2026 Watchlist: A Deeper Dive (Part 4)
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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…
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Continue ReadingIn 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.
See the entire watchlist here: https://prephoops.com/iowa/rankings/iowa-2026-rankings/.
PF John Nelson John Nelson 6'4" | PF Nevada | 2026 State IA (Nevada)
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.
SG Lorenzo Pino Lorenzo Pino 5'11" | SG Cedar Rapids Xavier | 2026 State IA (Xavier)
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.
PG Cooper Porter Cooper Porter 5'11" | PG Senior | 2026 State IA (Senior)
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.
PG Brigham Porter Brigham Porter 5'10" | PG New London | 2026 State IA (New London)
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.
PG Ben Ramsey Ben Ramsey 6'0" | PG IKM-Manning | 2026 State IA (IKM-Manning)
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.
PG Max Roach Max Roach 5'9" | PG Oskaloosa | 2026 State IA (Oskaloosa)
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).
SG Holden Roberts Holden Roberts 5'10" | SG Twin Cedars | 2026 State IA (Twin Cedars)
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.
SF Conley Schauf Conley Schauf 6'1" | SF Monticello | 2026 State IA (Monticello)
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.
PG Kaden Van Schepen Kaden Van Schepen 5'11" | PG Rock Valley | 2026 State IA (Rock Valley)
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.
PF Tevin Schultz Tevin Schultz 6'7" | PF Dubuque Senior | 2026 State IA (Senior)
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.