The Class of 2026 Top 5

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The sophomore class in Louisiana has the makings of being a special one. Players within this class have the versatility to play multiple positions and can be effective at all of them. The top five ballers on this list have the makings of being real game changers on the hardwood. In this Prep Hoops rankings review, we will look at the top five players in the 2026 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1543684' first='Autrail' last='Manning'] (John Curtis / 6'2")</strong> - This will be Autrail's third year as the point guard of the Patriots and he is in full command of the John Curtis offense. He knows how to play the point and plays the game on the floor more like a senior than a sophomore. If he has to switch over to the off guard, he becomes even more dangerous because he can score at all three levels. Whether he is at the one or the two, Manning plays the game at a high level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2218441' first='Armoni' last='Benjamin'] (Avoyelles Charter / 6'0")</strong> - Benjamin is one of the smoothest players we have in the high school ranks. The Avoyelles Charter lefty guard was an all-state performer last season scoring 15 ppg helping his team win a state title. Benjamin has a beautiful and consistent stroke from three and is almost automatic from each corner. He is also very good in transition. Charter should be poised to challenge for another title and Benjamin will be a key cog in that process. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1543675' first='Roderick' last='Tezeno'] (Opelousas Catholic / 6'2")</strong> - The 6'2" guard from Opelousas Catholic is one of the most complete guards in all of the classes. Tezeno can score at all three levels and he is a high flyer in transition. He is also a solid defender who can defend three perimeter positions and disrupt an offense defending each one. His sophomore season should be one that sets him apart and helps him lead Opelousas Catholic to a deep playoff run. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2218442' first='Tyshawn' last='Duncan'] (Alexandria / 6'6")</strong> - Duncan showed opponents in the month of June during team camps that he was a force to be reckoned with. He has a live body and does not take plays off. During the JSE evaluation camp, Duncan played well against more established bigs and handled himself well. He is a big time rebounder and knows how to finish in transition. Duncan will be a big part of what ASH does this season. His upside on the hardwood is very high.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1543674' first='Gavin' last='Lucas'] (Bonnabel / 6'2")</strong> - Lucas is flat out one of the best shooters in the state. During the Statement Session in Youngsville, he displayed shooting capability out to 24 feet which is well behind the arc. Lucas also displayed the willingness and ability to handle the ball in transition situations and make good decisions with the ball. Lucas is more than a shooter and will look to prove it this season for the Bruins.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top five in this class all have the chance to be all-state players this season. Each one of them is that good in their own right. Look for these preps to make their mark on the hardwood this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->