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<p>This 2026 class is unprecedented in terms of talent, size and most lately, new additions. So many players in this class were fast rising prospects that came on the radar during the season or elevated their play to elite status. </p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='2715910' first='Jerin' last='Westfall'] leads the way in new additions as he was added early on this past season after we were able to review some film. The 6'6" wing that boasts multi-sport talent also impressed in a big way while at the Snyder of Berlin Shootout at WV State back in February. A long and athletic player who finishes smooth and at the rim. </p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='2715909' first='Corbin' last='Streets'] held his own as the post and two way big for a team that faced several sizable players of their own. Streets routinely recorded double doubles and not just held his own in the paint but most times held court. No pun intended. Streets looks to be one of the more recognizable small school bigs returning next year. </p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='2739640' first='Samuel' last='Hawver'] was added while he started to gain playing time and experience in the Spartan lineup. Once established he started to be a difference maker. Blocking shots and rebounding became second nature to him and he improved week to week. Here's one prospect that could jump to the next level considering his size and good feet given he hits the weight room and puts gym work in. </p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='2754632' first='Josh' last='Brock'] is a prospect we saw early on in the year and a few times throughout. Each time we saw him he seemed to show something more and more impressive. His defense is full of effort and energy, his offense is multi-faceted which makes him tough to guard. Overall he's just a tough matchup because he plays bigger than his 6'1" frame. </p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='2776492' first='Tyler' last='Smith'] might be the best overall small school athlete nobody has heard of. The 6'1" guard is bouncy, athletic and smooth with the ball. If Smith puts some time aside for his basketball skill, look out, he could have a spectacular senior year. </p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='2776700' first='Blake' last='Justice'] become well known by folks attending the WVSSAC State Tournament as Ripley surprised many with their tough and heady play on both ends and Justice is a huge part of it as well as being the Vikings leading scorer for this past season. Solid shooter, ball handler and defender, Justice just gets it done night in and out. </p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='2805840' first='Andrew' last='Murdock'] is maybe the least known player on this list. Playing in the far north reaches of Brooke county for Brooke High School, Murdock is a long and athletic player who has all the tools it seems. Murdock lacks the physical strength to be a high level player but doesn't lack the skill or athletic ability. A player to keep an eye on.</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='2806154' first='Kyler' last='Doss'] is another one of those pesky guards from Ripley High that just doesn't make mistakes with the ball. Ripley's main guy at the point and relied upon to score his fair amount (10.2 ave). Doss, a three sport athlete will be a huge part of Ripley's success next season. </p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='2807500' first='Easton' last='Hayes'] was certainly a bright spot for Preston County this past season. Hayes did alot of things for the Knights on both ends of the floor. Look for him to have a monster senior season next year. </p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='2822627' first='Bryson' last='Elia'] who many might know as an incredible small school football player, is just as effective on the hardwood. Known as one of the many high IQ, fundamental and hard nosed guards at Tug Valley, Elia just gets the job done every time out. </p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='2721510' first='Carter' last='Hardy'] provided the guard support needed for Petersburg to be successful. While not being a big volume scorer, Hardy played his role on a talented team that had scorers and allowed him to distribute and play maestro. Look for Hardy to come back next year as a scoring threat from the point and possibly average double figures. </p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='2303391' first='Chet' last='Gore'] spent most of the season coming off the bench, however, had stretches of games where he played more than some starters. Gore is another wing player who has great length and ability but again lacks the physical strength to maximize his weapons. Gore has a great feel for the game and able to shoot over defenders and with some serious time in the weight room could rise to all-state talk. </p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='2461904' first='Cole' last='Lemasters'] came outta nowhere for Tyler and absolutely lit up the score books in several games. Lemasters lacks varsity experience, which he gained alot of this past season, but his athletic ability is unmatched in nearly every game the Silver Knights had this past season. For the Knights to be successful next year Lemasters will have to be a force and a consistent one. </p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='2465874' first='Emanuell' last='Holmes'] is one of those guards that shows up with a chip on his shoulder and ready to battle every night. I think "tough" wouldn't be enough to describe this ultra athletic guard who put on some shows this past season with the basketball in his hands. Look for Holmes to be the leading scorer for RCB by midway of the season.</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='2690970' first='Chuck' last='Kelley'] is mostly labeled as a role player by those who watch, but be careful calling him that because he'll just end up leading the team in scoring. Kelly was a kid most other than in the Charleston area didn't know of coming into this year but it didn't take long to get to know him. Kelly is one of those players who always seems to be around the ball and makes things happen whether on offense or defense. Great team player and leader.</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='2711614' first='Gavin' last='Giesse'] is another one of the long and lean wings who possesses ability and skill but lacks to physical strength however to maximize it. We've loved his game the two times we've seen him in person and hope he's taking his physical development seriously. The 6'6" wing does alot of great things with and without the ball. Look for him to lead the Oak Glen team in most categories next year.</p>
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<p>[player_tooltip player_id='2340982' first='Alexander' last='Lambert'] looks like Tucker's next big scoring threat. Although the Mountain Lions have some young guard weapons, Lambert in single A competition could give alot of teams matchup problems with his ability to drag bigger defenders outta the lane and either shoot over or expose their help defense.</p>
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This 2026 class is unprecedented in terms of talent, size and most lately, new additions. So many players in this class were fast rising prospects that came on the radar during the season or elevated their play to elite status.
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