2026 Rankings Update: Underrated Guards Pushing for a Top-20 Spot

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the 2026 class continues to take shape, several guards are making strong cases to break into the top 20. These players may not have the same recognition as some of their peers, but their impact on the game is undeniable. Whether it's their ability to score, facilitate, or lock down on defense, each of these guards has a unique skill set that sets them apart. Here's a look at five underrated guards who are proving they belong among the best.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["568867"],"_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-67e4b3359c422"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brittany is a shifty guard who changes the game when the ball is in her hands. For George she sets the tone on offense, breaking down defenders to create for herself or setting her teammates up in transition. Defensively, her on-ball pressure makes it difficult for opposing ball handlers to go anywhere. Brittany's impact on the game makes her one of the best combo guards in the class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["470937"],"_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-67e4b3359c485"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jordyn has taken another step forward this season, toward becoming a household name. Offensively, she makes the most of her open shots while also getting teammates great looks. Her work ethic and willingness to improve her game each year have been why she continues rises. As she keeps improving, it's only a matter of time before she becomes one of the top guards in her class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["789176"],"_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-67e4b3359c4ca"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Returning from injury, Ava made an immediate impact for Arapahoe. She maintained her speed, allowing her to blow past defenders on offense and cut off driving lanes on defense. She also made shots from three, pulling defenders out of the paint and forcing them to respect her jumper. With her combination of quickness, skill, and scoring versatility, Ava is back and making a strong case for herself.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["495852"],"_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-67e4b3359c509"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This season presented an adjustment period for Enyiah, as she was asked to take on a much larger role for Holy Family. She responded with confidence, stepping up to help her team stack wins. A sharp-shooting guard, she consistently knocks down shots while also finding ways to get to her spots. As she continues to develop she will be more than ready for the challenge next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["619187"],"_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-67e4b3359c547"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Braeden doesn't always get the credit she deserves, but how she changes the outcome of games speaks for itself.. Defensively, she isn't afraid to defend opposing guards, getting turnovers that lead to easy transition points. Offensively, she is a well-rounded scorer, putting the ball in the basket from all three levels. With her two-way impact, Braeden is a name more people need to pay attention to.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->