Which prospects a jump in the 2026 rankings update?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The anticipated updated 2026 rankings dropped on Wednesday, and these players made their presence felt with big jumps. After solid high school seasons and strong showings throughout the spring and summer, they've proven they belong in the conversation. Each of them took a leap and have jumped on our radar for the 2026 rankings. Expect this group to keep turning heads as they build momentum heading into the fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2768063"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6881760820cf8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Unranked before, Kirch broke out with a stat line in his junior season that turned heads. He put up impressive numbers of 12.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, demonstrating his ability to impact the game in various ways. At 5'11, it's impressive to see those kinds of rebounding numbers, but he plays with relentless energy and a nose for the ball. He rebounded way above his height and proved to be a playmaker in traffic, and that helped his team get a few more wins. I expect more of that and for him to make his mark this year. After shining this summer, he's no longer under the radar. He earned that ranking and looks to continue to climb.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1877574"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6881760820d5b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Schmeeckle took a step forward after a strong junior season, and that is why he jumped in our rankings. He did most of his work on the interior, showing off a polished post-game and efficiency in transition. At 6'3, he plays bigger than his size as a forward/big and uses his strength to score through contact. Silver Creek ran through him his junior season, and he responded with 15.7 points and 4.4 boards a game. He refused to let guys throw it to him in the post as he showed quick hands and savvy defensive IQ, which got him to 2.2 steals a game. This year, defenders will key in on him, and I expect him to counter. Schmeeckle is a player to watch as he made the jump on our rankings. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2559240"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6881760820da4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bonsett made a late-season surge and it paid off. The 6'4 forward scored 9.7 points per game and grabbed 4.5 rebounds, thriving as a physical inside finisher. He plays with confidence and isn't afraid to carry the offensive load. His assertiveness helped boost his stock, and with key pieces returning, Bonsett and his squad could make some serious noise this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1877577"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6881760820de6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Varney vaulted up the rankings after a breakout season. He averaged 11.9 points and 4.1 rebounds as a 6'0 guard who led Severance's balanced offensive attack. He has a high motor, and is a floor leader that reads the game well and knows when to be aggressive. He was the guy opposing teams game planned for and he still found a way to get it going. He'll be expected to expand his game as a playmaker this year, but with his work ethic and IQ, don't be surprised if he levels up again. He rises in our rankings and has a year we're excited about.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2410533"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6881760820e25"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dessalegn was a man amongst boys as he dominated the paint last year. He put up 16.2 points, and 10.5 rebounds, a game and to show two-way dominance he also added 2.4 steals per game. His footwork is elite, especially his patented spin move that opens up space inside. He's a paint anchor who protects the rim and finishes strong around it. He's very athletic and highly skilled. He had a standout summer and shined at Colorado Live to turn more heads. Expect him to be a problem again as he's built for double-doubles and this year, hopefully those turn into a deeper playoff run. He EASILY rises in our rankings. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1622242"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6881760820e63"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Davenport Jr. quietly impressed last season, leading JV in scoring and holding his own when he swung up to varsity. He's a true combo scorer as he gets downhill, hits tough midrange looks, and spaces the floor with his outside shot. With Rangeview's backcourt graduating, he'll be looked at to provide instant offense off the bench and a spark. Don't be shocked if he carves out a key role early as he's proved that he's more than ready.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->