Players that got our attention in the 2026 rankings update

With the 2026 rankings update on the horizon, these players are primed to make some noise. After putting together solid junior seasons and backing it up with strong summer showings, they've positioned themselves to rise. Some are making their debut in the rankings and some have risen, but they are mainstays from here on out and players we're excited to watch.    Olly is a 6'0 guard who gets buckets from all three levels and was Frederick's go-to guy last season. He averaged 14.9 points and 3.6 rebounds while earning first-team all-conference honors. He plays with confidence, finishes strong, and isn't afraid to let it fly from deep. He found a groove as a volume scorer in his junior season and will need to be that again if Frederick wants to make some noise. Expect him to be part of one of the most exciting backcourts this year.     Swanson made a subtle climb in the rankings and continues to trend upward. At 6'4, he's a smooth-scoring wing who plays with confidence and versatility. He averaged 10.5 points and 5.4 boards, using his size to shoot over defenders and his footwork to create separation. Although his game was mainly at the rim, he hit midrange pull-ups as well, which kept the defense honest. When he gets the ball, he puts it on the floor and explodes to the rim, and his fearless rebounding helped Green Mountain reach the state. His game translates, and we're expecting an even better senior season.     Ben is a physical 6'5 forward who thrives on contact and lives in the paint. He averaged 8.5 points and 5.4 rebounds while helping Green Mountain make a state run. He sets hard screens, rolls with purpose, and finishes through defenders. Defensively, he holds his ground and can switch onto wings. If he rebounds at a high level this year, it'll open things up even more for their balanced squad. Green Mountain shocked many with their late playoff push, but this season they might be that from the opening game. Ben is one of the main reasons.     Alade jumped into the rankings after a standout year and summer. The 6'5 wing averaged 11.3 points and 10 boards for Vanguard, showing he could dominate his level. He stood out at Colorado Live with [program_tooltip program_id='2100026' first='7070' last='Athletics'], proving that his skill set translates across the state and against better competition. He has a strong face-up game, finishes through contact, and rebounds hard. Josh went from a small-school standout to a statewide riser as he made his case, and now he gets a full season to keep climbing. I expect him to rise the next time around.     Callies breaks into the rankings after leading Berthoud last season. What stands out about Ryan is that he's a tough shot-taker and an even tougher shot-maker. He put up numbers even with defenses keyed in on him. He's a high-volume three-point shooter who can also create off the dribble or flow off-ball into open looks. Ryan's game is built for spacing and tempo. Berthoud might surprise some people this year, and Callies will be a big reason why.     Burke is a long, mobile forward who makes his presence felt on both ends. He averaged 7.9 points and 5.3 rebounds last season while showing flashes of double-double potential. He's got bounce, can handle it in the open floor, and either slashes or facilitates in transition. For Morgan Dawgs, we've seen him explore more of his offensive game, and that work is starting to show. Burke rises into the rankings with momentum and can be a name to know heading into senior season.

With the 2026 rankings update on the horizon, these players are primed to make some noise. After putting together solid junior seasons and backing it up with strong summer showings, they've positioned themselves to rise. Some are making their debut in the rankings and some have risen, but they are mainstays from here on out and players we're excited to watch.