And she also has great court vision that she uses to find her teammates for easy offense. One of my favorite aspects of Zoey's game is her ability to rebound. This is a great advantage at her position—she holds great position and works hard to secure each board.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["345607"],"_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-68938390a03da"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ella is a dynamic, standout floor general. She brings great energy, effort and pace on both ends. When I saw Ella play, she disrupted passing lanes, securing key steals and deflections on the defensive end. Offensively, she pushes the pace in transition, attacks the paint fearlessly, and shoots with confidence. What makes Ella stand out is her energy on both ends and her ability to maintain pace. Keep an eye out for her this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Eileen Lucas","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12123","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Arlington High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"MA Huskies","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68938390a0502"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Eileen is a quick, impactful under the radar point guard. She has the ability to push the tempo, creating opportunities for herself or her teammates in transition. On defense, she's a nuisance—racking up deflections and steals and creating stops and extra possessions for her team. Eileen's effort and impact on both ends sets the tone for her team and creates fast-paced offense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->