The WingMan Report: 2026 Prospects on the Rise Nationally

<!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">The latest edition of The WingMan Report showcases a few prospects from the state of North Carolina in the 2026 class who are gaining traction on the recruiting trail nationally as the month of July heats up!</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>There's no better time to sign up for PrepHoopsNC! Get 30% OFF payment on your first billing cycle with offer code: JAYANDERSON30, sign up&nbsp;<a href="https://prephoops.com/subscribe">TODAY</a>!</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2444466"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-668b6c76b38d1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">LSU, Dayton, Creighton, Wake Forest and SMU are the latest programs to offer the 6-foot-10 center-forward out of Carmel Christian School. He's quickly becoming a hot commodity on the national recruiting scene given his versatility on both ends of the floor as a floor spacing shooter and a pest in the painted area with his shot-blocking ability. As he continues to improve on his aggression around the rim on both ends, look for more HM programs to take interest in his services at the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/JamieShaw5/status/1809256241203753420","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JamieShaw5/status/1809256241203753420 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1716474"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-668b6c76b393f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">No 6 in the latest rankings for the 2026 class, Neal is a prospect who's due to return back to the top spot as he continues to prove himself in the 2026 class. He turned heads at this year's Nike Top 100 Camp and the offers are starting to pour in as he leans on the idea of playing both football and basketball at the next level. He's certainly showcased his talents on the football field and hardwood already while at Reidsville High as he won a state championship in both this past season as a sophomore. Heading into his junior season, he's starting to put folks on notice of his capabilities on both regards as an athlete. He's shown he can average a triple-double on the hardwood at the point guard position and has [program_tooltip program_id='2226228' first='Team' last='CP3'] prime for another run to a Peach Jam title heading into the July Live Period. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/dionte_neal/status/1807416077506203674","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/dionte_neal/status/1807416077506203674 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2055540"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":2484548,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-668b6c76b399d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Stevens is an NCISAA State Champion and quite the presence in the painted area and beyond out of Davidson Day School. He's worked his way into the 10th spot in the latest rankings update in the 2026 class and now looks ready to become a national name. Charlotte, College of Charleston and VCU are the latest trio of schools to offer him for his services. He's quite the high-level shot-blocking presence already as evidenced this past weekend at OTR Carolina Mayhem as he swatted shot after shot in their two victories on Saturday. He's a confident defender who knows how to utilize his length his advantage and as he builds chemistry with those around him, he's due to emerge as quite the frontcourt presence alongside big man [player_tooltip player_id='1280980' first='Rivers' last='Knight'] as Boo Williams looks to win Peach Jam in July.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Will_Stevens22/status/1785436527440367708","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Will_Stevens22/status/1785436527440367708 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2092926"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":2484557,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-668b6c76b39f0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Phillips is yet another prospect in the Boo Williams fold on the rise nationally as he showcases his athleticism and ability to shoot the ball with range in North Carolina's 2026 class. Michigan, VCU, East Carolina, Georgetown and Wake Forest are the latest schools to offer him as the month of July heats up for him. Now listed at 6-foot-6, he's turned into a fearless defensive presence who can attack the rim with reckless abandon as well. He's certainly a name for HM programs to get eyes on as he continues to develop on the EYBL stage. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/JamieShaw5/status/1807927588104343941","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JamieShaw5/status/1807927588104343941 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1280933"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":2484559,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-668b6c76b3a40"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Edwards is another prospect with Boo Williams who continues to grow on the national scene out of Greenfield School in Wilson. VCU, Stetson, Mississippi State and LSU are the latest programs on the HM/MM levels to offer him as he continues to turn heads with his play in the backcourt. He utilizes all of his length and athleticism at 6-foot-2 to make an impact defensively and he's shown he can create his own offense in the half court when the ball comes his way. As he continues to show his impact heading into Peach Jam, look for more programs at the HM/MM level to offer him for his abilities on the hardwood.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/CoachRodEeee/status/1807558460189610145","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/CoachRodEeee/status/1807558460189610145 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1900239"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-668b6c76b3aab"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Caldwell is another big man in the 2026 class in the state of North Carolina who's status continues to grow on the national stage out of Berean Baptist Academy. He's done his fair share of damage already on the 3SSB stage with [program_tooltip program_id='2227286' first='Team' last='Loaded NC'] as he proves to be a burden in the painted area and a menace on the rebounding front. Charlotte, East Carolina, Old Dominion and George Mason are the latest programs to offer him. As he finds his niche on the floor and becomes consistent with his physical and mental play on the hardwood, look for his name to continue to grow on the national scene.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/JustinC2026/status/1802310349359591822","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JustinC2026/status/1802310349359591822 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1680977"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-668b7166c4800"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Pierce is one of a few names who's seen his status grow on the national stage at North Mecklenburg High. He's proven that he's got a big junior season ahead of him fresh off a state championship with the Vikings as he takes over the backcourt alongside [player_tooltip player_id='1409583' first='Chadlyn' last='Traylor']. They're due to be quite the 1-2 combination in the North Mecklenburg backcourt as Pierce has drawn offers from the likes of College of Charleston, Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, Iowa, Stetson, VCU and Wake Forest as the month of July heats up. He'll be a name to watch with JET Academy on the EYBL stage as he continues to showcase his ability to score with efficiency and defend with energy. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/northmeckbball/status/1808613161735459193","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/northmeckbball/status/1808613161735459193 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2420076"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":2484568,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-668b7166c486b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Irish big man is becoming at hot commodity on the national scene for LM/MM programs with recent offers from UT-Chattanooga and East Carolina to add to his offer list. He's shown his growth on the hardwood with his energy on the floor as a consistent rebounding presence and a floor spacer with his ability to knock down shots on the perimeter and in the high post area. He's a high IQ forward with a bright future ahead of him in the 2026 class as he continues to showcase his talents with [program_tooltip program_id='2225832' first='Team' last='Curry'] and with Asheville School. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/CoachJonesACS/status/1802032848461021337","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/CoachJonesACS/status/1802032848461021337 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2023905"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-668b7166c48c4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bouie is the latest of the guard prospects in the Charlotte metro area to grow nationally out of JL Chambers High. He's a versatile prospect who's shown he can operate at both the guard and wing roles given his length and athleticism on the hardwood. He's set to create quite the combination with 2027 guard/wing [player_tooltip player_id='1682357' first='Markus' last='Kerr'] as they continue to build on last season's success in the NCHSAA State Playoffs. As he continues to develop his all-around game, look for his offer list to continue to grow on the national stage. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/tarris_bouie4/status/1804319763423772987","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/tarris_bouie4/status/1804319763423772987 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->