2027 Sleepers: Guards You Should Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the 2026-2027 season inches closer, there are multiple players who are quality prospects and could play at the next level. These guards may not get all of the coverage and exposure, but they have made splashes and coaches have taken notice. In this article, we highlight several senior guards you should know and follow this upcoming season. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["872292"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae492ceca6b5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Aiyana Hayes stood out at the expo with her ability to knock down the three. She can find her shot within the offense or pull up from beyond the arc in transition. While she can handle the ball and create her own shot, she is even more dangerous when her teammates work in unison. Playing alongside guards who can penetrate and get to the rim should give Haynes opportunities to really stand out on kickouts. Her perimeter shooting gives her a clear role and makes her a major weapon this upcoming season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["748532"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae50e633dfe4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='748532' first='Whitney' last='Hudson']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hudson is an underrated three-point shooter, but her speed is what really catches my attention. She can pick them up and put them down. There is an explosiveness to her movements. She accelerates and covers the court. She almost appears to bounce when she runs, with quick-twitch athleticism that separates her from players who simply have good straight-line speed. Hudson can change the pace with her quickness, and her ability to knock down the three makes her a tough guard to cover. Hudson was in the Final Four last year and is a sleeper who should be on a lot of radars. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["811539"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae50e633e017"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='811539' first='Jordan' last='Knight'] averaged nearly 12 points per game last season, showing she can put the ball in the basket. She bounced back and provided scoring at Paxon last season. She can score in transition and knock down the midrange jumper. Her production gives her a place in this sleeper conversation as she heads into her senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1965444"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae50e633e03a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1965444' first='Skyler' last='Price'] sets the tone defensively for Ed White. She has the tools to pressure the ball, create turnovers, and help turn steals into easy baskets. Paired with the athletic guards around her in the backcourt, Price and company could cause havoc in their press. Offensively, she attacks the rim and has the ability to find open shooters on the perimeter. She is an underrated guard who should turn a lot of heads this upcoming season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["934758"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae50e633e058"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='934758' first='Brylee' last='Rains'] is an underrated perimeter shooter who could move even more from under the radar as she continues to expand her game. She is already a threat off the catch and can knock down shots off the dribble going right. The next step is becoming comfortable attacking in either direction. Adding more versatility off the dribble could make her an even more effective offensive player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["843385"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae50e633e075"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='843385' first='Tasandra' last='Williams'] was one of the standouts at the expo and, in my assessment, one of the top two guards in the building that day. The underrated left-handed guard showed the ability to get to the rim, knock down the three, and defend the ball with intensity. Her shot has nice form, and her quickness shows in more than just her straight-line speed. Williams moves well laterally and backward, allowing her to stay active and compete on the defensive end of the floor. She plays fast and brings intensity. Her combination of shooting, penetration, and on-ball defense makes her a special player, and one of the toughest guards on the First Coast. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->