2026 Rankings: Top 5
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DISCLAIMER: This class is very hard to rank as it has shown potential to be one of the best classes we have seen in recent times. There are players who are outside of the top 5 who have ligament arguments…
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Continue ReadingDISCLAIMER: This class is very hard to rank as it has shown potential to be one of the best classes we have seen in recent times. There are players who are outside of the top 5 who have ligament arguments to be put up all the way at the number 1 spot. We are making these rankings off of a small sample size as we do not focus on watching middle school basketball just high school. These rankings will surely change throughout these players’ high school careers as we get to watch more and more of them, this is just the starting point. Parents, players, and coaches if you are not happy with the way a player is ranked the team and I are always open to being proved wrong, put in the work, and we will notice!
With that out of the way, we are very excited to announce our top 15 rankings for the class of 2026 and a long watchlist of players we have on our radar. This class has more size and talent than we typically see from a class of freshmen and many will look to make a big impact during their freshman seasons of high school.
1. Jeremiah Hammond Jeremiah Hammond 6'3" | CG Cherry Creek | 2026 State CO – Cherry Creek
Basketball runs in the Hammond family and Jeremiah is looking to be another high-level prospect of the family. Jeremiah’s oldest brother Julian Hammond (ranked #1 in CO his senior season) currently plays at CU Boulder and his middle brother Christian Hammond plays at Dream City Christian and is committed to play at Santa Clara next year. Jeremiah plays with a swagger on the court already having great confidence. What stands out when watching Jeremiah play is his high IQ and feel for the game, he does not force up bad shots and gets his teammates involved. At the Mile High Hoops Freshman Showcase, he looked like the best player at the event and earned the camp MVP. Jeremiah can score from all three levels and is already showing off great athleticism dunking with ease.
2. Kai McGrew Kai McGrew 6'8" Lawrence North | 2026 State IN – Smoky Hill
Kai McGrew Kai McGrew 6'8" Lawrence North | 2026 State IN has the size and skill to come in and be a very impactful player during his freshman year. While Kai can play at this moment it is his high upside that puts him at the number 2 spot in our rankings. Currently, Kai can play down low from the dunker’s spot, he is a great dump-off option who can finish off of two feet for dunks at the rim. He is also an impactful rebounder on both ends, he can make putbacks due to his length and athleticism. Kai has shown promise playing a bit from the wing and stretching the floor to knockdown set shots from three. Kai has great skills at the moment and plenty to build upon, he is a high-upside forward for college coaches to keep an eye on.
3. Gavin Placide Gavin Placide 6'9" | SF Utah Prep | 2026 State UT & 4. Gallagher Placide Gallagher Placide 6'9" | SF Utah Prep | 2026 State UT – Grandview
The twins at Grandview are two of the most intriguing prospects in the state due to their size and refined skills playing from the wing. Both of the twins already stand at least 6’6 maybe 6’7 now and may have some more growing to go. This makes them great versatile defenders who use their length to disrupt passing lanes and block shots at the rim. They are match-up problems as they have the skill to put the ball down and drive from the wing and bully shorter wings and guards when near the rim. Gavin and Gallagher are both smart decision-makers who make good passes off the dribble or from low to high post. These two’s potential are as high as any player in this class and their defense and skill offensively will make them a force to be reckoned with at Grandview this season.
5. Carter Basquez Carter Basquez 6'5" | CG Smoky Hill | 2026 State CO – Smoky Hill
Carter Basquez Carter Basquez 6'5" | CG Smoky Hill | 2026 State CO is another high-potential prospect as he is a skilled big guard. Carter stands at 6’4 and has the ability to run the point guard spot and create for himself off of the dribble. With the ball in his hands, Carter has a very smooth and impressive handle for his size. He has shown off his high IQ fitting in with older players as a high-level role player who can make the right play/pass and uses his length to guard spots 1-3 on the defensive end. Carter has the potential to be a very big point guard who can run an offense while also being able to effectively create for himself.