2026 NE Frosh/Soph #E75 - Best of the South Guards pt. 3

Monday, September 28th, 2026

Davian Marcano, Academy of Sciences and Innovation: Davian Marcano is a great shooter who works best off the catch where a majority of the volume from beyond the arc is coming. But he is very comfortable on the ball where he can break down a defender, and can get downhill and finish around the rim. Outside of his scoring ability Marcano does see the floor well finding teammates for good looks.

Dylan Anderson, Darien High School: Dylan Anderson excels from beyond the arc, Anderson primarily scores from outside off the catch. he sees the floor well and finds his spots and ghets his shot off quick. On the defensive end he gets into the passing lanes.

Jaxon Rosario, Suffield Academy: Rosario is joining Suffield this season as a transfer from East Longmeadow High School. The point guard can really shake defenders off the dribble with his ability to handle it and can finish in different ways in the lane and off the glass. He plays with a motor and can make threes particularly well off the catch, while also contributing as a rebounder.

Cameron Pena, Greater New Bedford Voc: Camren Pena is a left-handed guard with a smooth shooting stroke and a growing ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. Defensively, Camren brings energy, competitiveness, and a willingness to take on challenging assignments. He works hard to pressure the ball, stay engaged, and make winning plays that help his team. As his confidence and overall game continue to develop, Camren is becoming a more well-rounded player. High academic student-athlete.

Elijah Rivera, Greater New Bedford Voc: Elijah Rivera, shows the ability to be very effective on and off the ball. On the ball he can use his handle to get downhill as well as score from the outside. What is most impressive is his movement off the ball, it is constant. Rivera flahes to space or probe dragging his defender around the half court where he inevitably finds his spot. He also shows playmaking upside getting teammates involved.

Oliver Koenig-Paquin, Acellus Academy: Oliver Koenig-Paquin sees the game very well. On the ball he reads the defense well and is patient, but gets to his spots. With his patience, he allows for the possession to develop and finds teammates in good positions. Oliver plays with a high motor off the ball and is a very willing rebounder both on the offensive and defensive glass.

Xavier Ricketts, East Catholic: Ricketts looks to keep building up his game this season as a sophomore at East Catholic. He's very skilled with the ball as a handler to maneuver around the court, distribute the ball and get to his spots. Crafty and can run the show at the point.

Jordan Thompson, Northwest Catholic: Jordan Thompson is an intriguing freshman guard with a longer build. Thompson can score on all three levels, but is at his best getting downhill using his athleticism. Jason invites contact and plays through it well, but also uses it to create some space in the mid-range.

Gian Cora, Springfield Commonwealth: Gian Cora a guard from Springfield has a compact solid frame for his class. On the offensive end, he is a three-level scorer who can do so off the catch and dribble. He does a lot of work from outside, where he works well, and gets to his pull-up with a hesitation or punch dribble or on the catch with a gather. To offset his outside shooting, Cora can get downhill and finish around the rim. Gian can also push the floor well in transition, and play makes well both in the half-court and when pushing the pace.

Arthur OLeary, Stratford HIgh: Arthur O'Leary offers a solid frame at the guard position. He is a strong slasher off the ball, and is beginning to develop his shooting ability.

Matteo Pace, Fairfield Prep: Matteo Pace is one that has been on the radar for some time now. He is a true three point specialist who operates more as an undersized two guard.

Jack Corso, Notre Dame: Jack Corso, is a true hustle player, he is very willing to do the dirty work. He operates with a high motor, and with more work on his handle would be a nice complement to the hustle he already plays with.

Braxton Darden II, Saint Luke's: Braxton Darden is lights out from beyond the arc as he is a very comfortable and confident shooter for his age. As time moves forward with more work in the gym, he certainly can become a scorer on all three levels at the comfort of his three-ball now.

Takai Upchurch, Kolbe Cathedral: Another Upchurch looking to make some noise, Takai is a slashing point guard, who can also get to the rim well with the ball. Making him a threat with or without the ball. But on the ball he reads and plays off screens very well. 

Giovanni Vidro, Hillhouse: Giovanni Vidro applies a lot of pressure on the basket; he finishes around the rim but also can get to a floater. Vidro can also break a defender down and get to his spots.

Dante Frazier, PCIS: Dante Frazier, an 8th grader at PCIS, put people on notice, having himself a great weekend. He is a long defender who is very active getting himself involved on that end, taking on what is needed from him. He has great court vision and passes the ball well, he can also play through contact as well as stretch his game beyond the perimeter with his shooting.

Jason Rivers, Notre Dame West Haven: Jason Rivers a freshman this season offers great size for his class. Rivers excels getting to the rim, and has been working on developing his shooting further. He offers a high upside as a scoring wing going forward if he continues to develop.