Biggest Sleeper Prospects in 2026 (Part I)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Take a look at Part I some of the biggest sleeper prospects in the 2026 rankings to make note of with another high school season right around the corner!</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>USE CODE</em><strong><em> anderson30</em></strong><em> for 30% OFF THE FIRST PURCHASE OF ANY ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION!</em><a href="http://www.prephoops.com/subscribe/?coupon=anderson30"> Subscribe</a> today!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1280985' first='Chaise' last='Smith'] - Washington</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith is due for at the very least a DII offer by the end of his senior year; as he shows his growth on the weight room side and puts on more muscle, look for his status to grow</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1672429' first='Cameron' last='Newman'] - Gaston Christian</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A consistent presence in the Eagles rotation since his 8th grade year, Newman is due to reap the benefits of his hard work very soon as his high school career concludes in 2026</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2092763' first='Martin' last='Giant'] - Greensboro Day School</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>GDS is building something special throughout their entire rotation and Giant looks prime to lead in 2025-26 as they look to hang an NCISAA state title</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2055664' first='Jim' last='Gatehouse'] - South Mecklenburg</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gatehouse has been a model of consistency in the South Meck rotation over the past few seasons; he's starting to draw some interest for DII/DIII programs in the region</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2353982' first='Nolan' last='Ericson'] - Mooresville</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the more underrated sharpshooters in the 2026 class who can also distribute with consistency; knocked down 73 3-pointers as a junior</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2500754' first='Khaleil' last='Walters'] - Clayton</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An athletic specimen due for a strong senior year at Clayton High as they look to regroup from an early exit in last year's state playoffs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1950203' first='Kellum' last='Brown'] - New Hanover</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another underrated sharpshooter in the class who's really rounded out his game as an all-around guard; a two-way presence with length, athleticism and a developing appetite in the weight room</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2485301' first='Adam' last='Horobey'] - Forsyth Country Day</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Horobey is a name to keep a close eye on in the Forsyth Country Day rotation given his "Swiss-Army knife" skill set at 6-foot-3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2299826' first='Ryder' last='Strand'] - Heritage</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Had a strong grassroots cycle with [program_tooltip program_id='2375668' first='SW15H' last='Elite'] as he's continued to climb up the PH radar and get better and better each rankings update</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='1608343' first='Camden' last='Tyler'] - Wayne Country Day</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A masterful distributor at the PG spot who's just finding his shooting stroke on the perimeter; should make up half of a dynamic backcourt for the Chargers this season</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2055667' first='Jaxson' last='Neely'] - Independence</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Independence High should be a contender for a state title this season and a lot of it will have to do with his production on the hardwood</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='2516217' first='Aidan' last='Scruitsky'] - Providence Day</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>College programs are starting to take notice of what he can do on the hardwood; he's due for a strong senior year at Providence Day on the NCISAA stage</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->