Senior Spotlight: ’26 Guards Shining Bright

Experience matters—especially in the backcourt. This season, senior guards in the Class of '26 are showing just how valuable leadership, poise, and confidence can be when the stakes rise. With years of development behind them, these players are controlling the tempo, making smart decisions, and delivering in key moments for their teams. Whether it's knocking down timely shots, breaking down defenses off the dribble, or setting the tone with relentless on-ball pressure, they are impacting the game on both ends of the floor. As their high school careers wind down, this group is playing with urgency and purpose, determined to leave their mark and lead their programs to memorable finishes.    Elli, a senior guard for Clarkston, has played a key role in guiding her team to a 12–6 record this season. When she gets going from behind the arc, she can change a game in a hurry, showcasing college-ready range that forces defenses to extend well beyond the three-point line. Her scoring ability stretches the floor and creates space for her teammates to operate. On the defensive end, Elli uses her length to her advantage, disrupting passing lanes and coming away with numerous steals while consistently playing strong, disciplined defense. Her two-way impact and senior leadership have been instrumental in Clarkston's success this year.     Jaya, a senior guard for Catholic Central, has been a driving force behind her team's impressive 15–2 record this season. An athletic playmaker with outstanding leaping ability, she brings energy and explosiveness every time she steps on the court. Jaya can get to the rim in a hurry, attacking defenders off the dribble and finishing strong in traffic. On the defensive end, she takes pride in being a lockdown presence, using her quickness and anticipation to rack up steals and disrupt opposing offenses. Her intensity, athleticism, and leadership have been key factors in Catholic Central's success.     Gabriella, a senior guard for Livonia Stevenson, is putting together a strong final season and helping power her team to an impressive 15–3 record. She makes her biggest impact on the defensive end, where her activity and awareness consistently disrupt opposing offenses. Gabriella jumps passing lanes, racks up deflections, and turns steals into transition opportunities. Using her length, she's even able to block shots from the guard position, adding another layer to her defensive presence. She also rebounds the ball well, battling on the glass and giving her team extra possessions. Her all-around effort and senior leadership have been key to Livonia Stevenson's success this year.     Janiah, a senior guard for Northview, is the definition of a do-it-all player, impacting the game in every phase. Athletic and long, she uses her length on the defensive end to disrupt passing lanes, come up with steals, and even block shots from the perimeter. Her presence alone makes opponents think twice about attacking her side of the floor. Offensively, she's more than capable of knocking down shots from beyond the arc, stretching the defense and keeping it honest. She also rebounds extremely well for a guard, battling on the glass and creating extra possessions. Janiah's versatility and all-around production make her a key piece for Northview this season.     Milah, a senior guard for Kent City, has been a major spark behind her team's strong 13–4 record this season. She's the definition of an energy player, bringing relentless effort and intensity every time she steps on the floor. On the defensive end, she takes on the challenge of guarding the opposing team's best player and competes with toughness and pride. Milah reads the ball off the rim to perfection, tracking down rebounds and giving her team extra possessions. Offensively, she handles the ball with confidence and is a reliable passer who keeps the offense flowing. Her hustle, leadership, and all-around impact have been key ingredients in Kent City's success.     Emersyn, a senior guard for Morenci, has been instrumental in her team's outstanding 16–1 season, filling up the box score in just about every category. She recently poured in 30 points in a big performance, showing her ability to take over when her team needs it most. A confident perimeter threat, she can bury shots from well beyond the arc, stretching defenses and opening up the floor. On the other end, Emersyn competes with intensity, applying pressure, creating turnovers, and setting the tone with her effort. Her well-rounded production and competitive edge continue to drive Morenci's success.

Experience matters—especially in the backcourt. This season, senior guards in the Class of '26 are showing just how valuable leadership, poise, and confidence can be when the stakes rise. With years of development behind them, these players are controlling the tempo, making smart decisions, and delivering in key moments for their teams. Whether it's knocking down timely shots, breaking down defenses off the dribble, or setting the tone with relentless on-ball pressure, they are impacting the game on both ends of the floor. As their high school careers wind down, this group is playing with urgency and purpose, determined to leave their mark and lead their programs to memorable finishes.