Updated 2026 Rankings: New Faces (Part 2)

We recently updated our class of 2026 rankings, with a lot of new players taking what we often refer to as the “junior jump.” Things have shaken up quite a bit, with over 40 new names being added to the rankings.   Here's a look at part two of the new faces in the junior class rankings.   #103) [player_tooltip player_id='2780031' first='Ethan' last='Jones'] | 6'6” SF | Cave Spring   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/tempImageEo8D3e.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/tempImageEo8D3e.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2724495" /></a></figure>   Jones is a high upside wing coming from a program that has produced a number of scholarship players over the last few years, and as he continues to develop he could become one of those moving forward. At 6'6” he has great size on the perimeter, he's an above average athlete, he shoots a good ball from deep and he can put it on the deck as well.   #107) [player_tooltip player_id='2788506' first='Julius' last='Hymon'] | 6'1” SG | Green Run   Hymon is what I like to call an elite glue guy, and has been a huge part of the Stallions run to the state championship where they will take on Albemarle out of Charlottesville. The 6'1” guard is a guy who can knock down shots from deep off the catch, he can handle and create for himself and others, he's a good defender and plays with a great motor too.   #109) [player_tooltip player_id='2780090' first='Max' last='Lawson'] | 6'2” SG | Riverside   Lawson was a big reason for Riverside's success as they made it to the Class 5 state semifinals before losing on the road to Albemarle, and the high scoring two guard was one of their top players throughout the season. At 6'2” he's a walking bucket who can score it from all three levels, he can work off the ball and make shots on the catch, get downhill and finish through contact and he makes plays defensively too.   #110) [player_tooltip player_id='2788507' first='Marcquell' last='Freeman'] | 5'10” PG | Veritas   Freeman was a breakout player at Veritas this year and one of the most fun players to watch in the 757, as he brings flash and playmaking ability to his team every time he's on the floor. While he's slightly undersized he is a wizard with the ball in his hands as he has a great handle and sees the floor well, he can make shots from deep and in the midrange and he has great instincts on both ends of the floor.   #115) [player_tooltip player_id='2690467' first='Kendall' last='Lanier'] | 6'0” PG | Hargrave   Lanier was one of a number of guards who transferred from NC to Hargrave and was a big reason they were able to make it to the VISAA D-II semifinals before losing to eventual state champs Miller School. The 6'0” lefty made plays all year with his ability to create space and knock down shots off the bounce, he sees the floor well and is able to deliver passes on point and he's surprisingly physical for a guard his size.   #133) [player_tooltip player_id='2780068' first='Eric' last='Thompson'] | 6'1” PG | Highland Springs   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/tempImageCkWwbr-rotated.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/tempImageCkWwbr-rotated.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-2716531" /></a></figure>   Thompson is one of the up and coming guards in the RVA area, as he had a great season in his first year starting for Springs and will come back as the no brainer go-to guy for them as a senior. The 6'1” guard is lightning quick with a great first step and good burst, he can create space and make shots from multiple levels and he's a very good on ball defender as well.   #136) [player_tooltip player_id='1782697' first='Cooper' last='Sundra'] | 6'7” PF | Paul VI   Sundra is the younger brother of Notre Dame freshman Garrett Sundra, and while he's stuck behind a lot of highly touted guys at PVI at his position he'd be able to go and be an impact guy at any public school in the area. The 6'7” forward is able to run the floor and finish in transition with athleticism, he can knock down open shots from deep and he moves his puppies well on the defensive end.   #137) [player_tooltip player_id='2780037' first='Tal' last='Rose'] | 6'5” SF | Loudoun Valley   Rose was a First Team All Region selection on a Loudoun Valley team that was very good this year and have a lot of them returning next year, including Rose. The 6'5” wing is a tough matchup with his ability to knock down shots from deep, play and guard multiple positions and be able to handle it and make plays for himself and others both in transition and in the half court.   #142) [player_tooltip player_id='2780049' first='Will' last='Twetten'] | 6'3” SF | Woodgrove   Twetten was a breakout player for Woodgrove this year, getting better throughout the season and carving out a role where he eventually became one of their go-to guys by the end of the year. He earned Second Team All District honors and showed his ability to score it from multiple levels, finish in traffic and in transition while also being an impact player on the defensive end with his instincts and ability to contest shots.   #143) [player_tooltip player_id='2753176' first='Charles' last='Battaglia'] | 6'2” SG | Tuscarora   Battaglia is one of a number of players who burst onto the scene for a successful Tuscarora team this year, emerging as a very good shooter who can light it up and change the course of a game for his team. He's a high motor and high IQ player who makes the right play consistently, he has great range off the catch and he can get hot quickly and make multiple in a row.

We recently updated our class of 2026 rankings, with a lot of new players taking what we often refer to as the “junior jump.” Things have shaken up quite a bit, with over 40 new names being added to the rankings.