<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Earlier this week we published our <a href="https://prephoops.com/pennsylvania/rankings/2026-rankings/">updated Class of 2026 prospect rankings</a>.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Today, we will dig into the Pennsylvania Class of 2026 rankings and review four players who caught our eye for the first time during the 2024-25 high school season.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Below<strong> </strong>is a review of four <em>“new”</em> southeastern Pennsylvania prospects who made their 2026 rankings debut in our latest update. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2833845"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":2802639,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-67f7b15904a3b"} -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} -->
<p class="text-gray-700">This season Barnes bust onto the recruiting scene with explosive performances such as 34 points (4 triples) against Garnet Valley as well as 22 points (5 threes) versus Methacton. When Barnes was not lacing threes, he got buckets in the open court. The trifecta of his athleticism, speed and handles enables Barnes to fill a lane on the break or push the rock himself and then finish at the rim. On half-court possessions, those same assets get Barnes into the lane for runners and lay-ins. At the other end of the court, his lateral quickness and active hands make Barnes a plus defender.<strong> </strong> </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->
<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2833863"],"_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-67f7b15904a95"} -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} -->
<p class="text-gray-700">It was a historic season for Upper Moreland as the Bears won their Suburban One League division title, finished 4<sup>th</sup> in the District 1-5A tournament and advanced to the semifinals of the 5A state tournament. A large part of that success was owed to the stellar point guard play of Best. During his impressive junior campaign, Best posted 8 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists per game. Those stats combined with his ability to pilot a team in the half-court as well as in transition earned him 2<sup>nd</sup> Team All-Suburban One League honors. Best's court vision, high IQ, patience, and unselfish nature make him a creative distributor. His live dribble passing is especially noteworthy. When he is looking to score, Best can produce points from every level. Plus, this season Best had a knack for hitting the “big shot” whenever UM needed it. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->
<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2833833"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":2835964,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-67f7b15904aec"} -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} -->
<p class="text-gray-700">Bottomley is a native of Canada and arrived late to Phelps School. He took the court for the first time in mid-January and had an immediate impact for Phelps. This season Bottomley averaged 14 points, 3.4 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game. One of his more notable standout performances from this past winter came when he poured in 23 points (4 threes) during Phelps upset of Perkiomen School in the PAISAA state tourney semifinals. Bottomley is a multi-skilled floor general who can do it all on the court. He does a tremendous job of balancing his three-level scoring with getting teammates involved. Bottomley is especially impressive in the open court where his speed as well as finishing and passing skills make him unstoppable. In the half-court, his 3-point shooting and dribble drive game must be respected. Bottomley currently holds an offer from Fresno State.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->
<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2833866"],"_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-67f7b15904b32"} -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} -->
<p class="text-gray-700">Salone is a versatile guard with sneaky athleticism who can generate points at every level. His elusive handles and quick burst get him into the paint for floaters and lay-ins. Salone's highly accurate jumper is automatic in the mid-range as well as behind the arc. In 2024-25 Salone was the frequent recipient of double teams. However, his high IQ, poise and court vision enabled him to recognize those schemes and quickly move the ball to an open teammate. He is also an impressive drive and kick passer. This past season Salone averaged 12 points, 4 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game. That impressive stat line led to a 1st Team All-SOL selection for Salone. </p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->
HEIGHT
5'11"
POS
CG
CLASS
2026
State:
Pennsylvania
School:
Spring Ford
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
HEIGHT
5'8"
POS
PG
CLASS
2026
State:
Pennsylvania
School:
Upper Moreland
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
HEIGHT
6'0"
POS
PG
CLASS
2026
State:
Pennsylvania
School:
Phelps School
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
HEIGHT
5'11"
POS
CG
CLASS
2026
State:
Pennsylvania
School:
Souderton
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue Reading
Already a subscriber?
Log in