Stock Risers from 2026 Rankings Update
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Our 2026 rankings update was notable as we added almost 20 more prospects to our list. With the new names being the main topic of discussion, we also wanted to highlight some players who rose up our rankings after strong…
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Continue ReadingOur 2026 rankings update was notable as we added almost 20 more prospects to our list. With the new names being the main topic of discussion, we also wanted to highlight some players who rose up our rankings after strong starts to their Sophomore season.
Recently offered by Ohio State University, Thompson has taken a big step this season improving his toughness and consistency. As a rebounder, Thompson is averaging 8.1 a game this season. His 21 point, 18 rebound performance against Turpin might be his signature stat-line of the year, helping his team get a crucial conference win. I’ll be curious to see what Thompson’s percentages look like for Indiana Elite 3SSB during circuit games. Thompson is currently shooting 30% on over four attempts per game, I expect his percentage to rise when surrounded by other Division I talent. A name for high major programs across the Midwest to know, schools like Cincinnati, Xavier and Ohio State (offered) are early in-state programs keeping eyes on Thompson’s development.
Highlights
Margaretta has taken that next step this season and went from a slightly above .500 team to a 10-1 record and one of the top teams in Division III. The play of Washington has been a big reason why as the Sophomore guard is one of the most electrifying athletes in the region. Basically every time I watch Washington in a new setting, whether it’s on the grassroots level, with his high school team or at a showcase event, he gets better in each viewing. This spring and summer will really determine the type of recruitment Washington will have in the short term, playing on the EYCL circuit with the Ohio Buckets , he’ll have Division I coaches from across the country checking him out.
Highlights
Toledo St John’s has had a strong start to their season and Kowalczyk has continued to improve each time I’ve caught him. I watched him with the Ohio Buckets in the spring, then at the Toledo Top 64 in the Fall and with Toledo St John’s in the season opener. Kowalczyk can put it on the floor and is a high motor forward who is very productive as a Sophomore. Continuing to get more fluid as an athlete and growing into his frame, Kowalczyk has already earned offers from Bradley and UC Irvine. His Dad, Tod, is the Head Coach at Toledo and has also offered Kowalczyk.
A strong showing at Flyin’ To The Hoop is just the latest strong performance from Bowens who continues to see his stock rise each game. Becoming more confident as a slasher and able to make plays off the bounce, when Bowens is decisive in going to the basket in a straight line he is hard to stop. A big-time athlete from the forward position, Bowens almost threw down a crazy highlight-reel slam dunk against Oak Ridge (FL) last weekend. Bowens currently trajectory keeps improving and it wouldn’t surprise me if he makes another climb before the Spring is over with as he’s playing some of the best basketball among underclassmen in central Ohio.
A recent highlight tape of Hill against Painesville Riverside really shows the growth in his game from freshman to sophomore season. One of the more athletic guards in his class, Hill has improved as a 3-point shooter, extending his range this season. Tough to stop getting downhill at the rim, Hill is a strong left-handed driver when he gets a head of steam. I’ll be curious to see how Hill has continued to grow as I caught him during the high school season opener and likely won’t catch him again until the spring/summer.