5 Impressive 2026 Massachusetts Prospects: Part 1
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The state of Massachusetts overall has a great group of talented prospects in the class of 2026. Today, I will be highlighting five names that have impressed me in their sophomore year! Let’s get started! Zach Baum New E #56…
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Continue ReadingThe state of Massachusetts overall has a great group of talented prospects in the class of 2026. Today, I will be highlighting five names that have impressed me in their sophomore year! Let’s get started!
Zach Baum Zach Baum 6'8" | C Noble & Greenough | 2026 State New E is a score-first forward, who is most dangerous creating for himself. He can get to the hole and finish with either hand with effectiveness. Baum is comfortable shooting off the bounce and creating open shots for himself. He is lights out in the post, and has mastered the fall-away mid-range jumper that combines footwork and skill. Baum can also stretch the floor from downtown, with open-ups his drives to the rim in ball-handling scenarios. Defensively, he stays vertical for his shot contests and can block shots at the rim. Baum will also play the passing lanes for steals in the open court. The mix of mid-range prowess, creativity off the bounce, and shot-blocking ability makes him a standout and should be heavily followed by programs and coaches.
Highlights
Evan Mitchner Evan Mitchner 6'3" | CG Lawrence Academy | 2026 State New E is an athletic ball-handling guard with a diverse offensive profile. He can get to the cup with ease with high-octane jet burners and yet finish with grace on his drives with good deceleration. Mitchner is comfortable shooting off the bounce from three, with a repeatable and fluid form. He is also a good shooter off the ball and cannot be left open at any time. Mitchner is a very good rebounder for his position, fighting for boards on the defensive glass and leading his team in transition. He is also a pesky on-ball defender, racking up steals with quick and unpredictable hands. Mitchner can bring a lot of value to any program with his athleticism, effort, and creativity on the offensive end.
Cole Blackburn Cole Blackburn 6'6" | SF Buckingham, Browne, & Nichols | 2026 State New E is a small forward who is simply a professional scorer. He is a must-see from beyond the arch, already performing jab step, pull-up, and side step threes off the bounce. Blackburn can also create his own shot in the mid-range and defenses have to pay attention to him at all times. Even with increased defensive game planning against him, he recognizes double teams well and can pass to open shooters on the perimeter, making him unstoppable at times. Blackburn is a willing rebounder in the post while also putting back missed shots often. Additionally, he has displayed shot-blocking instincts down low. Blackburn’s calling card will be his dynamic offense, but his other skills on top of that make him perfect for a college program in the future.
Foster Wilinski Foster Wilinski 6'4" | SF Needham | 2026 State New E
Foster Wilinski Foster Wilinski 6'4" | SF Needham | 2026 State New E
Foster Wilinski Foster Wilinski 6'4" | SF Needham | 2026 State New E is a high-processing guard with a well-rounded and balanced skillset. His passing is the skill that stands out, as his quick decision-making to cutters is phenomenal, and are high-level reads. Wilinski’s inside game is strong, bodying defenders at the rim and scoring with floaters in the mid-range area. He can also stretch the floor from three with a compact jump shot and moves without the ball effectively for backdoor cuts. Wilinski’s defense in the interior for a guard is very advanced as well, timing his contests at the correct time and always keeping his body in front of himself at all times. His throwback-style approach to basketball is also a very functional one, as he can help any team or program in any area of the game.
Alex Egbuonu Alex Egbuonu 6'5" | SF Lawrence Academy | 2026 State New E is a strong and built guard with athletic advantages on his side. He can run in transition and dunk over defenders with a head of steam with authority. Egbuonu has elite stability and balance on his drives through contact, finishing well at the cup. He is also comfortable shooting off the dribble both in the mid-range and from deep, making him a tough cover and more unpredictable with the ball. Egbuonu’s body makes him a plus on the defensive end, possessing a long wingspan and quick feet to stay in front of guards and wings. He can easily poke the ball away from ball handlers and turn his defense into offense quickly. Egbuonu’s athleticism translates on the court and will be a worthwhile investment for any program.