2026 Rankings Update: Guards to Take a Look At

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The class of 2026 is packed with talent, and while some players receive the spotlight, others quietly make a significant impact for their teams. These five underrated guards have the skills, versatility, and determination to stand out, even if they aren't always in the headlines. Let's take a closer look at what makes each of them special.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["558121"],"_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-67574b6bda534"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jayda's ability to excel in multiple roles makes her an invaluable asset on the court. She's crafty with the ball, finding creative ways to score against any defense. Her defensive intensity sets the tone, as she takes pride in stopping her matchups and making the right play each trip down the floor. Jayda's combination of versatility and effort makes her a player who can impact the game in countless ways.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["905363"],"_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-67574b6bda610"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Aubri is a dynamic guard with a knack for making plays in any situation. Her speed allows her to create opportunities for herself and her teammates, whether by finishing at the rim or finding open shooters. When left open, she consistently knocks down shots, adding another dimension to her offensive arsenal. Aubri's ability to perform under pressure makes her a player to watch as she continues to develop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["510714"],"_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-67574b6bda65b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Payton's selflessness and versatility set her apart as the ultimate teammate. She thrives on making her teammates better, showcasing her ability to adapt and do whatever her team needs. Defensively, she's relentless, picking up opposing guards full court and generating deflections that lead to fast-break opportunities. With her consistent shooting and defensive energy, Payton elevates her team on both ends of the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["470676"],"_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-67574b6bda6a2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Liana's lightning-quick release and shooting ability make her a threat from anywhere on the court. She has a knack for creating just enough space to get her shot off, even against tight defense. As an underrated passer, she consistently delivers the ball to her teammates in the right spots to score. Liana's shooting and playmaking make her a key contributor who forces defenses to stay on high alert.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["893443"],"_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-67574b6bda6e6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mia thrives as a floor general, using her high basketball IQ to control the tempo of the game. She pushes the pace in transition, finding her teammates in the best positions to succeed. When the defense focuses on others, Mia takes advantage of openings to score with ease. Her leadership and ability to dictate the flow of the game make her an essential piece for any team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->