Top Stock Risers from 2026 Rankings Update

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our 2026 rankings update saw a bunch of players at the top of our list added with new transfers into the state of Ohio. Because of all the new names, few players went up in the rankings during this update. However, eight prospects did make moves up after strong fall and early winter performances and in this article we'll break down four of these players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1827697"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6763102b5fbf3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A prospect with one of the highest ceilings in Ohio's 2026 class, Washington is taking that next step and becoming a dominant force for Margaretta. After a strong month of June with his high school program, Washington has continued his momentum at the start of his Junior season. Washington is one of the best athletes in Ohio with his ability to change direction and play above the rim. With mid major programs in hot pursuit of Washington and high majors closely monitoring his progression, the spring and summer EYCL periods will be an excellent opportunity for Washington to become a name national evaluators learn about.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1705954"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6763102b5fc57"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the most skilled bigs in Ohio, few players can score in the paint like Horton can. Able to use pivots, pump fakes and finish with either hand, Horton is a throwback style big who has been productive since the first time I watched him as a freshman. For Horton, being able to defend on the perimeter is the main priority for his development as a Division I prospect. After a strong showing at the Toledo Top 64 in the fall, I'm hoping to catch Toledo St Francis this winter to get an even more up to date evaluation on Horton.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2309692"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6763102b5fc9c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I was surprised when Young III received his first Division I offer in August from IU Indy because I hadn't seen him since June. When I next caught Young III at the Toledo Top 64 and then in Toledo Whitmer's season opener against Reynoldsburg, I understood why a Horizon League program would be aggressive in pursuing Young III early. Due to his offensive improvements with slashing and perimeter shooting, Young III is one of the biggest stock risers in this update. Where Young III has always stood out is defensively as he's one of the best perimeter defenders in the state of Ohio. Few players can shut down elite opposing guards on the ball like Young III can. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2459115"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6763102b5fcdf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Columbus Africentric has an excellent 2026 trio that should help the Nubians get back into the state title picture that they were in during the 2022 and 2023 seasons making the final four. Hardy is a versatile wing who can defend, play in transition and make quick moves on the ball. Hardy still has a little more development to make compared to some of the other players featured in this article, but his positional size, athleticism and offensive flashes make him a stock riser who I'm buying early on and expecting the production and college interest to follow this summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->