2026 Rankings Update: The Centers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The rankings breakdowns for the <em>Class of 2026</em> continue with a look at the <em>Centers</em>. The largest group physically is also the smallest group in number in New England.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2341292' first='Collins' last='Chidera Onyejiaka']</strong> continues to maintain his strangehold on the <strong><em>#1</em></strong> spot, while also climbing to <strong><em>#3</em></strong> overall in New England. At 6'11" with a muscular build and impressive athletic pop, Chidera Onyejiaka has the ability to control a game in the paint, punishing rims on the offensive end of the floor while protecting them at a high level on the defensive end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/position-ranking-table {"name":"acf/position-ranking-table","data":{"class":"2026","_class":"field_65cfb7374abb9","position":"77243","_position":"field_65cfbfcb19ad6","national_rankings":"0","_national_rankings":"field_660c1d73c0e49","state":"77239","_state":"field_65cfb88a603fe"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6763982d4d285"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below, we take a look at five&nbsp;<em>Centers</em>&nbsp;to watch from the&nbsp;<em>Class of 2026</em>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">[player_tooltip player_id='1595667' first='Will' last='Higgs']</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Higgs, an agile 6'11" big man at <em>Northfield Mount Hermon</em>, has a versatile skill set that allows him to impact a game on both ends of the floor. Defensively, he has the lateral mobility, instincts, and length to defend ball screens in a variety of ways. He can rebound above the rim in traffic and supplies plenty of rim protection. Offensively, he's an elite rim runner that can operate out of the high post or on the block, scores over either shoulder in the paint, and can step out and hit a mid-range jumper.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">[player_tooltip player_id='2325783' first='Merrick' last='Smith']</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith, a versatile 6'9" scorer at <em>Kimball Union Academy</em>, has done a great job of elevating his game this season. He's transformed his body, adding strength and explosiveness while leaning out, allowing him to make more high level plays above the rim. He has true floor spacing ability, proving to be capable of playing as a roller or pop man in screening actions. On the other end of the floor, he does a good job of moving his feet on the perimeter, walls up without fouling in the post, and can block shots from the help side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">[player_tooltip player_id='2341402' first='William' last='Carty']</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Carty, a physically imposing 6'10" big at <em>Watertown</em>, has continued to add dimensions to his game on the offensive end of the floor while improving as a defender on the other end. He does a nice job of running rim to rim, has good hands and a big catcg radius, and shows elite footwork as a scorer in the post. He's a talented scorer that can finish through contact, has the ability to make baseline jumpers, and does a nice job of setting screens and rolling into open spaces where he can score efficiently.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">[player_tooltip player_id='2341400' first='Zach' last='Baum']</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Baum, a 6'8" two-way forward at <em>Noble &amp; Greenough</em>, has added noticable strength, allowing him to asset himself more in the paint on both ends of the floor. He has the ability to handle in space, can operate as a grab and go guy on the defensive glass, and even knocks down the occasional catch and shoot three. He can break down a defender off the bounce, attacks the paint, and finishes through contact at the rim. Defensively, he's a switchable forward that can protect the rim and rebounds at a high level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">[player_tooltip player_id='1578530' first='Jacob' last='Purington']</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Purington, a 6'8" low post threat at <em>Berwick Academy</em>, impresses with his feel for the game and ability to pass out of double teams in the low and high posts. He's a traditional low post scorer, able to turn over either shoulder on either block, finishing with soft touch around the rim. He has good vision, hits cutters on the move with his passes, and even knocks down the occasional jumper out of the trailer spot. Defensively, he's a solid rebounder that can defend in the post by walling up, holding his ground, and contesting shots without fouling.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Keep an eye out for an article on our&nbsp;<em>Watch List</em>, as we wrap up rankings week coverage for the&nbsp;<em>Class of 2026</em>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->