Summer 5 Series: 2026 Breakout Candidates

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Summer 5 series will be centered around players in each class who can breakout with their grassroots organization this summer. Players with momentum heading into the spring and/or players who need a bigger opportunity to showcase their talent.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2090489' first='Jacob' last='Willmann'] (North Kansas City):&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Willmann was a player who really broke onto the scene playing AAU during his 15u summer. He's a wiry 6'7 forward who shows flashes of dynamic play with his size. He can block shots and make the 3 at times. He's definitely a player who can excel in the more freedom oriented style of play that summer basketball is. All the traits are there for him to have a big few months. Traits, potential, and defensive versatility are areas of the game where he will shine.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1598820' first='Abraham' last='Nayou'] (Maplewood):</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nayou is one of the most physical guards in this class. He has a chiseled frame and can absorb contact all throughout the floor. A dynamite player going downhill and a capable three point shooter. The sophomore is someone who can switch down and guard bigs displaying major versatility on the defensive end of the floor. He's set to play with [program_tooltip program_id='2077051' first='Team' last='Ramey'] this summer. Expect for him to be one of the top 16u players and a guard who can change games.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1850523' first='Oscar' last='Patterson'] (Cardinal Ritter):&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another player who will excel this summer for two main reasons. One, he played for a loaded team full of seniors who won state. His role was an energy guy and saw limited opportunity at times. This was a direct connection to the talent of those seniors and not as much Patterson. He's an energetic player at 6'4 who plays above the rim and will defend multiple spots. A highlight reel waiting to happen.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2114720' first='Kenison' last='Stone'] (Staley):</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stone got some solid minutes at Staley this season and should build upon the opportunity in the following months. He's a longer guard who makes the game look easy. A player with significant potential should he continue growing and shoot the ball at a high level. There's a lot to like in his game as a prospect. He's someone that stands out when you watch his teams play. Look for this to be a 2026 who can rise from his current spot (85th) in the class.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2090515' first='Isadore' last='Ba'] (Ladue):</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another player who fits in the talented but played on a senior led team category. Ba saw spot minutes for Ladue this season and will be better for having been around that group. He's a player who can operate on or off the ball and has significant athletic ability attacking the rim. A twitchy defender that gets steals often. His best basketball is still ahead of him and this is a player to watch in 2026.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->