Stock Risers: 2028 Guards looking to emerge this season.

The best thing about covering sports year to year is there is always looking forward to players breaking from the shadows and merging into the leading role for their high schools. We all know that the guard position comes with a lot expectations and requirements that some of these sophomores are ready to take on. This articles covers some of those guards we look forward to covering this school season.        Brown started as a point guard as a freshman last year, but is ready to step into more of a leadership role after getting that first year under her belt. Layla is a fast, intense, and very energetic player who is constantly around the ball on defense. She's active with her hands and displays great lateral quickness, consistently making ball handlers work. She also rebounds well from a guard position. Her handle is there going both ways, and she has an array of finishes with both hands. She is a willing and good passer who always looks to make the right read.       Giuliana got varsity minutes this past year as a freshman, but is looking to step into a more prominent role for Piper. The gritty point guard plays with a level of toughness and physicality you need as a small guard. She sits down on defense, moves very well laterally, and forces ball handlers to think twice before exposing the ball. On offense, she's about as skilled as they come, creating off the dribble using different moves to create advantages. She has good vision and instincts, which help when facilitating and distributing. Displays a good range on her jump shot and does a good job of creating space for her midrange.       Owens is a fearless off-guard with a good motor. She's a quick, strong, and very active on the defensive side of the ball. Solid ball handler, and does a great job working her way through tight spaces to finish around the basket. Shows the ability to knock down to mid-range, and I've seen progress from deep. Karley has great instincts, which lead to being a more active rebounder on both ends, which is good for a two guard.       Jayla is a speedy and very athletic combo guard who displays a lot of good characteristics you love to see in both guard positions. She communicates effectively, directs teammates, and sets up teammates for easy passes with precise passing when she's at the one. Colter is an effective and aggressive downhill driver and moves well without the ball when at the two and is looking to score. Colter is a very stellar on-ball defender with good feet and active hands. She also rebounded well from the guard position.       Hope comes from a line of female, basketball playing siblings that we've covered over the years and is looking to make a name for herself. A combo guard with good athleticism and length. Shows her ability to shoot off the dribble with pull-up jump shots and also the catch from range. Decent off the dribble, which allows her to get downhill, and she's unselfish enough to make the right play when she doesn't have her own opportunities. Plays with active feet and hands on defense, which leads to lots of deflections and steals.

The best thing about covering sports year to year is there is always looking forward to players breaking from the shadows and merging into the leading role for their high schools. We all know that the guard position comes with a lot expectations and requirements that some of these sophomores are ready to take on. This articles covers some of those guards we look forward to covering this school season.