Bright Futures: 2026 Names To Watch in Wake County

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The start of school means the countdown clock until high school hoops begin. Here are 6 rising freshmen ready to make an impact this hoops season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1907230' first='Aiden' last='Smalls']</strong> | PG | 6-1 | Cardinal Gibbons High School | Team Loaded 3SSB VA 2025</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This young player is one of the most complete players you will find at his age. His physical maturity at his age is impressive but his basketball maturity is what sets him apart. He is a great shooter with deep range and a lot of confidence. He is a high-level finisher who can finish through contact. He pushes the ball with controlled intent and if it is not there for him, he is willing to drop off a pass to the big for a layup or kick it to the shooter spotted up. He takes pride in his defense and that becomes evident as you watch him steal the ball from opposing ball-handlers or jump the passing lane leading to easy transition points. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1411225' first='Brycen' last='Dubose']</strong> | PF, C| 6-3 | Cardinal Gibbons High School | [program_tooltip program_id='2078500' first='Garner' last='Road'] Basketball Club</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He is a load for opponents to handle in the paint when he carves out position. He displays a feathery soft touch around the rim. He can step out and knock down the jumper. He displays textbook footwork in the post. He displays good defensive awareness which allows him to make timely help-side blocks. He has a nose for knowing where missed shots will land which leads to him grabbing his fair share of rebounds. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1505528' first='Caiden' last='Jenkins']</strong> | PG | 6-0 | Word of God Christian Academy | FBA Elite</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A very versatile and gifted player with the ability to continue to get better. He manipulates the defense with his excellent ball-handling, making himself tough for the opponent to stay in front of. He can hit the 3 and he can hit the pull-up midrange. He can also finish through contact with a variety of finishes. He has the ability to touch the paint and when he does he is more than a willing passer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2268821' first='Nate' last='Jones']</strong> | PG | 5-10 | Wake Christian Academy | [program_tooltip program_id='2078470' first='Carolina' last='Legend']s</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is a guard who is at his best when he is getting into the lane. He touches the paint at will and has the ability to create for himself, using crafty finishes and shielding shot blockers. He also uses his paint touches to be a playmaker for others. He manufactures stills with his defensive intensity and quick hands. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1281016' first='Kingston' last='Beale']</strong> | CG | 5-11 | [program_tooltip program_id='2078500' first='Garner' last='Road'] Basketball Club</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beale is a long and athletic wing that uses this length to create shots for himself. Uses that athleticism to attack downhill and finish through contact. Good basketball IQ as he seems to be in the right spots at the right time. He is also a good playmaker for players around him. Defensively again he uses his athleticism to block shots and play the passing lane. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->