The Carmel Tip-Off Classic once again delivered an incredible weekend of basketball, featuring elite matchups and standout performances from start to finish. Guards from across the region set the tone with their skill, leadership, and ability to control the game on both ends of the floor. From dynamic scorers and floor generals to defensive disruptors and clutch shot-makers, these playmakers made a lasting impression. Here are POB’s Top Guards who rose to the occasion and showcased why they are names to remember this season.
2028 Kenyon St. Louis (WS Christian)
St. Louis introduced himself to the state of North Carolina, as the Canadian point guard really impressed with his overall game at the Carmel Tip Off. He brings good positional size and is a good scoring option, but his composure, poise, and facilitating are what grabbed our attention. St. Louis plays with great pace and feel with the ball in his hands, making the right decisions, finding teammates well, and does a great job in picking his spots to attack offensively. He clearly put himself in the discussion as one of the top point guards in the class for North Carolina.
2026 Ayden Johnson (Caldwell Academy)
The Merrimack commit looked poised to lead this team this year, and he did, doing so in impressive fashion with 22 points vs. Carmel Christian. Johnson plays with a ton of confidence, showcasing his speed and creativity off the dribble, his ability to knock down shots, and his competitive nature to prove himself. Johnson is expected to have a huge season this year, and it was a great start to the season in showing that.
2026 Cameron Newman (Gaston Christian)
One of the top unsigned seniors left on the board, Newman once again showed why he should the attention late with programs around the region. Game after game, you simply know what you are going to get with his game; he is going to lead, be an offensive scoring weapon, and a true floor general that mixes it up well in creating for himself as well as for others. Newman makes great reads, is strong off the bounce, can get paint touches consistently, and plays with such composure on the court.
2027 Romain Boyer (Concord Academy)
Boyer really impressed and moved up on our board, as he went off for 33 points that included 9 3-pointers. Boyer is one who looks far more comfortable this year than last season, as he now has experience under his belt and is looking to make a statement this year. That he did, as he did a great job in getting to his spots, knocked down shots with range with confidence, and also took what was given in making plays off the bounce. His shot-making and confidence from deep were quite impressive.
2028 Bobby Montgomery (Queens Grant)
Another guard that played big for his team was Montgomery. In the first game, he was lighting it up from behind the arc as it felt like he simply couldn’t miss, ultimately hitting 9 3-pointers to lead his team. In the second game, he was able to knock down shots but also make plays off the bounce, attack the defense, and find ways to get to the line as well. He plays with a scrappy nature, and Montgomery showed that he could be in the discussion as one of the best shooters in the state of North Carolina.