2026’s Watchlist #PHBATL

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Battle At The Lakes is almost here!</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This event is one of the biggest and best events that Prep Hoops puts on and PHD could not be more excited!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Who are some players to keep eyes on? PHD has a big list of players to watch</span>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">In this article,&nbsp;PHD has&nbsp;<strong>fourteen&nbsp;2026</strong>&nbsp;Players on the Watchlist. We will give you a couple reasons to watch them and ask one question about each baller.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><span style="text-decoration: underline">We are looking at 10th graders from North Dakota &amp; South Dakota</span>.<a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/image_c248d8.png"></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2435684,"width":"264px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/image_c2ecf7.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/image_c2ecf7.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2435684" style="width:264px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1317685,"width":"264px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/10/PlayerWatchlistNDSD.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/10/PlayerWatchlistNDSD.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-1317685" style="width:264px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">2026's</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1632627' first='Abakar' last='Miganoudji'] |6'5 F| BTG 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He was a standout at TC Takedown, dominated, and took games over. Very athletic southpaw, I liked that he now willingly scores with his right hand around the hoop. Abakar is a menacing slasher, an above-the-rim-finisher, a shot blocker, and he can hit the 3-ball. Get eyes on this Bruin!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Does he distribute the ball, hit guys for open shots, and is he sprinting the floor</span>?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1510889' first='Boston' last='Cranston'] |6'0 G| [program_tooltip program_id='2075723' first='ND' last='Attack'] 2026 Green</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Boston played with [program_tooltip program_id='2078372' first='ECI' last=''] last weekend and he shined! He is a floor general who rarely makes a mental mistake. Cranston is extremely effective at finding his way to the rim and finishing. He also has extended his shooting range over the course of the year. Boston leds [program_tooltip program_id='2075723' first='ND' last='Attack'] on the floor and in the scorebook!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Can Boston elevate the play of his teammates when the lights are the brightest</span>? </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1327797' first='Carter' last='Evanson'] |6'2 G| ND Phenon 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Easy$ is the real deal, no question about that. He had a breakout season in school ball and was selected as All-EDC. I have always liked his game and that always improves. Look for Evanson to hit triples, score inside the arc, create for others, put on a show, and grab attention from the scouts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Is he a playmaker this weekend or simply looking for his shot?</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1418035' first='Chris' last='Benning'] |5'10 G| [program_tooltip program_id='2078372' first='ECI' last=''] 2026 Prospects</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lethal lefty who scores from all three levels. Benning is streaky, but when he is hot, he is HOT! Chris has the ability to go on impressive scoring runs all on his own. He is not the best defender yet, but he rebounds very well for his size. If [program_tooltip program_id='2078372' first='ECI' last=''] wants to make noise, Benning will need to perform well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">The Prospects can defend, will he give [program_tooltip program_id='2078372' first='ECI' last=''] the scoring punch that is desperately needed</span>? </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2255562' first='Drew' last='Nitschke'] |6'3 F| [program_tooltip program_id='2075723' first='ND' last='Attack'] Blue</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He has played well in the first two tournaments of the season. Drew is beginning to get comfortable with the speed and style of club basketball. The young Nitschke shot it well last tournament and he was a chairman on the boards. Drew is impressive with his rebounds and his quick ability to start the break going the other way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">How does he compare to the top athletes at the event</span>?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1510890' first='Dylan' last='Glasser'] |6'0 G| [program_tooltip program_id='2078372' first='ECI' last=''] 2026 Selects</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He has been outstanding on offense this spring while scoring the rock and sharing the ball. He has proven himself as a top-notch on-ball defender. Glasser's ball pressure is stifling and he has no problem taking the opposition out of their comfort zone. Dylan's deflections and anticipation on passes are troubling for opposing teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Will Glasser play more like a combo-guard or is he more focused on scoring</span>?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Eddie Wotoe |6'4 PF| Bearstail Basketball 2026-2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He is a strong and athletic forward who runs and rebounds hard. Wotoe can also step out and hit the triple. He has impressed me in the past with his springs/bounce and I have watched him erase many shots around the rim.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">How are is ball skills, does he handle the rock in the open court &amp; set up others for shots</span>?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1641566' first='Jhace' last='Woods'] |6'3 SF| [program_tooltip program_id='2222672' first='Sanford' last='Sports Academy'] UA Rise</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Freakish athletic ability! He will wham in your face and then swat your shot on the other end. Woods is a baller with crazy bounce, is a high percentage shooter, and a ferocious defender. He will certainly put a few guys on a poster and establish himself as a playmaker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Does he hit from the perimeter and create shots for </span><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">teammates</span></em>?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1656544' first='Kellen' last='Artz'] |6'9 PF| [program_tooltip program_id='2145852' first='SD' last='Identity'] 2026 Blue</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He has great height &amp; length, college coaches will want to take a look. He is a developing post-player with potential! Look for Kellen's game to keep expanding and for his game to upgrade as the spring and summer move on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Has he added any weight/muscle since I saw him last, is he physical down low</span>?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2338060' first='Memphis' last='Bylander'] |6'3 G/F| [program_tooltip program_id='2222672' first='Sanford' last='Sports Academy'] Grey White</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em>WHY?</em></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He is extremely athletic with a long frame. Bylander can snake his way to the basket and make things happen before you know it. Memphis is working on his consistency from the perimeter and as that improves, he will draw attention from scouts. His length makes him a disruptive defender by blocking shots/contesting, and he forces TO's. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Will he separate himself as a guy who does the little things &amp; makes others better</span>?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1811874' first='Myles' last='Schneider'] |6'2 SF| [program_tooltip program_id='2222672' first='Sanford' last='Sports Academy'] 2026 Grey</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He played well and looked good last weekend at the [program_tooltip program_id='2078372' first='ECI' last=''] Showcase. I have been impressed with his game in the past. I like his shot-making abilities, his pull-up game, and craftiness around the basket. Schneider is also a tireless worker who never takes plays off. You will be impressed with his hustle and non-stop motor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">How does he move laterally on defense, does he keep athletic wings out of the paint</span>?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2058175' first='Rico' last='Chol'] |6'7 PF| SD Elite 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>College coaches will be intrigued by his length and athleticism. Rico can hit from outside but I think he makes a difference in the paint as a rebounder, rim protector, and finisher. He is just scratching the surface of how good he could be. This Warrior is full of intrigue.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">What kind of screener is the big man, does he get guys open, and how is he in the PNR game</span>?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1422852' first='Rylee' last='Bears Tail'] |6'3 G| Bearstail Basketball 2026-1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He has put in a large amount of work in this spring and has not missed a tournament/workout. His game continues to upgrade. Rylee does many positive things on the court for Bearstail. He is solid on D, handles the rock, scores points, rebounds, and he can matchup 1-4.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Will he take over and dominate the game</span>?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1641478' first='Stellen' last='Larson'] |6'4 SG| [program_tooltip program_id='2145852' first='SD' last='Identity'] 2026 Black</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I first saw him last spring and his game has improved every time I have watched or heard reports on him. Larson is super long, strong, and physical. I am intrigued with his pull-up game and finishing ability. He can obviously get up, the cover picture is Larson throwing it down. Stellen has huge potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">He is strong, how is his quickness, does he keep attackers in front</span>?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2435690,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/image_71463c.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/image_71463c.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2435690" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->