Grassroots Intro: Breakout 2026 Prospects (Part I)

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Take a look at Part I of some names due to break out in North Carolina's 2026 rankings during the grassroots season. </h2>   <p><em>USE CODE</em><strong><em> anderson30</em></strong><em> for 30% OFF THE FIRST PURCHASE OF ANY ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION!</em><a href="http://www.prephoops.com/subscribe/?coupon=anderson30"> Subscribe</a> today!</p>    <p class="text-gray-700">Bailey remains a target for DI programs to get on their radar out of Asheville Christian Academy. He was a productive presence and an All-State selection for the Lions as he put up 19.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 3.1 steals per game for a 17-8 squad. His sneaky athleticism coupled with his ability to knock down shots in all areas is tough to defend as his quickness on the defensive end. He's a prospect for DI and DII programs in the region to covet given his continued development on the hardwood.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/IanBailey05/status/1907147480707342514 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">One of the more underrated scoring guards in the state of North Carolina, but his production shows itself. He's fresh off a season which saw him knock down 113 3-pointers in his junior season for an 18-12 Freedom Christian Academy squad. He's arguably one of the top shooters in the 2026 class in North Carolina and produced 27.8 points, 6.5 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 2.9 steals per game in 2024-25. He's got the ability to score at-will no matter who's in front of him. Don't let his size deter you, cause what he lacks in height, he makes up for with his ability to make things happen as an impact floor general. DII programs in need of a scoring point guard would be wise to target him on their recruit board.</p>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/1karstennn/status/1895640166095835573 </div></figure>     <p class="text-gray-700">McKoy put on quite the show in taking home the MVP award in the 17U Slam Division at the Big Shots NC Tip-Off. He showcased his ability to block shots around the rim as well as create as an option on the offensive side of the floor. He led the way for [program_tooltip program_id='2078516' first='No' last='Guts No Glory'] with 18.0 points per game including 22 points in the championship victory over [program_tooltip program_id='2078498' first='Flight' last='22']. He'll be a leading name to know given his prowess on both ends of the floor with [program_tooltip program_id='2078516' first='No' last='Guts No Glory'] on the MadeHoops Circuit. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Houpt has been a consistent presence in the South Mecklenburg backcourt for consecutive seasons now and fresh off a stat-line of 15.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game as quite the backcourt presence for the Sabres. He shot 42 percent from behind the arc and led the way with 78 made 3-pointers in 2024-25. At 6-foot-5, he's an optimal guard prospect to target given his ability to do multiple things with consistency on the floor other than score the ball. He can initiate offense as well as rebounds on both ends and keep plays alive with his scoring. He's a prospect with [program_tooltip program_id='2078512' first='NC' last='Spartans'] for DI and DII programs in need of a combo playmaker to keep an eye on given his length and tenacity on the hardwood.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Fowler is a rising prospect to get to know out of Northwood High with a knack for scoring the ball on all three levels. He posted 20.5 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.3 steals per game in his junior season in leading the Chargers to an appearance in the state finals. He's a prospect for DI and DII programs to keep an eye on on the NextPro 16 Circuit with [program_tooltip program_id='2234929' first='1' last='of 1 Elite'] given his prowess on the hardwood. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Shouse is an emerging prospect to keep an eye on with [program_tooltip program_id='2220892' first='Team' last='United'] on the EYBL scene. He was a key contributor in the Carolina International School rotation with 21.5 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per contest on 62 percent shooting from the field. He's a downhill driving presence with quite the prowess finishing around the rim in traffic. DI and DII programs would be rise to get him on their board. </p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Blocker is a sizeable big man out of Watauga High to get to know. He put up 12.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game as an underdog in the playoffs as they made a deep run to the Elite Eight of the NCHSAA State Playoffs. His size and ability to play a role in the painted area is something for DI and DII programs to take a look at. He's a prospect with [program_tooltip program_id='2078471' first='Carolina' last='Riptide'] to get to know in the frontcourt with his size/length.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Lewis is a prospect who's slowly working his way off the Watch List in the 2026 class out of Franklin Academy in the 919 area. He's hot off a top scoring performance at the Big Shots NC Tip-Off which saw him lead the 17U Slam Division in scoring with 29.7 points per game on the Team INGE roster. He poured in 37 points against [program_tooltip program_id='2078553' first='WCBA' last=''] Elite to close out of high-scoring weekend. He's a 6-foot point guard who knows how to control the point of attack with his pace off the bounce. He's a prospect for DII and DIII programs to get eyes on this grassroots cycle.</p>