Hoop City Classic: Top 2026 Standouts
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These are the players from the 2026 class that shined the brightest at the Hoop City Classic this weekend in Kansas City. https://twitter.com/hoopwithlucas?s=20 Drake DeBaun KS #8 PF #3 HEIGHT 6'6" POS PF CLASS 2026 View Profile Drake DeBaun Instagram…
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Continue ReadingThese are the players from the 2026 class that shined the brightest at the Hoop City Classic this weekend in Kansas City.
Drake continues to shine in his role as a leader. This weekend he showed why he deserves the recognition as a top player in the 2026 class. His defense was extra special this weekend as he is only getting better as an on-ball defender. He works very well switching ball screens and being aggressive against slower guards. He blocks shots at a college level due to his psychic timing on the ball. He attacks the rim hard and uses his size and strength to finish through the defenders chest. His passing ability sets him apart from the rest. With his back to the basket, Drake will make any pass look effortless to cutters, post up shooters, or anyone with a shadow of space. His defensive rebounding to fast break passing truly feels like a young Kevin Love.
Highlights
Enoch Rodriguez Enoch Rodriguez 6'3" | SG Blue Valley | 2026 State KS
Enoch Rodriguez Enoch Rodriguez 6'3" | SG Blue Valley | 2026 State KS
Enoch Rodriguez Enoch Rodriguez 6’3″ | SG Blue Valley | 2026 State KS was electric for his team over the weekend. He showed flashes of a scary game that will send him to the top of the rankings quick. He is a very efficient scorer with exceptional finishing and a defensive mindset that excites any coach. Enoch scores a ton of his points off catch & rip or offensive rebounds. His long frame and athletic ability give him a true slasher badge. He can penetrate the defense with ease and score over the top of help defenders with no issues. Rodriguez got to play up on the 16u squad for a few games and never skipped a beat. He defended strong guards and was able to switch onto a few bigs while holding his own.
LeDon Webb LeDon Webb 5'11" | PG Poplar Bluff | 2027 MO
LeDon Webb LeDon Webb 5'11" | PG Poplar Bluff | 2027 MO
LeDon Webb LeDon Webb 5’11” | PG Poplar Bluff | 2027 MO was one of the most exciting players to watch at his level this weekend. He takes tough shots with high confidence and does not get discouraged if he misses. I saw Webb shooting step backs and hook shots like they were layups, something you truly don’t see a lot of at his age group. He has a tight handle and a deep bag to keep defenders guessing on his next move at all times. LeDon can also step outside and knockdown jumpers at a consistent rate. Keep him on your radar for the near future!
Simon Rowley Simon Rowley 6’2″ | PG Washburn Rural | 2026 State KS is a matchup nightmare for defenders. I try not to call a player “complete” unless I truly believe so. Let me be the first to tell you that Simon is the COMPLETE player. He has a very smooth handle and deep bag to get him buckets in a multitude of ways. He is an above average isolation scorer from the top of key and wings because of his ability to break down his opponent with a variety of dribble drive moves. One defender is simply not enough to contain Simon especially down the stretch in tight games.
Maximus Galindo
Maximus Galindo
Max is a super solid point guard with tremendous upside. His quick first step is what helps him make the majority of his money. He uses his speed to his advantage on both sides of the ball. On offense, he blows by defenders with ease and has a great feel for reading the help defender which gives him great opportunities to score or set up his teammates. Defensively, Max disrupts the ball handlers rhythm by beating them to spots and knocking the ball loose with his quick hands.
Beren Gavin
Beren Gavin
Beren Gavin is a high flying defensive stud. He is a consistent player who will give you production on both sides of the ball. Beren scores easily with both hands and can knock down the midrange when needed. His size gives him an advantage on guards who try to matchup with him on defense. Smooth handles and advanced finishing is a handful for opponents who try to stop Gavin in the open court. Look for him to make a jump this year for St. Thomas Aquinas this year.
Vincent Long
Vincent Long
Vincent had a very productive weekend at the Hoop City Classic. He got the majority of his buckets at the rim or in transition. He is a downhill threat at all time using his length to slash through help defense and score comfortably around the rim with his soft touch. Fast breaks are his best friend the way he can score or assist in the open court with no issues.
Gavin Popik
Gavin Popik
Gavin is a volume scorer with all the skills to make a defense cry. He scored from anywhere he wanted this weekend using his high basketball IQ to break down plays like a pro. Popik does an excellent job reading plays while staying patient and letting them develop. Once Gavin finds his spots, it’s hard to stop him from getting in his groove. A high motor and intense competitive spirit separates Gavin from the other scorers in his class and he’s looking to have a huge year for ONW.
Lovell Autry
Lovell Autry
Lovell is a player that coaches dream of to lead their team. He is a composed guard who handled pressure extremely well and thrived off being doubled. Lovell has a special ability to read the defense with ease which helps him dissect the defense. He is very patient, letting defenders clear out so he can attack downhill in the half court. He is even more dangerous in the full court being a fast break threat with his lighting fast speed and smooth finishing.