2026’s Rankings Update – Top Newcomers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's time to take a look at some of the <em>Top Newcomers</em> in our most recent rankings update for the class of 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These are the prospects that made their way into the New England rankings for the first time. Scattered throughout the rankings from <strong><em>#17</em></strong> all the way to <strong><em>#74</em></strong>, there are 10 <em>Newcomers </em>in this rankings update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are five of the newly ranked prospects to take note of:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2325746"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Jenkins, a two-time MIAA Division I state chamion at u003cemu003eNorthu003c/emu003e, makes his first appearance in the 2026 rankings after announcing that he will reclassify and attend u003cemu003eWorcester Academyu003c/emu003e next fall. A jet quick lead guard with some big time scoring ability, Jenkins took a big step forward this winter even while sacrificing some individual stats for the good of the team. He does a great job of pushing the ball in transition, particularly by utilizing his speed with the ball in his hands, but also always has his eyes up looking to create passes that lead to easy offense. He does a good job of moving without the ball and has become a consistent threat from behind the arc in catch and shoot situations. Defensively, he can pick up opposing guards at 94 feet and does a great job of utilizing his length and quick hands to be disruptive on the ball and in passing lanes.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["2407052"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Merrick, an all-NEPSAC honorable mention selection this winter, is a versatile wing that impacts the game on both ends of the floor. A solid athlete with good positional size, Merrick already has a next level physical profile and showcases strength that should allow him to play and guard 3 or 4 positions in college. He has some impressive athletic pop in his legs and is handful to guard on the wing when he gets downhill or can get out and run in transition. He showed the abililty to stretch the floor this winter, knocking down multiple 3's in a handful of games. Already a strong rebounder, he has the physical gifts to eventually develop into one of the class's top wing defenders.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["2407057"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Griffiths, fresh off a breakout season at u003cemu003eKingswood-Oxfordu003c/emu003e, is one of New England's more intriguing long-term prospects. A long and lean wing that can really shoot it, Griffiths is just scratching the surface of what he could become while already showcasing an impressive offensive game. While not yet a true shot creator, he has proven to be a consistent and reliable shooter from behind the arc, particularly in catch-and-shoot situations. He has deep range to go along with a high, quick release. On the defensive end, he does a good job of closing down space, and is impressive covering ground in recovery situations. He also impressed as a rim protector, where his length definitely came into play.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["2407058"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Blackburn, one of just a few sophomores in New England with a 40-point game to his name, is one of the classes most impressive wing athlete. With terrific positional size and next level athleticism, Blackburn has the chance to be one of the region's top risers over the next 12 months. One thing that stands out is his ability to elevate on his jumper, allowing him to get his shot off with relative ease even in tight windows. He's an impressive off-ball cutter, a skill that is magnified by his athleticism and ability to finish strong at the rim. Defensively, he's capable of guarding multiple positions, does a good job of fighting to be physical in the paint, and can rebound outside of his area, another skill that has offensive benefits as he's great at initiating offense in transition.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["2407059"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Uveges, one of Connecticut's more physically imposing underclassmen, is a thowback post presence for u003cemu003eNorthwest Catholicu003c/emu003e. A rugged and strong post defender, Uveges has an advanced understanding of how to defend in the paint as he walls up, moves his feet, and contests vertically. He's a defensive anchor, serving as a high IQ, vocal piece defender on the back line. Offensively, he's most effective right now on the block. He has good hands and is capable of scoring in one-on-one situations by the rim. He does a good job of crashing the offensive glass, makes plays out of the dunker spot, and is a reliable finisher with either hand.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6619d48395706"} /-->