Top new names from 2026 Rankings Update

Our 2026 rankings update saw 15 new names get added to our list and in this article we'll break down the five highest ranked new names from this update.    A small town stud, Hill has been one of the top players from his part of Ohio and I finally got the chance to see him in person on the Prep Hoops Circuit last weekend. A stretch forward who loves to launch from long distance, Hill is a confident shooter who will space the floor with excellent size as well. Productive with a good feel offensively, Hill can punish guards in the paint or stretch out slower footed bigs on the perimeter. I'll be looking for Hill to continue to assert himself in the paint on both ends of the court for [program_tooltip program_id='2673282' first='Ohio' last='Basketball Club'] this winter as he should be seen by numerous scholarship programs.     One of the most athletic bigs in Ohio, Simon is a force as a rim runner and lob threat. Able to finish above the rim, Simon is somebody you need to box out on the offensive glass and keep a body near him when he's rolling to the basket. Also a strong shot blocker defensively, Simon is consistently altering shots at the rim. Still developing an all-around offensive game, Simon has the physical gifts that college coaches seek out from the center position and the natural fluidity to guard on the perimeter when switched onto guards. I think a college program that prioritizes Simon's offensive development could get an impactful player to their program.     Nobody shoots the ball better at UD Arena than Watson does as over two seasons in the state semifinals and championship games, Watson is shooting over 70% from 3-point range. A perfect fit on a Maysville squad that launches from 3-point range at a higher clip than anybody in the state it seems like, Watson is a prolific set shooter. With good size on the wing and a solid decision maker as well, Watson seems like the perfect small college wing shooting specialist who will have a very simple role at the next level. The Panthers will look to make it three straight trips to the state title game with Watson and company heading into their senior seasons.     A Swiss army knife from the wing forward position, Barber checks a lot of boxes. With a solid frame and the versatility to space the floor and score on the interior as a driver or cutter, Barber can play a variety of roles. As a primary scorer for his small-town high school team, Barber has fit in well with his Made Hoops Circuit squad with college talent across the board. I liked Barber's ability to finish above the rim and with his left hand through contact. A capable shooter from the outside and a high motor player, Barber could be the next Eastern Brown standout to make an impact at the college level after Trent Hundley was a standout at Rio Grande before transferring up to the Division I level for Evansville.     One of the top spring standouts from the Prep Hoops Circuit, Purdon is the perfect example of a new name player making a name for himself. Purdon can play above the rim in transition and has thrown down a handful of dunks both weekends I've seen his team play. With good straight line speed, Purdon can beat defenders down the court and use his size to finish over guards. Hoping to see Purdon take some steps as a creator for others as we continue throughout the grassroots season, if he can consistently set up his teammates in positions to score I think he'll be an even more attractive prospect for regional small college programs.

Our 2026 rankings update saw 15 new names get added to our list and in this article we'll break down the five highest ranked new names from this update.