2026 Rankings: 26-30 Breakdown

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Prep Hoops SoCal staff put its collective heads together to come up with the initial class of 2026 rankings which includes 55 ranked players and 40-plus more on the watchlist for the next update. In this piece we break down the prospects from 26 through 30 and why they fell where they did in the rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">No. 26 [player_tooltip player_id='1956466' first='Julian' last='Lebel'], El Cajon Christian</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lebel was among the premier scorers in the state last season and it will be interesting to follow if he can repeat that performance as a sophomore at a new school. The 6-foot-4 wing has floor stretching ability off the catch but can also attack closeouts for straight-line drive finishes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">No. 27 [player_tooltip player_id='2131784' first='King-Riley' last='Owens'], La Mirada</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Owens is quick, shifty and creative attacker of the basket who understands how to use hesitations and changes of speed and direction to get to his scoring spots. The 6-foot-1 point guard is a deceptive finisher around rim protectors and has set-up ability with his vision and IQ.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">No. 28 [player_tooltip player_id='2131785' first='Braeden' last='Davidson'], Crean Lutheran</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Davidson is one of the better catch and shoot guys in SoCal and, with his 6-foot-3 frame and quick release, he doesn't need much time or space to get his shot off. Davidson has the ball skills and vision to create for teammates when attacking bad closeouts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">No. 29 [player_tooltip player_id='2131786' first='Markee' last='White Jr.'], Corona Centennial</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>White will be a key piece to Centennial's young but talented roster this season. The 6-foot-6 forward is a utility type player who can guard multiple positions, rebound, run the floor, play in ball screen action and finish through contact in the lane. If White can add some perimeter skill to his game, I can see his stock rising after this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">No. 30 [player_tooltip player_id='2131787' first='Steven' last='Melina'], Oak Park</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Melina burst on the scene this spring and summer as a smooth and crafty scorer whose jump shot opens up the rest of his off the bounce game. The 6-foot-4 guard/wing covers ground quickly off the dribble and uses his size, length and athletic ability to extend and finish at the rim.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->