Five 2026 Western/Upstate NY Guards To Know
With the start of school and basketball season fast approaching, it’s time to spotlight some top 2026 Western/Upstate New York guards who could make major noise this winter. These five players bring scoring, grit, and leadership to the floor, and they’re ready to leave their mark heading into their senior seasons.
Sei’mir Robinson – Catholic Central
Robinson is primed for a standout senior year this season for Catholic Central as the 6'1" guard has earned his big rep over the years. Robinson surpassed the 1,000-point mark last season, with numerous high-scoring outings throughout the winter. The guard has a quick twitch to his handle to create separation from the defense and get to his spots inside and out. He does a great job of exposing open lanes on drives and can stop on a dime to rise into pull-ups. Robinson will once again be a focal point of the opposing team's game plan this upcoming winter.
Tre Paulfrey – Nichols HS
Paulfrey is a true two-way guard who refuses to let his opponent get comfortable. On offense, he can get to the rim with either hand, finish through heavy contact, and use his tight handle to navigate into high-percentage looks. In the open floor, he pushes the tempo to force defenses into easy mistakes, creating easy points for himself and teammates. Defensively, his intensity is relentless; he picks up full court, pressures ball-handlers into turnovers, and uses his quickness to jump passing lanes. That balance of offense and defense makes him one of the most complete guards in the area heading into the season.
McCray’s combination of length, skill, and athleticism makes him a nightmare matchup. His high release point on jumpers allows him to shoot over most defenders, and he can score it at all three levels: catch-and-shoot from deep, drive past his primary defender, or back down opponents in the post. His athleticism shows on both ends; he’s known for getting up for athletic finishes and big blocks that swing momentum. McCray’s versatility gives Olmstead flexibility in their offense, as he can shift between lead guard and wing creator, keeping defenses guessing on every possession.
Kyler Stevenson – Corning Painted Post HS
Stevenson plays with a blend of power and finesse that makes him tough to contain. He’s a fearless attacker who embraces contact in the paint, often drawing fouls and finishing through bigger bodies. His footwork allows him to pivot into multiple options, from spin moves to quick step-backs, often leaving defenders scrambling. Stevenson also can initiate offense, using his handle to create mismatches when bigger defenders try to switch onto him. His physicality and scoring variety make him a key weapon for Corning Painted Post in crunch time.
Stephen Bazile – Jamesville-Dewitt HS
Bazile’s scoring arsenal is built on speed, precision, and versatility. His lightning-quick release paired with disciplined footwork means he can get his shot off before most defenders can react. He’s comfortable pulling up from deep, attacking closeouts, or working from the high post where he can shoot over smaller guards. Bazile also has a knack for using angles on drives to shield the ball and finish through contact. His ability to adapt whether the defense plays him tight or sags off, is what makes him a consistent scoring threat and a difficult assignment for any opponent.
These five guards bring different tools and styles to the court, but all share one thing: the ability to take over a game. Whether it’s Robinson’s smooth scoring, Paulfrey’s defensive pressure, McCray’s three-level versatility, Stevenson’s physicality, or Bazile’s shooting touch, each of them has the talent to change the outcome of a game. Expect their names to keep coming up as some of the most dangerous players in Western and Upstate New York basketball this season.
Tacari McCray
Kyler Stevenson