2026 Rankings: Six of This Year’s Biggest Risers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This year had plenty of huge risers taking their game to the next level. Here are six players who stood out for their improved play this season and are a few of my picks for this year's biggest risers. I've broken them down into three categories: Classic Bigs, Athletic Wings, and Scoring Guards. Check out this impressive list of players you need to know heading into the spring.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Classic Bigs</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1863246' first='Carson' last='Morningstar']</strong> | Prairie | 6'8</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Morningstar has lived around the paint the last few years, perfecting his post moves, getting stronger each year, and showing incredible ability to move his man and eat space with his inside moves. He combines footwork and force to be an efficient and effective interior scorer and uses every inch of his frame to play big and bully defenders in the key. He earned MVP of the 3A GSHL this season as the focal point at Prairie and continues to rise up the ranks in the 2026 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2380117' first='Chayce' last='Waite-Kellar'] | Monroe | 6'7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another well-built, strong forward, Waite-Kellar has shown the physical skills since he first popped up on our radar three years ago, but the Monroe big man took a big step forward this season with his finesse and IQ down low. First and foremost, he's an intimidating physical presence with plus athleticism for a kid his size, but he's shown the added post moves and patience down low to score against some formidable bigs throughout the season. His strength and athleticism have helped him become one of the best rebounders in his class, and having one of the best motors in his class helps him stay impactful throughout the course of a game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Athletic Wings</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2021594' first='Giovanni' last='Moimoi'] | Kentridge | 6'5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Kentridge wing started out his high school career making a big impact around the rim with his athleticism and hustle. He's continued to get bigger, stronger, and more athletic, and busted out in a big way this season, showcasing an improved ability to create off the bounce and get to the rim. He's also sured up his jumper to become a well-rounded scorer. He will be one to watch over the AAU season after earning first team all-league this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2510524' first='Daniel' last='Trotenya'] | Kennewick | 6'4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Trotenya was flashing some serious athleticism and shot-making last summer and carried that play into the high school season, where he averaged 22.2 ppg, a 10-point increase from last year. He's a strong guard/wing who can handle the rock and score at the hoop with power and finesse and has shown extended range behind the arc (34.9% on 109 attempts). That athleticism shows up on the glass too, where he led the MCC at 9.4 rpg. He showed massive potential this year and is one of the biggest risers of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Scoring Guards</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2021598' first='Daniel' last='Johnson'] | Auburn | 6'3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson has some real tempo to his game and has emerged to be one of the top scorers in his class this season. An excellent outside shooter, he's become a three-level scorer who can carry the load offensively, proving it on the biggest stage when he scored 26 of his team's 50 points in the quarterfinal round of the 4A tournament against eventual champs Gonzaga Prep. He's tough through contact, is calm under pressure and has the guile and burst to work through tight perimeter coverage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1685503' first='Landen' last='Northrop'] | Richland | 6'4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The deadeye shooter stepped up to the plate this year to ensure there was no drop off from a year ago, even after Richland lost three key starters. He's a pure shooter but also has the power inside to score through contact, above the rim, and plays with excellent balance that helps him score from any spot on the floor. He broke the Richland single-game scoring record with 54 points (through just over three quarters) and averaged 27.8 points through the 4A tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->