2026 Watch List: Battle for No. 1
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The first class of 2026 watch list features 60 prospects in the freshman – soon to be sophomore – class in Southern California. But a watch list is just a group of names for you to keep on your radar…
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Continue ReadingThe first class of 2026 watch list features 60 prospects in the freshman – soon to be sophomore – class in Southern California. But a watch list is just a group of names for you to keep on your radar and not quite a true ranking yet. We like to give these young prospects a full year of high school and spring and summer club basketball to show their talents before we put them in rank order. However, we do have a handful of players on our radar as guys who could be the No. 1 overall player in the class. We discuss them below.
Alijah Arenas Alijah Arenas 6'5" | CG Chatsworth | 2026 State CA-S , Grant
There’s no denying Arenas is one of the better shot creators and shot makers in the 2026 class. The wiry 6-foot-3 guard has NBA range on his three-point shot, great feel and creativity off the bounce to create space from defenders and just has a dynamic aspect to his game that few young players have and that probably has a lot do to with his NBA bloodlines.
Brandon McCoy Jr. Brandon McCoy Jr. 6'4" | CG St. John Bosco | 2026 CA-S , St. John Bosco
McCoy has been opening up the eyes of Division 1 college coaches and national scouts while playing for AZ Unity on the EYBL circuit. The 6-foot-4 combo guard is a do-it-all offensive player with smooth off the bounce game and an explosive pop of athleticism at the rim. McCoy has elevated his ball handling, decision-making and creation for teammates since the end of the high school season while still maintaining his high level offensive attributes.
Brannon Martinsen Brannon Martinsen 6'7" | SF Mater Dei | 2026 State CA-S , Mater Dei
Martinsen was among the most productive and important players to his team’s success this season while starting and putting up solid numbers for the Monarchs. The 6-foot-7 forward can simply be described as a basketball player as his dribble, pass and shoot abilities make him a versatile offensive threat while his knack for the ball on the glass make him one of the best rebounders on this list.
Jason Crowe Jr Jason Crowe Jr 6'4" | PG Inglewood | 2026 State CA-S ., Lynwood
As far as pure scorers go, no one on this list matched what Crowe did in his freshman season. The 6-foot-2 lefty was among the state’s leaders in scoring at 36 points per game and led his team deep into both the Southern Section and State playoffs. Crowe’s three-level scoring combined with his all-around feel for the game and command for his position earned him a well-deserved spot on this list.
Kaiden Bailey Kaiden Bailey 6'3" | PG Calvary Chapel | 2026 State CA-S , Crean Lutheran
Bailey is in that mold of Crowe and Arenas where they can be described as “wired to score.” We saw the 6-foot-3 guard numerous times during his freshman season and he was always the Saints go-to guy, especially when the game was on the line. Bailey proved to be an elite shot-maker and shot creator from three-point and mid-range levels of the floor while also showing he was a crafty finisher in the lane.
Tajh Ariza Tajh Ariza 6'8" | SF Westchester | 2026 State CA-S , St. Bernard
Ariza’s impact was felt in multiple ways for St. Bernard. The rangy 6-foot-5 wing was an effective transition slasher and finisher in the Vikings’ uptempo offense and, as the season went on, he became more of a half-court threat with his dribble, pass and shoot playmaking abilities. Ariza is one of the better defenders on this list, as well, as his instincts and anticipation when playing passing lanes stood out.