by: Ethan Reece

2026s Carter Motsinger and Zach Goins (Foothills)

It's hard to find one, much less two point guards that fit the bill in a team's stylistic approach. Carter and Zach are both pass first, patient playmakers that have great awareness as off ball cutters to create looks that boost the effect of their team scheme. Carter has a more foundational offensive side with footwork and finishing, while Zach offers a more defensive leadership quality with his length and avid activity. Yet no matter if they're rotating in for each other, or playing together and balancing the PG role, it's self evident in how their teammates are always set up that they provide a natural chemistry for complementary team basketball.

2026 Eian Bailey (Team MVL)

When talking about potential and upside with most prospects you typically look at the offensive side of the ball, but Eian has the chance to be a truly elite defensive specialist. He has a high motor and relentlessly pursues every rebound, a long frame that seems to get longer as he skies for boards, and an untapped supply of strength that he already uses to physically overwhelm guys. He plays hard and is the kind of guy you will live with making some turnovers because he's going to make it right back up on D.

2026 Nolan Ericson (Team MVL)

Nolan's had an excellent first few weeks of the season showcasing his floor general nature. He's a crafty ball handler that sees the floor and has siphoned control of his speed to hesitate and jumpstop to make plays. He's a legit knockdown threat from outside but knows how to attack closeouts when ran off the line and has a sense for balancing his looks with his teammates options, setting them up and bringing a chippy edge. He gives every possession its deserving value and and is proving to be a true manager of pace.

2026 Nick Arnold (Team Charlotte)

I pity the ball handlers that have to take on Nick's pressure. He's truly in a class of his own when it comes to staying in front of your man and cleanly stripping the ball time after time. I think he personally drew 5 jump balls in the first half, and you can tell how much he wants to stop anybody that gets out in front of him. He's grown a bit and added muscle to boost his already physical nature, and is at the point of being one of the ultimate gamechangers in his class. And to think that he also showed improvement offensively as a finisher and shooter, the Greater Metro better get ready for what's coming.

2026 TJ Troy (Carolina Pressure)

If there was ever an example of why you should be learning the fundamentals of ball handling, it's TJ. He used them to the purest form as the smallest guy on the court staying cool under pressure from bigger defenders all weekend. He never exposes the ball to the defender, keeping it protected with his hip and off arm, and keeps his head up to take advantage of his set-up abilities and elusiveness in traps. And more importantly, he plays with confidence, showcasing it in more ways than one.

2025 Amare Anderson (1 SC Elite)

Although their entire roster was as balanced as they come, it was clear Amare was the one that would be called upon to make some magic when they needed a big play. He's a high-flying acrobatic finisher that lives at the rim and has an even quicker second jump than the first. He's physically capable of playing above the rim on both ends with a distinct jumping ability, and is chiseled with an explosive first step to take off downhill repeatedly for high conversion drives.