Seniors who leveled up in the 2026 rankings

Several players made serious noise as juniors and turned heads with breakout performances that earned them major jumps in the latest 2026 rankings. Now, as they gear up for their senior campaigns, expectations are even higher. With added experience, expanded roles, and growing confidence, this group is poised to elevate their games once again. Don't be surprised if they take another leap as they jumped up in the 2026 rankings.     Perry is a 5'11 who had some monster performances. As a junior, he poured in 18.6 points, 5.1 assists, and 2.1 steals per game. He's shifty, aggressive off the dribble, and thrives without relying too much on threes, although adding that could elevate his game even more, as defenses try everything in their power to slow him down, they struggle. He's a microwave scorer and playmaker who could make an even bigger jump this season. Perry earned his spot and could rise again with another big-time season. We expect it.     Few players made a bigger jump than Orji in our rankings as he moved up over 70 spots. Thing is, he earned it. The 6'5 forward was a double-double machine as he averaged 18.2 points and 10 rebounds a game as a junior, while also anchoring the paint defensively. His physical presence and willingness to take over games made him the focal point at Jefferson Academy as he willed them to victories. With a young roster around him, Orji will take on even more responsibility this season, and he looks built for it. I expect an even bigger rise and for him to turn more heads along the way.     Schams is built for downhill drives and transition buckets, and we are sure he will have plenty more of those heading into senior season, but he's much more than a slasher. He averaged 16.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2 steals per game as a junior, demonstrating his ability to score from all three levels and make an impact on defense as well. He spaces the floor, cuts hard, and has a knack for reading passing lanes. That turned into fast break and highlight opportunities that got the crowd going. He made a jump in the rankings as a result. Schams looks poised to continue climbing if he builds on that momentum, and with a year with all eyes on him, don't be too surprised if he raises the bar as well.     Burkhalter climbed into the rankings after flashing real 3-and-D potential. He averaged 9.4 points a game on a balanced team, and this season I expect Columbine to go even further. He was able to score from inside and get where he wanted on the floo,r and showed he could space the floor, knocking down deep shots, and guard the perimeter with intensity. He reads plays well, competes hard, and brings energy on both ends of the floor. His role as a high-IQ shooter and defender is vital to the team's success, and with him on the floor, their ceiling is higher. With a breakout senior season ahead, I expect him to showcase what he's been working on. He's a riser!     Seyoum helped Kent Denver win a state title and now steps into a larger role this year. He's known for his ability to stretch the floor as he's a shooter with range who understands spacing and flow. He can create when needed and finishes well inside. His rise into the rankings came after a strong finish to the year and an impressive summer. With seniors gone, expect his usage and impact to spike as all eyes are on Kent Denver to repeat.     Pears is a 6'6 forward with bounce, toughness, and floor-spacing potential. He plays with force inside, rebounds well (5.0 RPG as a junior), and isn't afraid to attack mismatches. His handle and three-point range make him intriguing long-term, and he showed flashes this summer with [program_tooltip program_id='2100026' first='7070' last='Athletics']. After being unranked, he's now on the list, and with more consistency as a scorer, he could be one of the biggest risers next cycle. I'm expecting Palmer Ridge to make some noise this year and Pears to have a breakout year.

Several players made serious noise as juniors and turned heads with breakout performances that earned them major jumps in the latest 2026 rankings. Now, as they gear up for their senior campaigns, expectations are even higher. With added experience, expanded roles, and growing confidence, this group is poised to elevate their games once again. Don't be surprised if they take another leap as they jumped up in the 2026 rankings.