2026 Rankings: Early Varsity Contributors, Part I
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The 2026 class didn’t hesitate in making their debuts in 2022-23. Take a look at Part I of the Early Contributors on the Varsity stage. There’s no better time to sign up for PrepHoopsNC! Get 30% OFF payment on your…
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Continue ReadingThe 2026 class didn’t hesitate in making their debuts in 2022-23. Take a look at Part I of the Early Contributors on the Varsity stage.
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Aiden Smalls Aiden Smalls 6’1″ | PG Cardinal Gibbons | 2026 State NC was the leading name in the Cardinal Gibbons High rotation in 2022-23 in his varsity debut. He showed he could be an all-around presence in the backcourt as he produced 15.6 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 4.6 apg and 2.0 spg in 27 appearances on the varsity stage as a freshman. He’s an impressive floor general with a high IQ for making plays for himself and others on the hardwood. He’s one to keep an eye on with Team Loaded NC.
Cameron Newman Cameron Newman 5’11” | PG Gaston Christian | 2026 State NC is a name that continues to excel in the Gaston Christian School backcourt at the combo guard spot. He led the way for them with 15.4 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 3.8 apg and 1.8 spg in his second season on the varsity stage, he played with the Eagles as an eighth grader. He’s a crafty ballhandler that can knock down shots inside the perimeter and painted area with ease. As he improves on his shooting ability over the next few seasons, look for his stock to grow on the UAA scene with Team Charlotte .
Jossiah Johnson Jossiah Johnson 6’6″ | PF Freedom Christian Academy | 2025 NC is an emerging 6-foot-5 forward to get to know with Fayetteville Academy after a productive freshman season. He’s a double-double machine in the making in the Eagles’ frontcourt after producing 15.9 ppg, 6.7 rpg and 1.3 apg while shooting 69 percent from the floor during the 2022-23 season. As he improves on his strength and presence around the rim defensively, he’ll be a name to get to know with Team United on the grassroots scene.
Max VanWeerdhuizen Max VanWeerdhuizen 6’0″ | PG High Point Christian Academy | 2026 State NC is a 2026 prospect that’s slowly putting Oak Grove High on the map in the Winston-Salem area. He was the leading young name coming out of the fold for the Grizzlies with 16.1 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 3.9 apg and 2.0 spg while shooting 45 percent from the field and 37 percent from behind the arc in his varsity debut. He’ll be a name to watch with Team United on the EYBL stage this spring/summer.
Cameron Fowler Cameron Fowler 6’4″ | SG Northwood | 2026 State NC turned into quite the spark off the bench for Northwood High during the varsity season in 2022-23. He made 31 appearances as a freshman, producing 4.3 ppg and 2.3 rpg while knocking down 25 3-pointers on the year. He’s an impressive shooting guard that shot 45 percent from behind the arc and showed he could be a force on the rebounding front. He’s a name to watch with Rising Pros Training this grassroots cycle.
Nick Arnold Nick Arnold 5’11” | PG Lake Norman | 2026 State NC is another floor general in the 2026 class to start tracking early after a solid varsity debut with Lake Norman High. He showed off his ability to operate at the point guard spot in 2022-23 as he posted 9.2 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 3.9 apg and 1.7 spg to show he belonged in the 4A West after going 11-1 in the Greater Metro Conference. He’s a prospect to keep an eye on this grassroots cycle with Team Charlotte on the UAA scene.