A Sneak Preview of 2026 Players to Watch
With the beginning of the high school season about a month away, it is time to look at some young players who are up and coming. There will be several Class of 2026 players on the scene this season. Prep…
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Continue ReadingWith the beginning of the high school season about a month away, it is time to look at some young players who are up and coming. There will be several Class of 2026 players on the scene this season. Prep Hoops Missouri takes a look at a few kiddos to start you off with.
Eddie Smajic (Vianney): A 6’6″ small forward who has a strong offensive package and the ability to score at all three levels. He can face the basket and set up defenders with a nice jab step and use of ball fakes to get by defenders. He can shoot it from 3-point range and he also has the size to score in the paint against smaller defenders.
Marquel Murray (Cape Girardeau Central): A 6’3″ guard from the SEMO area who is one of the most explosive athletes in the class. He is a strong offensive threat as a slasher who also excels in the transition game. He’s an exciting dunker in the open court and if you give him room, he will knock down the perimeter jumper.
Parker Seithal (Rockhurst): A 6’7″ forward from the Kansas City area who was most impressive at the Prep Hoops Top 250 Expo in St. Louis. He plays the Stretch 4 role perfectly with his ability to hit 3-pointers off the catch. He is also skill on the perimeter and can take the ball coast to coast off the rebound for a layup.
Sheek Pearson Sheek Pearson 6'9" | PF John Burroughs | 2026 State MO (John Burroughs): A 6’7″ forward with excellent length and athleticism to impact the game at both ends. He runs the court well and he is very skilled around the basket with a nice shooting touch. He can also make a play off the dribble. He can also rebound and block shots.
Amare Witham (Glendale): A 6’0″ combo guard who is a very creative bucket-getter. He has slick handles and he has a variety of escape moves to break down defenders to get into the lane to score. He can attack going and right with the ability to change speeds and directions with the ability to finish in traffic. He can also hit the pull-up jumper.
Rowen Buffington (Jefferson City): A 6’1″ point guard who is one of top freshman in Mid-Missouri. He’s a coach’s son who plays with a lot of confidence and a good feel for the game. His playmaking skills are on point and he can also play off the ball with his ability to hit 3-pointers and create off the dribble.
Oscar Patterson (Cardinal Ritter): A 6’3″ wing who is an all-purpose player who does a little bit of everything to help his team. He is a high energy player who can defend and rebound at a high level. He is a excellent slashing threat who can run the court to finish in transition or he can lead the break to drop the nice dime.
Ben Akoro Ben Akoro 6'7" | SF Principia | 2026 State MO (Rolla): An athletic 6’3″ guard who has good size and impressive offensive arsenal. He can handle the ball and can get a bucket at all three levels. His shooting range extends well beyond the 3-point line and he can score on twisting drives in the lane. He can also make his teammates better with his passing skills.
Jackson Cantwell (Nixa): A 6’8″ 270-pound post player who already projects as a major college prospect on the football field as an offensive lineman. He is also good player on the basketball court where he makes good use of his size and strength in the paint. He moves well and he knows how to establish his position inside and finish with a nice touch.
Mav Hawkins (Pembroke Hill): A 6’1″ point guard who has a smooth flow to his game when he has the ball in his hands. He can create off the dribble or set up his teammates for open looks. He can also attack in the lane off the dribble or pull up to hit the perimeter jumper. He is also a strong defender.