Updated Class of 2026 Player Rankings: Top Newcomers

With the release of the top 300 players in Wisconsin's class of 2026 on Tuesday on Prep Hoops Wisconsin, many players joined the Player Rankings for the first time. The entire list of 300 can be found <a href="https://prephoops.com/wisconsin/rankings/2026-rankings/">here</a>.   The following profiled players are the highest ranked newcomers to the list:    Previous Ranking: Unranked New Ranking: 199 Wisconsin is the home to roughly 500 high school boys' basketball teams. If you average five class of 2026 players per team, that would amount to 2,500 players. So to be ranked among the top eight percent or so of all those players is an accomplishment. Hermsen definitely qualifies as an accomplished player. He owns a smooth jump shot, runs the floor like a deer and can put the ball in the basket from the perimeter and in the lane. His length is a big asset, but his best attribute just might be his basketball instincts. He has a nose for the ball and seems to come up with several steals each game for the [program_tooltip program_id='2076031' first='Wisconsin' last='Hoops Select'] squad.     Previous Ranking: Unranked New Ranking: 211 A key player for a very good [program_tooltip program_id='2502936' first='UTC' last='Fire'] squad and one of three returning starters for Rhinelander, Barkus averaged 7.0 points and 2.5 rebounds as a junior. Those numbers almost assuredly will increase in 2025-26 as his game has matured, his confidence has soared and his ability to score in different ways has diversified. He's best using his size and strength to get to the basket off the dribble, but he's also a capable shooter from the perimeter. He can also defend both guards and forwards. Barkus, [player_tooltip player_id='2386579' first='Devon' last='Feck'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2850295' first='Evan' last='Shoeder'] give Rhinelander coach Derek Lemmens a solid core to build around as they look to defending their Great Northern Conference title.     Previous Ranking: Unranked New Ranking: 214 Although on the small side, Kauffman almost always makes a big impact on the outcome of a contest. The 5-foot-11 point guard is relentless with the ball in his hands and can create separation with his hesitation dribble, his speed and his craftiness. Kauffman is a terrific outside shooter, an excellent facilitator and a player who strives to win each possession. He is fast in transition with the ball in his hands and does an excellent job of pushing the ball ahead to take advantage of mismatches. Lancaster has probably the best threesome in the Southwestern Wisconsin Conference with the return of Kauffman, Hermsen and senior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2121317' first='Taylor' last='Williams'].     Previous Ranking: Unranked New Ranking: 230 Few things in baskbetall are as fun to watch as a player putting the ball in the basket from deep. Although a good all-around player, Kubsch's No. 1 strength is his long-distance shooting. With a quick release and always on the hunt for shots, Kubsch is a guy opponents must account for each time down the floor as he will bury threes in the blink of an eye if left unguarded. Kubsch made 56 three-point shots and connected on 37 percent of his long-range attempts as a junior. He has shot even better from deep this spring/summer with the [program_tooltip program_id='2828974' first='Manitowoc' last='United'] club program.     Previous Ranking: Unranked New Ranking: 245 A returning first team all-league performer in the Eastern Cloverbelt Conference, Fleischmann competes with an edge on the basketball court. His goal each time out is to win. And he'll do whatever it takes to get that accomplished. He is aggressive with the ball and likes to score from three-point land and off the bounce for the [program_tooltip program_id='2076033' first='Wisconsin' last='Playmakers'] Prep Hoops squad. He averaged 14.0 points and 6.1 rebounds as a junior, using his athleticism and intensity to contest on the glass and for every loose ball. Fleischmann is just a solid all-around player.     Previous Ranking: Unranked New Ranking: 250 A growing wing prospect with very good bounce to his game and an improved skill set, LaValle is a player on the rise in the 2026 class. He earned honorable mention all-Classic Eight Conference laurels as a junior after averaging 8.4 points, 2.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists while playing for his father/coach Don LaValle. He has had a strong club season for the [program_tooltip program_id='2391400' first='Team' last='Herro'] Batechelor squad, showing off an improved jump shot and the ability to get to the hoop and use his verticality to score at the rim. LaValle is one of four returning starters for Waukesha West along with [player_tooltip player_id='1561956' first='Tyler' last='Evenson'], [player_tooltip player_id='2834764' first='Ben' last='Arnold'] and Austin Lambert.     A true bulldog on the court, Pleau is super aggressive and super strong, traits that help him get to the basket and score through contact. He averaged just 4.9 points as a junior for a strong Kimberly program, but has proven this summer both with the Papermakers and with [program_tooltip program_id='2078394' first='Team' last='1848'] that he figures to evolve into a more prolific scorer in 2025-26. He can score from the mid range, from outside the arc and, most assuredly, off the dribble. Also an outstanding running back for the Kimberly football program, Pleau is a very good athlete who figures to be one of the key pieces for coach Kam Cerroni's first squad at Kimberly.

With the release of the top 300 players in Wisconsin's class of 2026 on Tuesday on Prep Hoops Wisconsin, many players joined the Player Rankings for the first time. The entire list of 300 can be found here.