Big School 2026s Off and Running in December

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We released our first ranking of the 2026 class a few months ago. Since then, more players from the class – now sophomores – have started to make an impact on the varsity scene. We're going to keep a close eye on the risers in the class these next few months.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are some sophomores who are making an impact at their big schools (4A-6A):</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>James Fieser</strong>, 6-foot-2 guard, Liberal:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This name keeps popping up for his contributions to his team. Liberal is stocked with high-quality seniors, yet it has been Fieser who is the most consistent leader so far. He scored at least 20 in each of his first three games. He draws a lot of fouls and is aggressive attacking defenses and dishing to teammates. He's a strong rebounder and is creating a lot of havoc defensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2327576' first='Darrian' last='Hammond']</strong>, 6-foot guard, 2026, Wichita Northwest:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hammond caught our eye this summer, so we're not surprised he's making an impact for the Grizzlies, who reeled off five straight victories. He's a really nice lefty shooter who is hitting a high percentage so far this season. He has demonstrated a nice ability to hit the glass and turn boards into transition opportunities. This smooth sophomore is making a contribution to a team totally loaded with veteran guards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2327571' first='Jason' last='Jones']</strong>, 6-foot-2, forward, 2026, Bonner Springs:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We have been very impressed with the athleticism and explosiveness of this lanky wing for Bonner Springs. The Braves were looking for playmakers following some key graduation losses, and Jones has the kind of ability to make an impact. He's scored in double figures in several games and is averaging an impressive 8 boards per game. This guy can really soar, dunking with two hands with impressive ease.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lachlan McRae</strong>, 5-foot-9 guard, 2026, Tonganoxie (pictured):</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Hoops scouts really enjoyed the work of McRae over the summer, so were interested to see what type of opportunity he would have as a sophomore. He's an interesting player due to his ability to work in the paint at just 5-foot-9. But his scrappiness and creativity leads to a lot of production in transition and in the paint. And the kid is showing a lot of ability on the catch and shoot from deep. He went for 23 in a recent game</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2328072' first='Corey' last='Rolfe']</strong>, 6-foot-2 forward, 2026, Bonner Springs:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cut from a similar mold as his teammate Jones, Rolfe is a springy, playmaking forward who can score at a variety of angles and get to the rim. He tossed in 18 versus Frontnac recently. The Braves will look more and more to Rolfe and Jones as they gain experience this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sawyer Walker</strong>, guard, 2026, Salina South:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cougars are playing a lot of youngsters so far this season, and while it's not translating into wins, it is giving experience to some nice young players. Walker's production has been hot and cold, but you can't overlook the 30 points he registered in one game, coming largely on 7 threes. We look forward to learning much more about this shooting guard.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->