2026 Watchlist: A Deeper Dive (Part 4)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>In case you missed it, we released our initial 2026 watch list, a list of 50 players that will eventually expand to 250-300 over the course of their high school careers. This week, we'll take a quick look at each of the 50 players on this initial watch list, going through them alphabetically by last name. The initial 2026 rankings will be released sometime in the spring, after getting a chance to see more of these players in person on the grassroots circuit.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>See the entire watchlist here: <a href="https://prephoops.com/iowa/rankings/iowa-2026-rankings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://prephoops.com/iowa/rankings/iowa-2026-rankings/</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>PF [player_tooltip player_id='1765535' first='John' last='Nelson'] (Nevada)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A 6-4 big man who has made a major impact on both ends of the floor for the Cubs, Nelson is averaging 8.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.2 blocks a game. He's a versatile defender, efficient finisher around the rim, and has shown good court vision and passing instincts. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>SG [player_tooltip player_id='1361499' first='Lorenzo' last='Pino'] (Xavier)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pino is a talented guard who has shown the ability to play both with and without the ball in his hands. He's a good shooter off the catch and a strong ball-handler with good court vision.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>PG [player_tooltip player_id='1765536' first='Cooper' last='Porter'] (Senior)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A heady lead guard who can score from all three levels, create shots for himself and others, and serve as a quality on-ball defender, Porter is a big part of a really good 2026 class at Senior.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>PG [player_tooltip player_id='1765537' first='Brigham' last='Porter'] (New London)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The younger brother of current senior star Blaise, Brigham still has a lot of physical development to go through, but he's a quick guard with a good feel for the game who should turn into a quality player over the next three years. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>PG [player_tooltip player_id='1765538' first='Ben' last='Ramsey'] (IKM-Manning)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A talented 6-0 guard who can get to the bucket and create looks for himself and his teammates, Ramsey is averaging 11.9 points and a team-high 3.2 assists a game this season for the Wolves.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>PG [player_tooltip player_id='1765539' first='Max' last='Roach'] (Oskaloosa)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A shifty 5-9 point guard with great handles and a good feel for the game, Roach is a strong playmaker who sees the floor at a high level and is a capable shooter off the dribble. He's averaging 8.9 points and team-highs in assists (3.9) and steals (2.7).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>SG [player_tooltip player_id='1765540' first='Holden' last='Roberts'] (Twin Cedars)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Roberts is having a big statistical debut season for the Sabers, averaging 13.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.1 steals a game. He has shown the ability to score both inside and out as well as make plays for others. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>SF [player_tooltip player_id='1765541' first='Conley' last='Schauf'] (Monticello)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A long 6-0 lefty wing, Schauf does a good job using his length to impact the game on the defensive end. He has shown some ability as a secondary ball-handler and playmaker, as well as a good looking stroke from the arc. He's averaging 5.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists a game for the Panthers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>PG [player_tooltip player_id='1765545' first='Kaden' last='Van Schepen'] (Rock Valley)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defending 2A champions had a lot of production to replace from last year's team, and the 5-11 Van Schepen has stepped in and performed admirably as the lone freshman on the varsity roster, averaging 6.3 points and 2.8 rebounds a game. He's a quick guard who can score from all three levels. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>PF [player_tooltip player_id='1172887' first='Tevin' last='Schultz'] (Senior)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Schultz will be in the running for the #1 ranking when those are released in the spring. A mobile 6-7 big man with great footwork and touch around the bucket, Schultz has advanced post moves, the ability to step out and stretch the floor, and protect the rim. If he keeps growing, he could turn into a high-major player down the line. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->