Week 2 Notes: 2026 Names Excelling within New Roles

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Either in their first varsity season or reaffirming their longstanding success, these names have made notable improvements to open up the first couple weeks of the season. Their impact within winning contexts sets them apart, garnering recognition for their contributions at this stage. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2561851"],"_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-675c7f7dd326b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jensen has found success early on with Cherokee Trail, bringing consistent decisionmaking within the halfcourt, particularly while attacking the rim. His aggression getting downhill has kept opposing defenses on their heels, often a step behind the guard, due to his quick first step and change of pace with the ball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1622284"],"_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-675c7f7dd32e5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lechuga has excelled behind the arc, knocking down threes off the catch or while stepping into them if the defense slacks off. Increasingly confident this season, the guard has found success providing steady offense for this Frederick group, comfortable versus opponent contests. His skill with the ball makes him a capable playmaker out of ball screens, comfortable versus tight pressure.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2550787"],"_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-675c7f7dd336d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dixon is a terrific point of attack defender, bringing quick hands and hips to lure opposing playmkers into tough angles. Playing around multiple talented shotmakers at Dakota Ridge, he serves the valuable role as a gritty perimeter defender who can take off the pressure for his teammates.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1622213"],"_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-675c7f7dd33b0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Balistreri has propelled Arvada-West to a successful start, providing two-way value in the backcourt. Capable guarding up against bigger forwards when needed, he is among the more versatile bakcourt names in this class, regardless of the offensive improvements this summer. Shooting it efficiecnly from distance, he can be effective off the ball while forcing opponents to make hard closeouts. His improved strength has maximized the greater openings in the driving lanes, capable dishing out contact on his way to the rim. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1764298"],"_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-675c7f7dd33f3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wells has been excellent for Fruita Monument, getting more confident scoring off the dribble, weighed upon even more so than last season. Adept rising up for pull-ups in the mid-range, opposing defenses are often forced to go over on ball screens, fearing the consistent shooting from distance. This is all alongside the constant motor for defensive rebounds or alertness in the passing lanes, it was no accident this group made it to the Coliseum last postseason. Despite commanding a larger offensive role, Wells still has plenty of energy on the defensive end, holding his own against his fair share of backcourt matchups one on one. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1622237"],"_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-675c7f7dd3434"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Burton brings a relentless motor for loose balls and second chance opportunities, one of the best hustle players at the 5A level. Up at 10.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.2 assists through his first five games, the guard has continued to make incremental improvements to round out his game. At his best while attacking the rim, he brings quick instincts as a passer out of kickouts, drawing in help defense multiple times a game. There are only a handful of guards in this class, maybe even the state, with Burton's relentless defensive mindset.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2693320"],"_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-675c7f7dd332a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McAllister brings size to compete on the defensive end for Liberty, bringing a fairly strong frame and wide reach to alter numerous opponent shot attempts. He brings a high motor to be active early on from rotations or while crashing the glass. He adds crucial physicality for this group either when Praytor sits or if they just need a defensive rebound. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->