Reason for the Ranking: Top 85

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>PICTURED: [player_tooltip player_id='2309040' first='Josh' last='Basden'] and Kirkwood team</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We introduce our updated Class of 2026 rankings!! Rankings are subjective and PrepHoops.com ranks purely upon potential and where the player will be at their basketball peak. Production factors in only when helping prove the potential is greater or lesser. Why did we rank these guys? Why are they at this spot? Take a look at five Class of 2026 prospects and learn a little about their reputation. Peruse the complete<a href="https://prephoops.com/tennessee/rankings/2026-rankings/"> 2026 rankings.</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#81 [player_tooltip player_id='2364360' first='Jayden' last='Mitchell'] (Bartlett)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An undersized guard, [player_tooltip player_id='2364360' first='Jayden' last='Mitchell'] found some rotational minutes for one of the state's best programs with his ability to consistently burt three-pointers. He could add more heft to his body. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#82 [player_tooltip player_id='2077813' first='Eric' last='Bryson Jr.'] (Whites Creek)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fast guard. Good ball-handler. It was a breakout year for Eric that not coincidentally coincided with the Cobras return to state. Hard-charging oor leader.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#83 [player_tooltip player_id='2136908' first='Daniel' last='Towles'] (Arlington)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Good size for his college position. Athletic wing. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#84 [player_tooltip player_id='2309040' first='Josh' last='Basden'] (Kirkwood)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Younger brother of graduating star Prophet, [player_tooltip player_id='2309040' first='Josh' last='Basden'] leane on above average athleticism. Getting to the basket is a strength. While JB was not the best on his team slashing this year, he projects as a top guard next to '27 [player_tooltip player_id='2309002' first='Armani' last='Smith'] next season. Improving his offensive consistency is a reasonable next step. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">#85 [player_tooltip player_id='2345574' first='Brayden' last='Hazelbaker'] (Maryville)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shortly after we released the 2026 rankings Maryville won their deep district thanks in medium part to sophomore point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2345574' first='Brayden' last='Hazelbaker']. Quickly it became apparent that this ranking was and is too low. Hazelbaker belongs in the Top 50 and will be when we hit 2026 again later this spring. Plays effectively at high speeds and low speeds. Brave in the lane. Good natural strength. He will be able to finish after a foul consistently as an upperclassmen. Hazelbaker is not yet an elite outsider shooter, and yet he enjoyed moderate success from that range. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->