Updated 2026 Rankings: New Faces (Part 4)

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 four of the new faces in the junior class rankings.   #170) [player_tooltip player_id='2780080' first='Cameron' last='Tucker'] | 6'2” SG | Hargrave   Tucker was a big part of Hargrave's run to the VISAA D-II semifinals, as he was a great role piece that made shots and provided fantastic defensive pressure too. He was great as a catch-and-shoot player who can stretch the floor and hit shots at a consistent rate, he brought a lot of toughness with his all-out motor and he had no problem guarding the other team's best player.   #171) [player_tooltip player_id='2784287' first='Tyus' last='Shelton'] | 6'1” CG | Charlottesville   Shelton had a big year for Charlottesville being named All District as a junior, and he's a prospect on the rise as he has a lot of game and it's all starting to come together for him. He can play on or off the ball and create shots at multiple levels, he works well off the ball and can make shots from deep on the move, he has good instincts defensively and jumps passing lanes and he's a good athlete who can finish in transition.   #172) [player_tooltip player_id='1985579' first='Tyler' last='Gibson'] | 5'10” PG | Manchester   Gibson stepped into a much bigger role for a Manchester team that had a great season this year, and will be their primary ball handler and playmaker as a senior next year. While he isn't the biggest guy Gibson has a lot of tools you like in a little guard as he's lightning quick with a great first step, he is a very good on ball defender, he can make shots from multiple levels and he makes others better as well.   #173) [player_tooltip player_id='2784495' first='Marty' last='Wray'] | 5'8” CG | New Kent   New Kent had a surprisingly fantastic season making a run to the state tournament and will return many of their players next year, and Wray was a huge part of their success emerging as one of the top shooters in the Richmond area. While he's only 5'8” he is a dead eye shooter from deep who is consistent off the catch, he can create space off the bounce, has deep range and a quick release and he makes the right play consistently.   #174) [player_tooltip player_id='2548311' first='Michael' last='Chestnut'] | 6'4” SF | Liberty Christian Academy   Chestnut was one of a number of new names to keep an eye on for LCA after their very good season this year, and his long term potential is very intriguing moving forward. At 6'4” with long arms he's a good athlete who moves his feet and runs the floor, he can knock down shots from deep off the catch and he's a very good rebounder and defender too.   #176) [player_tooltip player_id='1795377' first='Dantrell' last='Ward'] | 5'9” PG | Independence   Ward emerged as one of the better guards in Loudoun this season, helping Independence to a good season with his ability to impact the game in a number of ways. He's a high IQ playmaker who can touch the paint and make good decisions, he can knock down shots from deep both off the catch and off the bounce and he sets the tone on the defensive end too.   #179) [player_tooltip player_id='2780095' first='Shreyas' last='Vaidya'] | 6'2” SG | George Marshall   Vaidya seemed to come out of nowhere to have a very good season for Marshall this year, as a player who impacts winning in a number of different ways. Despite not being the most athletic player he's able to put up big numbers as he's a knock down shooter from deep who has the confidence to shoot it in transition and on the move, he can put it on the deck and is a crafty finisher around the rim and he seems to always make the right play on both ends.   #180) [player_tooltip player_id='2321336' first='Landon' last='Hayes'] | 6'0” SG | Lord Botetourt   Hayes was an All Conference selection as a junior, and he's next in line for a Botetourt program that produces shooter on a regular basis. He's a player who understands spacing and moves well off the ball to get open, he is consistent with great form and a quick release from deep, he's a heady defender who gets deflections and steals and he is a good secondary ball handler who can create off the bounce too.   #182) [player_tooltip player_id='2268335' first='Kobe' last='Clement'] | 6'2” SF | Centreville   Clement was one of the most improved players on one of the most improved teams in NOVA this year, and his ability to impact the game across the board is very important to whatever team he's on. He's able to work off the ball and score from multiple levels without needing the ball in his hands very much, he can stretch the floor with his shooting ability and he plays with a high motor making him a good rebounder and defender too.   #183) [player_tooltip player_id='2148728' first='Cannon' last='Neff'] | 6'1” PG | Millbrook   Neff is part of a young Millbrook team that is on the rise, and he's a big reason why as he can both light it up and make others better too. He's a very good shooter from deep with range and a quick release, he can handle pressure and makes good decisions with the ball in his hands and he shows a good motor and toughness on the defensive end too.

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.