2026 Rankings Update: Stock Risers in Top 25

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Monday marked a fresh update to our class of 2026 rankings in Southern California and there were more than 20 new names added to the mix. Below we break down the prospects who raised their stock among those ranked in the top 25.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2131780' first='Christian' last='Collins'] | St. John Bosco | Previous: 13, New: 3</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Collins' meteoric rise on the national level was seen coming from a mile away from those on the local level and a well-deserved honor for the talented and hard-working junior forward. At 6-feet-8 with a long, wiry frame, Collins' combination of size, skill, athleticism and high motor production has resulted in him starting to turn potential into production which is reflected in him jumping from No. 13 to No. 3 behind his high school teammate [player_tooltip player_id='2131779' first='Brandon' last='McCoy'], Jr. and [player_tooltip player_id='1702934' first='Tyran' last='Stokes']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2425665' first='Drew' last='Anderson'] | Santa Margarita | Previous: 26, New: 17</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Anderson jumped nine spots into the top 20 because his skill-set at 6-feet-7. The junior forward can stretch the floor to the three-point line, attack closeouts for straight-line drive finishes and plays with a high basketball IQ and an elite motor on both ends of the floor. Anderson's combination of size and skill are the things Division I programs in skill conferences covet in a recruit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2137372' first='Josiah' last='Johnson'] | Mayfair | Previous: 41, New: 19</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson opened some eyes while playing with Los Angeles Elite last spring and summer and, with his transfer from Orangewood Academy to Mayfair, the junior will be seen on a bigger stage on the high school level. Johnson is a freakishly athletic guard whose relentless attacks of the basket and strong finishes are the bread and butter of his skill-set. At 6-feet-3, Johnson has good size for the position, an elite burst of speed in the open court and a consistent pull-up jump shot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2425762' first='Josh' last='Irving'] | Pasadena | Previous: 42, New: 21</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Irving is another fast-rising prospect in the state as his skill-set continues to evolve with more in-game reps. The 6-foot-10 forward/center is a fluid athlete with impressive length and a frame that has a chance to fill out once he gets in a college strength and conditioning program. Skill-wise, the junior has soft hands and touch around the basket and shows flashes of extending his range out to 17-feet off the catch. Right now, Irving is one of the better rim protectors in the state as his combination vertical athleticism, length and timing when contesting and blocking shots can't be taught.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1956469' first='CJ' last='Aldrich'] | Rancho Buena Vista | Previous: 29, New: 23</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aldrich is a gifted scoring guard whose ability to manipulate defenders with the dribble stands out most in the games we've watched him play. The 6-foot-1 junior is a smooth creator off the bounce who can knock down rhythm mid-range and three-point shots with consistency or wiggle his way to the rim for a crafty bucket. Aldrich has also flashed playmaking feel for teammates and strikes a good balance between getting his and setting up teammates.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->