2026 player rankings: Moving parts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the latest 2026 Tennessee player rankings, there were a lot of moving parts. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All of those moving parts were needed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's what has taken placed:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1760996' first='Fred' last='Smith'], Briarcrest: The 6-foot-6 forward has been the driving force behind the Saints' 2024 campaign. He's had to do more than many prospects in this class. Luckily, Smith is built for it. He's had to get Briarcrest in its offensive sets, rebound, and score. Smith has had more-than-enough stamina to go for 20-plus points and double-digit rebounds most nights. The Saints are going to be a tough out in the TSSAA Division II-AA Boys' State Tournament, as long as Smith is playing at a high level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2345556' first='Daniel' last='Patton'], Centennial: Patton has been one of the best players in TSSAA Class 4A this season. He made a huge leap, moving up 15 spots to No. 11. So far, Patton is averaging 18.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. He's also shooting 36 percent from 3-point range. He's been consistent since the season started. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1578715' first='Osby' last='Cavin'], Pope John Paul II: If there was any player in this class that has turned the corner, it's Cavin. The Knights' starting point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1560719' first='Trey' last='Pearson'] (still No. 1.) missed the beginning of the season due to a foot injury, Cavin shouldered the load and took his performances up two notches. He's a big shot maker and good ball handler. Cavin, who moved up 5 spots to No. 19, has a smooth feel for the game. He's currently averaging 16.3 points, 4.3 assists, and 2.1 steals per game, while shooting 35 percent from 3. Cavin is a joy to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2283590' first='Carter' last='Ezell'], Centennial: Ezell moved up 3 spots in the latest installment to No. 33. He's coming off a solid 22-point performance against Summit. In the win, he made 6 of 10 shots from the field to go along with his 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Ezell has great size (6-4), shoots the ball well and moves well off the ball. He's ready to shoot it each time he comes off a ball screen. Ezell can be a top 2 scoring option each night he's on the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2139567' first='Avery' last='Coles'], White House-Heritage: Coles moved up 3 spots to No. 34. Coles has great touch around the rim. He stands at 6-9 with good post moves. Coles is averaging 16.8 points and 8.5 rebounds per game while shooting 69 percent from the field. He's been a regular in the Top Performers story since the beginning of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1946924' first='Chris' last='Johnson'], Nolensville: The 6-7 forward moved up 3 spots to No. 36. Johnson is very active on the glass. He positions himself well to come away with rebounds. Johnson finishes well around the rim. His length and athleticism makes him a tough task to handle. One of Johnson's best performances came against Siegel (17 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 blocks).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2439013' first='Cutter' last='Sisk'], Beech: Sisk needs a nickname for his physicality in the post. Uh, the “Beech Bully.” I think that works. That's what Sisk, who moved up 45 spots to No. 44, has been this season. The 6-8 forward has been everything the Buccaneers have needed him to be. Beech sits at 14-4, because of the outstanding performances Sisk has put on. He's coming off a 33-point, 15-rebound performance in a road win over Hendersonville. Sisk can make shots from the perimeter, can take his defender off the dribble, and passes the ball well enough to not be a traditional point guard. What's not to like about Sisk? I can't think of anything.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2083148' first='Axton' last='Perry'], Bartlett: Perry is very, very, very important to the Panthers' quest for a Class 4A state title. His rebounding and defense have been a plus this season for Bartlett. Perry, who moved 8 spots to No. 41, is an X-factor while he's on the floor. In a home win over Houston, the 6-6 forward recorded a double-double (20 points and 12 rebounds) to go along with 7 blocks. His numbers in a win over Starkville (2 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds) in the HotBed Classic weren't eye popping, but his presence on the floor is needed, no matter who the opponent is.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->