2026 Rising Stars & Unsung Gems

Making a move from South Gwinnett to Central Gwinnett, the All-Region 4-6A First Teamer packs a punch with his toughness on the perimeter. Lawton jumps well, able to get to the rim and score through contact. He's a streaky shooter best when playing off ball for catch-and-shoot chances. Dwayne has been known to influence games defensively with his quick instincts.     One of South Georgia's more productive guards, Cason is a combo that is a headliner on opposing scouting reports. Harden is a knockdown shooter with a quick release. He scores not only off the catch, but he's smooth when attacking off the bounce, able to get to his spots in the mid-range. Harden excels at getting out in transition for easy hoops but has no issue working hard in the halfcourt to find points for himself and his teammates.     Turnbow has patiently waited his turn to play a big role at Allatoona. He has earned more playing time each season and looks ready for a breakout senior campaign. Carter is a well-rounded perimeter scorer. He gets his jump shot off without needing much space and he's a crafty finisher. Carter can play either backcourt position. His defense is underrated.     If you're looking for a hard-working interior presence with grit, Aaron is your guy. Burks plays forward but can also stretch outside for the occasional three-point shot or drive. What stands out about Aaron is his strength and leaping ability. He explodes off the ground for dunks, rebounds and blocks. He catches alley-oops as he provides momentum swinging plays. Burks scores inside with a hook shot and is a nuisance with his high-flying glass crashing, swooping in for putbacks.     The stretchy lefty looks comfortable in the States. He's finding his identity and looks tougher than when he first came over from Canada. Cam is a mismatch combo-forward. He's a steady three-point shooter and an athletic slasher that finishes with dunks. Selig is lean but he doesn't get pushed around in the paint and stands out as an impactful shot blocker. There is achievable upside in Cam's future.     Stegall has been reported as a 2025 and a 2026 over the course of his career. Either way, Gerkari is still unsigned and whether he is an unsigned senior or just heading into his final high school stint, Stegall is a player worth checking out. He's long and athletic with a great motor. Stegall attacks the offensive glass relentlessly. He's got a really skilled game from 15-feet and in, able to knock down jumpers and attack with a quick first step. Gerkari stretches the floor with his three-point shot and has the ball skills to both push in transition or attack in the halfcourt with spin moves. I am a big fan of Stegall's game. He has slipped through the cracks to this point, but he's a good get at the next level.     Fernandez does the dirty work. He's a below the rim grinder that rebounds and still finds ways to score around the rim. Amari doesn't need any touches on offense to make his presence felt. He gets the ball off the backboard and provides physicality in the paint.