2026 Athletes to Watch Closely

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This talented group of class of 2026 athletes is brimming with potential and poised to make their mark. Keep a close watch on their performances throughout the summer as they continue to refine their skills.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Keep us updated on ALL prospects over on <strong><em>“</em></strong><em><strong>X</strong></em><strong><em>“</em></strong> and <strong><em>"Instagram"</em></strong> just tag @PrepHoops_AR &amp; @VortexSportsArkansas</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2382363"],"_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-67f87ca7ef7de"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Russell stands out as a gritty, defense-first guard who brings effort and intensity to the court. With his quickness, he thrives in transition, pushing the pace and creating opportunities in the open court. Defensively, his relentless on-ball pressure disrupts opponents, stopping easy drives and contesting shots around the arc.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2530521"],"_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-67f87ca7ef84d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Black is an intriguing prospect whose game continues to evolve and expand. A natural athlete, he seamlessly transitions from rebounding to running the floor, always focused on making the right play. His unselfish style complements his ability to roam the paint effectively, contributing to both ends of the court. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2462668"],"_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-67f87ca7ef896"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kylar showcases a sharp IQ on both ends of the court. As a wing, he moves with purpose, finding open spots to help teammates under pressure. His vision shines in the open court, delivering precise passes off rebounds to spark the fast break. An unselfish player who hustles tirelessly, he can score from all three levels as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2021884"],"_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-67f87ca7ef8df"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ayden's leads with precision and poise, with agile ball handling and an ability to knock down shots. His knack for breaking down defenses and setting up plays for his team highlights his court vision and basketball IQ as a primary ball handler. When controlling the offense, he's a smooth scorer who plays from the outside in.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->