2026 Rankings Update: The Watch List

As we wrap up our rankings week coverage for the Class of 2026, we wanted to take a moment to highlight some of the prospects that appeared on our Watch List.   There are a variety of reasons for why someone could end up on the Watch List; but, the most important piece of information regarding these prospects is that by ending up there, it means they're on our radar.   Often times, we'll get a better evaluation of these prospects once they've appeared on the Watch List, leading to a spot in future rankings.   Below are ten prospects from the Watch List that we'll get a better look at in the coming weeks.   [player_tooltip player_id='2553845' first='Brayden' last='Pierce']   Pierce, a 6'1" guard at Mascoma Valley, checks in as one of the better perimeter shooters in the NHIAA. With a quick and repeatable release, he does a nice job of quickly getting into his shot in catch and shoot situations. He runs wide in transition, gets shot ready early, and explodes into his jumper. Off the catch, he's started to show the ability to create his own, getting into his pull up game off one or two dribbles.   [player_tooltip player_id='2553828' first='Brody' last='Hurd']   Hurd, a 6'3" wing out of Hermon, has proven to be a tough scorer in the mid-range. An efficient score at multiple levels, he does a nice job of using his frame to get to his spots, allowing him to operate as both a scorer and facilitator in the half-court. He has a good handle, can see over the defense to make passes, and finishes with strength at the rim. Defensively, he's a strong rebounder that can rebound and go in transition.   [player_tooltip player_id='2553850' first='Connor' last='Reilly']   Reilly, a 6'5" forward from North Smithfield, makes a name for himself with his ability to put the ball in the basket. The long and lanky forward erupted for 44 points, including 9 made threes, on opening night, proving that he's one of the best perimeter scorers in the RIIL. With his positional size and ability to consistently be shot ready, he does a nice job of stretching the floor as a scorer while making good decision with the ball in his hands.   [player_tooltip player_id='2696708' first='Ian' last='Piper']   Piper, a 6'2" wing at Holland Tech (formerly JE Burke), is an athletic presence on the perimeter and in the paint. A lefty that can make plays at multiple levels, he's continued to improve as a perimeter shooter while showing the ability to break defenders down off the bounce. He rebounds at a high rate on the defensive end of the floor and can guard multiple positions while making an impact in passing lanes with his athleticism.   [player_tooltip player_id='2553847' first='Lucas' last='Pivovar']   Pivovar, a 5'11" guard from Kolbe Cathedral, has the ability to take over a game as a scorer with the ball in his hands. The crafty guard can score at multiple levels, hitting threes in catch and shoot situations, while creating off the bounce with quickness attacking the rim. He's a creative finished in the paint, does a good job of changing speeds while attacking the rim, and knows how to create for others in the half-court.   [player_tooltip player_id='2696730' first='Matt' last='Lysik']   Lysik, a 6'4" out of Northwest Catholic, does a nice job of impacting a game on both ends of the floor. A capable perimeter shooter with a high release point on his jumper, he does a nice job of leveraging his shooting to open up driving lanes. He's a good passer in the open floor, can guard mutliple positions on the defensive end, and does a nice job of rebounding, both in traffic and out in space.   [player_tooltip player_id='2622214' first='Mitch' last='DeBernardo']   DeBernardo, a 6'2" guard at Masuk, impacts a game with his ability to score and distribute the basketball. A twitchy scorer that can create for himself and others with the ball in his hands, he does a nice job of scoring from the perimeter and attacking the paint off the bounce, where he can finish over size with touch. Whether off the ball, or on it, he's quickly proving to be one of the top scorers in the CIAC.   [player_tooltip player_id='2696735' first='Owen' last='Crowley']   Crowley, a 6'3" wing from Andover, is a good athlete that can score at multiple levels. He does a nice job of spotting up behind the arc, showing his hands, and quickly stepping into his jumper. In transition, he does a nice job of utilizing his strength to attack the rim where he can finish through contact. Defensively, he guards multiple positions, can rebound around the rim, and has a knack for creating turnovers.   [player_tooltip player_id='2634190' first='Seamus' last='Cleary']   Cleary, a 6'4" wing out of Suffield Academy, has the ability to make an impact on the game in the paint and on the perimeter. He does a nice job of operating out of the high post, making plays as a passer that can hit cutters or a scorer that can knock down shots from the trailer position. He has the size to make plays in the paint, both on offense and defense, where he's a strong rebounder that finishes over either shoulder on either block.   [player_tooltip player_id='2451429' first='Tyler' last='Jordan']   Jordan, a 6'3" wing at Windham, can lay claim as one of the top perimeter shooters in the NHIAA. He has nice burst in tight spaces, does a good job of moving off the ball to find passing windows, and can elevate into his jumper quickly off the catch. He's comfortable putting the ball on the floor for multiple bounces, is a willing ball mover that makes quick decisions, and can score at the rim in transition.   Keep an eye out after the holiday as we unveil our rankings update for the Class of 2027!

As we wrap up our rankings week coverage for the Class of 2026, we wanted to take a moment to highlight some of the prospects that appeared on our Watch List.