Intruiging Freshmen Guards (2026)

Check out my analysis on some 2026 guards you MUST know going into the July Live Period! These ladies have been really turning heads with how well they are producing on the court at such a young age! <strong>Lexi Smith </strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">2026 5’4 Audie Murphy Middle School (House4Hoops 2026)</span> Lexi is an intriguing guard to watch with her ability to not only go coast to coast, but also get into the teeth of the defense and finish in the paint. I loved her aggressiveness as she worked to get downhill. She has good speed and showed an ability to turn the corner on her opponent in the front court. I loved watching her attack the defense on the wing, quickly putting the ball on the floor or working out her defender with jab steps. She has good size at the guard position, allowing her to stay in front of her opponent and use her frame to seal her opponent from jumping back in front of her. <strong>Mira Johnson </strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">2026 5’6 Hogg MS (Just Play Elite 2026 Ellesse)</span> Mira is a dominant guard with her ability to get into the teeth of the defense and attack the rim. Her overall energy and nonstop nature to her game allowed her to live at the free throw line. She displayed consistency at the free throw line and an ability to score off the bounce from the midrange and beyond the arc. She was especially dominant in the corners and the wing positions, where she calmly knocked down shots off the catch. It really opened up the floor for her and allowed her to attack the rim with that much more success. I loved her hustle and the energy she brought to both ends of the court. I am intrigued to watch her develop over the next year! <strong>Ivy Oliver </strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">2026 5’8 Spring Branch MS (Just Play Elite 2026 Ellesse)</span> Ivy is a skilled combo guard who sees the floor at a very high level and always makes good decisions on the court. She has a very consistent jumper off the catch and does well operating as a catch and shoot weapon on the wings and corners. I was very impressed by her ability to get into the teeth of the defense and force a second defender to step up to her. She can innitiate offense and make the right reads from atop the key, and work to create opportunities for her teammates. I loved watching her attack the rim and subsequently living at the free throw line after all of the contact she absorbed. She is a consistent free throw shooter as well! <strong>Jyrah Gray</strong> <span style="text-decoration: underline;">2026 5’3 Liberty Hill MS, TX (House4Hoops 2026)</span> Jyrah is an aggressive guard who has lightning quick hands which pairs well with the intense energy she brings on the defensive end of the floor. Her ability to play in transition, especially after yanking the ball from her opponent really stood out. She has a tight handle that allows her to actively create space in the half court or the full court. She has good speed and really uses it as a weapon with the control she has with the ball. She is a monster on the fast break where she consistently got to the rim and finished in the paint, or made the right decision and made a pass up the court.