NKY's Top Players in the 2026 Class

The three counties that make up northern Kentucky—Boone, Kenton, and Campbell—are home to some of the top basketball talent in the state. While a few players have transferred or taken their skills to prep schools, the region still boasts a deep pool of prospects. The Class of 2026, in particular, is loaded with standout talent. Here's a look at some of the top rising seniors from the northern region of the Bluegrass State.    [player_tooltip player_id='1575699' first='Athens' last='McGillis'] may be the best player in the entire northern Kentucky area. What sets him apart is his high basketball IQ. His ability to read the floor and make adjustments in real time is impressive. Even when facing double teams, McGillis finds ways to score with ease, whether it's knocking down shots from deep or using his explosive first step to get to the rim. When the shot isn't there, he quickly identifies the open man and rarely makes a bad decision with the ball. Last season, he averaged 20.6 points and 3.8 assists per game.     As a junior on a loaded Lloyd Memorial team led by current University of South Carolina standout EJ Walker, Blaackar still managed to shine in his own right. Now a senior, he'll step into the spotlight as the go-to player for the Juggernauts. Blaackar plays with poise and intelligence, consistently taking—and often making—the best available shot. He never forces the action and excels at getting to the rim with control. If his summer performance is any indication of what's to come, fans are in for a show as he dropped 50 points in a high school summer game.     [player_tooltip player_id='1359135' first='Cash' last='Harney'] makes up the other half of what could be the best duo in the area next season alongside [player_tooltip player_id='1575699' first='Athens' last='McGillis']. A smooth, natural scorer, Harney has a confident touch from both deep and midrange. Cash just has a knack for simply putting the ball in the basket. He's a pure athlete, also serving as the starting quarterback for Covington Catholic's football team. On the basketball court, Harney takes care of the ball and rarely turns it over, showing poise as a ball-handler. Even when matched up against bigger defenders, he stays unfazed and continues to produce at a high level.     [player_tooltip player_id='2208708' first='Finn' last='Louden'] turned heads as a sophomore, though his name may not have gotten the recognition it deserved at the time. That changed quickly last season. A sharpshooter with a smooth stroke, Louden is deadly from three-point range and doesn't need much space to get his shot off. He's far from one-dimensional. He handles the ball with confidence, makes smart decisions, and can score from all over the floor. Louden thrives under pressure, too, delivering clutch shots and posting standout performances in big-time games throughout his junior year.     [player_tooltip player_id='2694621' first='Brady' last='Gabbard'] has all the tools to be one of the top talents in Northern Kentucky. At 6'6", he's a force inside and isn't afraid to make defenders pay, often with a powerful dunk. Playing alongside a balanced Holy Cross squad full of scorers, Gabbard still finds ways to make his presence felt. He can score the ball himself, and his size makes him a tough cover from the perimeter, especially when shooting from deep. He moves well without the ball, frequently cutting to the rim for easy finishes. Gabbard continues to develop his game, and a big senior season is on the horizon.     [player_tooltip player_id='1558737' first='Donovan' last='Bradshaw'] has shown steady improvement year after year, and he's poised to take on an even bigger role for a loaded Covington Catholic squad this season. The big man has the ideal size to protect the rim and does a great job of disrupting plays without fouling, often turning deflections into steals. Offensively, Bradshaw has a soft touch around the basket and a reliable midrange jumper. He finishes well inside and benefits from playing alongside standout guards [player_tooltip player_id='1359135' first='Cash' last='Harney'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1575699' first='Athens' last='McGillis'], who help create space and opportunities for him to thrive in the paint.     Nate Rominger plays with a smooth, efficient style, built on solid footwork and consistency. Even after suffering an injury late in the season, he returned without missing a beat. Rominger averaged 12.6 points per game, finishing the year with 314 total points in 25 games—only 18 of those came from beyond the arc. He shot an impressive 50% from the field and went 40-of-55 from the free-throw line. On top of that, he was a force on the boards, averaging 8.2 rebounds per game. His all-around efficiency makes him a key name to watch in the 2026 class.    Other Top 2026 Prospects in Northern Kentucky:   Brady Bushman, Conner   Finn Bouldin, Highlands   Nathan Rickard, Highlands   [player_tooltip player_id='1543593' first='Vinny' last='Listerman'], Highlands   Luke Arlinghaus, Holy Cross   AJ Davis, Ryle   [player_tooltip player_id='1543622' first='Anthony' last='Coppola'], Ryle

The three counties that make up northern Kentucky—Boone, Kenton, and Campbell—are home to some of the top basketball talent in the state. While a few players have transferred or taken their skills to prep schools, the region still boasts a deep pool of prospects. The Class of 2026, in particular, is loaded with standout talent. Here's a look at some of the top rising seniors from the northern region of the Bluegrass State.