Kyler's Summer Takeaways: 2026 Class

<p>The summer of the grassroots season has officially wrapped up and just like it always is, it was a very exciting one. Our prospects across the state competed at multiple events representing and showing why the state of Indiana has the absolute best basketball throughout the entire country. We had players breakout, earn offers, and prove themselves on the biggest stages. While I didn't make it out to as many events as my guy Brandon Ramsey did, I still was able to get out and follow the action throughout the past few months. For 2026 class, here are some of my takeaways from the AAU season.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">This Class is starting to get deeper with D1 prospects</h2>   <p>In my opinion, this was the spring/summer that the 2026 in-state class started to make theirselves heard on some of the bigger circuit across the country. With that said, when I look at the 2026 in-state class, I feel that we now have a much deeper class when it comes to D1 prospects. In total, I think I could strongly say that anywhere from 11-19 players could make a strong case as a D1 prospect based off what we saw this summer. While they nearly do have another 2 full years of high school play, I think we we go into the 2024-25 season with an idea of who the D1 prospects are, and possibly who the potential breakout players will be. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Guys I want to see build off the summer, take to it a new level</h2>   <p>This is the group that plays off the above category and ones that I feel have some of the highest potential of really boosting their stock stock as D1 prospects in the 2024-25 season. With that said, these are also the guys I want to see take it that next level and think they have the opportunity to do so after after strong summers to build off of. </p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1534261' first='Justin' last='Curry II'] - Curry could make a case as the best pure shooter in the in-state 2026 class. With his length on the wing and ability to get a shot off at almost any time, there is major breakout potential here. He is one of the top prospects in the 2026 class in-state, and will be the guy for Noblesville this season. </p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1560952' first='Evan' last='Harrell'] - If you want to talk about a front court player that has nearly all the tools you could want, it's Carmel's [player_tooltip player_id='1560952' first='Evan' last='Harrell']. Very consistent inside while being able to stretch the floor, great rim runner, athletic, and is getting stronger. One of the main players this season, regardless of any class, I want to see take it to that next level. </p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1561617' first='Dikembe' last='Shaw'] - The 6'6-6'7 forward out of Crown Point is another player that has nearly all the tools you want at his position. He finished off his summer playing with Indiana Elite so got to see him compete at a bigger stage, which he seemed to be ready for. Now, it;s all about expanding his game this upcoming season proving to coaches that he can play more versatile at a higher level. </p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1561135' first='Keaton' last='Aldridge Jr'] - Aldridge Jr once again proved why he is arguably the most aggressive wing in the in-state class playing for Bates Fundamental this summer. The ambidextrous prospect averaged 15.3 points as a sophomore last season at Cathedral and based off what we saw over the summer, don't be shocked to see that number go up this year. </p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1565984' first='Keriawn' last='Berry'] - Even though he is a top 10 prospect in the 2026 in-state class, Berry has felt a little under-the-radar. He is transferring into the state playing for Avon from Kentucky and had a strong summer with [program_tooltip program_id='2076927' first='Indy' last='Heat'] during the summer. Right now his only offer is IU-Indy, but much more of those will be coming this season. </p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1385611' first='Kasen' last='Daeger'] - Southern Indiana often does not get a whole lot attention during the school year so when Daeger went into the AAU season, it was his chance to prove himself nationally. One of the best scorers we have in the in-state class of 2026, Daeger had a great season with Wildcat Select 3SSB 2026 which ultimately led him to getting a D1 offer from Eastern Illinois and Morehead State. He is one to really watch this high school season. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1561449' first='Steven' last='Reynolds III'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1552625' first='E.J.' last='Hazelett'] still remain the top two in the class</h2>   <p>While I talked above about how I feel this class is starting to become deeper, there has always been a few prospects that we knew were always going to be at the top. Two of the prospects still remain the clear cut top tier is South Bend Washington guard [player_tooltip player_id='1561449' first='Steven' last='Reynolds III'] and Franklin Central wing [player_tooltip player_id='1552625' first='E.J.' last='Hazelett']. Both players are coming off really strong AAU seasons which saw even more D1 schools and coaches start to get involved. Reynolds has remains one of the best pure scorers the 2026 in-state class has while Hazelett continues to evolve into one of the more balanced yet athletic wings in this class, as well. In my opinion, there is a little bit of gap in tiers neat the top of the in-state 2026 class, but right now Reynolds and Hazelett are without question in the top one. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Under-the-radar names to keep an eye on next season</h2>   <p>Below are some under-the-radar guys that I feel could finally get their name out there to coaches at multiple levels after each having a strong summer with their respective AAU squads. </p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1728675' first='Elexander' last='Harris'] - Harris has been a guard I have been high on for awhile now and as the year has gone on, I feel like he has become better and better. Very dynamic guard that does extremely well being playmaker on the ball. </p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1561445' first='Mason' last='Darrell'] - Darrell had sneaky strong season with [program_tooltip program_id='2400093' first='Indiana' last='Elite Team Tradition'] continuing to show so much potential. Will always play with a high motor while also showing off his ability to be a playmaker as a guard. </p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1561438' first='Cooper' last='Bock'] - A southern Indiana prospect that is a way under the radar but has a lot of tools to work with. Very athletic forward that makes a ton of plays around the rim. </p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1744047' first='Nolan' last='Hiteshew'] -When it comes to Hiteshew, it is the physical tools and motor in which he has that will jump out to you instantly. Had a sneaky breakout summer with [program_tooltip program_id='2400093' first='Indiana' last='Elite Team Tradition'] and is one I am really excited to see blossom for Leo this summer. </p>   <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2046170' first='Cooper' last='Hess'] - Hess is an underrated power forward that looked really good with [program_tooltip program_id='2400041' first='Kyle' last='Guy Elite'] this AAU season. Versatile, rebounds extremely well, and really consistent offensively. Will be Zionsville's top guy this season. </p>

The summer of the grassroots season has officially wrapped up and just like it always is, it was a very exciting one. Our prospects across the state competed at multiple events representing and showing why the state of Indiana has the absolute best basketball throughout the entire country. We had players breakout, earn offers, and prove themselves on the biggest stages. While I didn't make it out to as many events as my guy Brandon Ramsey did, I still was able to get out and follow the action throughout the past few months. For 2026 class, here are some of my takeaways from the AAU season.