Premier 2026 Watch List

With the fall high school basketball season ever approaching, all eyes are on the top-ranked players and teams during the summer camp period. Prep Hoops Scout Drew Johnson is taking a closer look at some of the notable risers in the PH rankings. These players have shown significant improvement over the spring/summer periods and are poised to make a big impact on the court this season. Keep an eye out for these notable risers as the fall high school basketball season gets underway. They may just be the key to their team’s success and could be the ones to watch as they continue to develop and grow on the court.

Joseph Hartman Joseph Hartman 6'3" | CG The Rock | 2026 State FL | CG | Class of 2026 | The Rock School | @Joseph32Hartman

Offers: Charlotte, Jacksonville, Saint Louis, Wichita State 

One of the real deal up-and-coming guards in the 2026 class that can handle the rock and be a consistent scoring threat at the next level. Hartman has seen an uptick in offers during the off-season, likely because of his reliable shooting, potential upside, and college-ready frame that he has plenty of time to work on. Prep Hoops will be paying attention as Hartman enters his anticipated sophomore season. 

Brandon Bass Jr Brandon Bass Jr 6'5" | SG Windermere Prep | 2026 State FL | SG | Class of 2026 | Windermere Prep | @BrandonBassJr

2022 stats: 17.7 ppg | 

Remember first getting eyes on Bass during the 2022 season and knew right away he was the real deal. He’s only progressed his overall game while picking up a few big-time Division I offers. He has incredible upside with a good frame that he uses to torture opposing defenses. Led his team in points during his freshman season while leading the Lakers to the state championship game. Don’t be surprised if their right back in it with Bass being a projected playmaking star. 

Offers: UCF, Houston, St. John’s, Illinois, and more 

Alex Constanza | CG | Class of 2026 | Westminster Academy | @_alexconstanza

2022 stats: 14.9 ppg | 6.0 rebounds | 3.4 assists 

No doubt about it, Constanza is at the top of the list when it comes to top combo guards in the state if not the nation for the class of 2026. He’s picked up some big-time offers after finishing a productive freshman season with a young Lions squad that went deep into the playoffs. He’s set up for a huge sophomore season with an attempt to go all the way for the trophy in just his second season.

Offers: Alabama, Florida, Illinois, Ole Miss, St. John’s

Randy Livingston Jr | CG | Class of 2026 | Isidore Newman | @_rjhoops

Livingston has earned some Power Five offers from some established schools in just his freshman season. A true point guard prospect that has slick handles combined with good agility and body control to cause havoc for opposing defenders. His ability to create his own shot is impressive. Plenty of time to add weight to his frame but already a premier 2026 prospect. 

Offers: Arizona State, Texas State, California, Georgetown, St. John’s, Michigan State

JT Tipton JT Tipton 5'10" | PG Lecanto | 2026 FL | G | Class of 2026 | Lecanto | @jttipton10

2022 stats and accolades: 

19.5 – PPG

5.4 – APG

3.9 – RPG

3.9 – SPG

102 Made 3-point field goals

1419 Career Varsity Points

5A FACA District player of the year

FACA All-State Selection

GC8 All conference first team 

Chronicle Athlete of the Year

When taking a look at all Tipton accomplished during his freshman season, I mean it speaks for itself about what type of production he’s capable of while being a leader of a team. He’s a sniper prospect with a reliable three-point jumper and a sneaky defender that can rack up steals. One of the highest scorers in the class of 2026 earned his name on the list and is set up for a solid sophomore season. 

Offers: 

Toni Bryant Toni Bryant 6'9" | PF North Tampa Christian | 2026 State FL | CG | Class of 2026 | NTCA | @the_ToniBryant

2022 stats: 15.1 ppg | 11.2 rebounds | 6.9 blocks 

Bryant is a premier two-way player that can be both a scoring and defensive threat because of his size and natural instincts on the hardwood. Just look at the numbers (led the state in rebounds for C/O 2026), this is a real deal 2026 prospect that will be a productive piece at the next level. Bryant is a reliable finisher at the rim while being a rim protector on the other side of the floor. College coaches have to get eyes on him Now before it’s too late. 

Jermal Jones Jr Jermal Jones Jr 6'5" | CG Bell Creek Academy | 2026 State FL | CG | Class of 2026 | Bell Creek Academy | @JermalJonesJr0

2022 stats: 17.8 ppg

Jones was instantly put on my radar after watching him perform a few times during the 2022 season where he led Bell Creek in multiple categories. He’s a do-it-all type athlete that’s mainly a scoring threat at the next level but is still developing his overall game and growing into his body. Has really good upside and will be one of the premier college-ready prospects in the Tampa area in years to come.