Rankings Review: Class of 2026 Top Ten

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The rankings for the class of 2026 dropped last week on the Prep Hoops Louisiana network. This group of players had some prime time seasons which caused movement within the top ten. Louisiana has an impressive group of rising sophomores and this top ten list is proof of that. With that said, let's look at the 2026 top ten.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1543684' first='Autrail' last='Manning'] - </strong>The number one point guard in the state is the best player in the state. Manning is a player who can get it done on offense and defense. He is a great on ball defender who can steal the ball and take it for a layup. Manning can also drain the three in the half court. He is one of the most versatile players in the state. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1570497' first='D'Nharayane' last='Vital'] - </strong>The 6'10" forward out of Lake Charles is a player with a very high ceiling. There were some instances this season where he was the most dominant force on the floor on both ends. He would block the shot on one end and then finish on the other. Vital also has an offensive game that is expanding. His ceiling is very high going into his junior season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2218441' first='Armonii' last='Benjamin'] - </strong>The two time state champion from Avoyelles Charter is one of the best guards in the state. He is highly explosive to the rim and can drain the corner three better than a ton of shooters in the Boot. His ability to score at all three levels makes him a very difficult cover for any defender in the state. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2218442' first='Tyshawn' last='Duncan'] -</strong> The wiry and athletic forward from Alexandria is a game changer in transition. He is one of the best floor runners and he is a highlight in the open floor. His game is expanding as well to the three point line and at 6'6", he should get open looks often. Look for Duncan to be one of the best players in the state next season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1543675' first='Roderick' last='Tezeno'] -</strong> The two sport star prep star from Opelousas Catholic is one of the better all-around basketball players in the state. He is athletic and is just as good in the half court as he is in the open floor. Tezeno is also a good perimeter defender who will block shots at the rim as well. He is a talent with a ton of potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1679405' first='Javonte' last='Ford'] - </strong>When I think of athletic guards who can do multiple things well, Ford is one of the first players who comes to mind. He can attack from the wing, lead an offense, or score in the paint. Ford can also anchor himself in the paint can rebound like a forward. Ford is one of those players who has a ton of tools and they are all useful on the floor any given night. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1543705' first='Tallion' last='Rideau'] - </strong>Rideau is a wing who is very good at creating buckets for himself. He has the knack to take defenders off the dribble and get his shot off over practically anyone. Rideau can also attack the tin and finish at or above the rim. His talent to create makes him very difficult to defend on any level of the floor. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1967568' first='Lavell' last='Lane'] - </strong>Lane has the ability to score inside and outside when he is on the floor. He has a silky smooth release from behind the arc and makes that shot at a high rate. Lane is very good at defending in space and playing good help defense as well. His ability to play offense and defense at a high level makes him a valued player with a big upside. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1543685' first='Dwight' last='Magee'] - </strong>The scoring ability of this rising sophomore is second to none. Magee, recently named the Class 1A Most Outstanding Player, is a walking bucket for a lead guard. He is quick with his handles and gets to open areas to score with ease. Magee can also find players in scoring positions as well. While he may be more of a scorer, he is a lead guard many schools would love to have. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1679403' first='Kevin' last='White'] - </strong>When it is said and done, White may be the best lead guard in this class. He is a player with a very high IQ and puts himself in position to score or to find another teammate in scoring position. His ability to score at all three levels while facilitating the offense makes him difficult to cover. White should turn a lot of heads this summer by his play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are other very good players that will be highlighted in this 2026 class. These top ten players are some of the most athletically gifted that we have in the Boot. We will definitely see some of these players develop into next level players over the next two seasons. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->