Updated Class of 2026 Rankings – Top Up and Comers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The updated Class of 2026 rankings include a number of guys who made the list who have yet to make a serious impact at the varsity level, but were ranked largely based on seeing them in open gym, an event, or club basketball. Here are some of the top guys who are projected to be on varsity this upcoming season that we'll be keeping a close eye on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1582935' first='Jemel' last='Baker'] | CG | Benson | #10</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Baker started last year at Grant but made the move to Benson where playing time for him should be available this next season. At 6-foot-3, long, and athletic, he passes all the visual tests to be an instant contributor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1585573' first='Jalen' last='Nicholson'] | SF | Central Catholic | #11</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Injuries robbed Nicholson of much of his freshman campaign. The rising versatile and skilled big man makes the move to Central Catholic where he should find himself a role along the frontline.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1585574' first='Ryan' last='Barone'] | CG | Jesuit | #16</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jesuit has no shortage of shooters on their team but the way Barone can stroke it from the outside, he may well rank as one of their top marksmen. He's been playing with the Crusaders varsity squad in June and has been confidently knocking shots down.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1591096' first='Jayonni' last='Redbird'] | CG | Roosevelt | #17</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's no question the starting lineup for Roosevelt is stacked so the key to their success could be in their depth. Redbird is a physical guard that should be able to back up at multiple backcourt positions for Hill, Morris, and White.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1712134' first='Kaeden' last='Garcia'] | PG | Willamette | #WL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Small but quick point guard has been putting up some good highlight reels so far this summer. Willamette will have a team with its strengths in the backcourt and Garcia figures to be a contributor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1606562' first='Kingston' last='Hunter'] | PG | Tigard | #WL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The younger brother of star girls hooper Donavyn Hunter has transferred to Tigard and was playing with the varsity squad in June. He's fast, athletic, and should help out in the backcourt.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1662764' first='Brett' last='Lyons'] | PG | Wilsonville | #WL</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We saw Lyons play in open gyms prior to his freshman year and he was lighting it up from the outside. He's been playing with the varsity squad in summer ball and started to physically mature.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->