Stock Risers from 2026 Rankings Update
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The 2026 rankings update saw the list of ranked players almost double and some players rose up the rankings with the added list of names. In this article, we’re going to take a look at three prospects who improved their…
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Continue ReadingThe 2026 rankings update saw the list of ranked players almost double and some players rose up the rankings with the added list of names. In this article, we’re going to take a look at three prospects who improved their stock in the summer and saw their ranking rise with this post summer grassroots update.
Our biggest stock riser is near the top as Smith makes a huge climb into the top 3. It’s currently so close between prospects ranked 3-8 that it’s tough to put them in any order, but with Smith’s long-term upside with his size, length and shooting, I gave him the slight nod over some other very talented 2026 prospects. Down in Memphis, it was clear to see where Smith’s long term projection could be. Defensively, his length allows him to recover and make a play on the ball even if he’s a half step behind the ball handler. With his size, Smith grabbed a handful of offensive rebounds for putbacks in the paint. I expect a big Sophomore season from Smith and it shouldn’t be long until Division I programs start calling about the 6’8 wing forward.
A top performer in the month of June for Lebanon, Thompson is one of the elite shooters in the state for his class. Down the road, Thompson looks like a prototypical 3-and-D wing prospect that college programs are desperate for. With his length, shoe size and youth, I would bet Thompson isn’t done growing either. Add another inch or two on his frame and he could be a big time specialist in a couple years at the college level. Another one of the highest upside prospects in the 2026 class, Thompson is a guy mid to high major programs are already tracking very closely.
Highlights
A bit of an unknown to those outside of northeast Ohio, Drexler is one of the most skilled guards in the state and was a killer for TNBA -Ohio this spring. His breakout performance came at the Bill Hensley Run N Slam where Drexler was knocking down shots from everywhere on the court and making the right read as a passer. I think this season will be the breakout for Drexler as Brunswick should be one of the top teams in northeast Ohio this winter with Drexler leading the charge.