2026's Notable Newcomers in New England

Rankings week coverage continues today with a look at New England's Notable Newcomers.   With the number of ranked prospects expanding from just over 100 to exactly 200, there's no shortage of newcomers in this update.   [player_tooltip player_id='2563037' first='Darien' last='Moore'], a talented guard at Brewster Academy, makes his initial appearance in these rankings at #5. A newcomer to the Newman School, [player_tooltip player_id='2638999' first='Lucas' last='Morillo'] makes his initial appearance at #10. Putnam Science Academy's [player_tooltip player_id='2325855' first='Brayson' last='Green'] checks into the rankings at #24 after returning to New England and announcing his reclassification.   Below, we'll take a look at 10 more Notable Newcomers, prospects that we believe will have a major impact on their team's success this winter.   [player_tooltip player_id='1438849' first='Jah' last='Hatchett'] #33   Hatchett, a lead guard originall from Michigan, makes his first appearance in these rankings after heading to Putnam Science Academy and reclassifying. The 5'11" guard is capable of making plays as both a scorer and facilitator, already proving that he can get 20 on any given night while putting up big assist numbers. He's a willing passer with great floor vision and, defensively, can change a game with the pressure he applies on the basketball.   [player_tooltip player_id='2425649' first='Yeshua' last='Kesse-Beda'] #37   A 6'8" combo forward out of CATS Academy, Kesse-Beda has impressed with his ability to stretch the floor as a shooter while showing a good feel for the game offensively. He does a good job of moving without the basketball and is always shot ready, even when corraling bad passes. He has a good build and isn't afraid to be physical, allowing him to put the ball on the floor and get into his mid-range game or attack the rim when needed.   [player_tooltip player_id='2634105' first='Bennett' last='White'] #56   White, a big wing at the Newman School, has some serious 3-and-D tools while already showing a willingness to expand his offensive game. While his ability to shoot the ball from distance immediately stands out, it is his movement without the ball and ability to finish through contact at the rim that serves as a seperator. He plays with a high basketball IQ, does a great job of cutting to the rim, and has the ability to go by his initial defender off the bounce.   [player_tooltip player_id='2696620' first='Christopher' last='Taylor'] #69   The 6'7" forward from the Newman School has impressed with his inside-out ability on the offensive end of the floor. Taylor, a long and lean combo forward, has the ability to score over either shoulder in the post, shows some ability as a playmaker out of the trailer spot, and can even step behind the arc and knock down a three. Defensively, he brings that same versatility, showing the ability to cover in space or hold his own in the paint.   [player_tooltip player_id='2696623' first='CJ' last='Azor'] #86   Azor, a tough shot maker in the backcourt, has already proven to be a big piece of the puzzle for Tilton School. He's a high level shooter from behind the arc, both in catch and shoot situations and while creating for himself off the bounce. He leverages his shooting as a driver and shows some creativity around the rim as a finisher. He's a strong on ball defender that can really move his feet and is willing to guard all 94'.   [player_tooltip player_id='2696637' first='Finn' last='O'Neill'] #111   A 6'4" guard with great length on the perimeter, O'Neill has a skillset that allows him to make an impact on both ends of the floor for Proctor Academy. He does a great job of jumping passing lanes, turning defense into easy offense in transition, while showing the ability to guard both on the perimeter and in the paint. Offensively, he's a high level shooter from behind the arc that can put the ball on the floor to create his own in the mid-range.   [player_tooltip player_id='2634109' first='Earl' last='Grant III'] #130   Grant, a compact lead guard at the Newman School, makes a name for himself as a decision maker that can get into the paint off the bounce while also showing the ability to make shots from behind the arc. He's a complete player on the offensive end of the floor that knows how to operate out of ball screens, find cutters for easy scoring opportunities, and score in a variety of ways over size around the rim.   [player_tooltip player_id='2566486' first='Naiem' last='Gill'] #162   The 6'3" combo guard from Platt is a playmaker on the defensive end of the floor that adds scoring punch from behind the arc. Gill has solid positional size with long arms and quick twitch athleticism, allowing him to be a disruptive defender off the ball that generates plenty of steals and deflections. He scores at the rim in transition and can knock down shots in bunches from behind the arc, either in catch and shoot situations or while running off screens.   [player_tooltip player_id='2553832' first='Travis' last='Knight'] #168   Knight, a long and lean forward at Rocky Hill, does a nice job of using his length and motor to impact a game on both ends of the floor. He has some floor spacing ability as a shooter, can play in ball screens as a roller or pop man, and does a good job of scoring over either shoulder in the paint. Defensively, he has the versatility to switch ball screens, rebound in space, and even offer a bit of rim protection in the paint.   [player_tooltip player_id='2569619' first='Larry' last='Lamar Jr'] #171   An athletic 6'1" guard at Grafton, Lamar plays in constant attack mode on the offensive end of the floor. He does a nice job of making decisions with the basketball, gets downhill when he turns the corner off the bounce, and finishes in a variety of ways in the paint, including with the ability to make floaters over size. Defensively, he plays stronger than he looks and does a great job of rebounding in space and turning those long rebounds into transition offense.   Keep an eye out this week at we reveal our position breakdowns for the Class of 2026!

Rankings week coverage continues today with a look at New England's Notable Newcomers.