Rucker on Wood Houston: Class of 2026 Stock Rising Seniors

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The class of 2026 definitely made their mark at Rucker on Wood this year and it was a highly talented group of athletes looking to prove themselves against the best in the city. This article will examine some names that I have scouted in the past and some brand new faces I wasn't familiar with, so let's dive into analyzing these players and their games more closely!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2732617"],"_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-68b36408b33d1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Easily one of the top 3 shooters in the gym for the Class of 2026, Brett had a cannon arm like no other, especially in the championship game. Butler has unlimited range, quickness, and high IQ with the basketball in his hands and knows how to make good decisions. He can beat defenders off the dribble or as a catch and shoot guy as well from any spot on the perimeter. Look for the sharpshooter out of Huntsville to turn heads this year! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2556242"],"_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-68b36408b342a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2556242' first='Gotti' last='Mack'] was one of the high potential guards in attendance and made things happen on both ends. He can run either guard slot, drive to the paint against contesting defenders, and convert on fast breaks. Mack is overall a tough player and his transfer to La Porte HS this year will help his game overall and he will play a key role at either of the two guard spots on the team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2556360"],"_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-68b36408b3470"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2556360' first='Liam' last='Fitzgerald'] does not have to score to impact the game, as his presence can be felt on both sides of the ball. He knows how to help control pace on offense and score in the paint, as well as convert in transition and be the first one back on defense. Fitzgerald is a great hustle player and overall glue guy for any team he plays on. His energy will help catapult Klein Oak this year to near the top of their district. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2610442"],"_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-68b36408b34b1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Easton was one of the players I was not familiar with coming into the event, but he caught my attention immediately with physical, tough play on both ends and he was efficient when scoring in the paint. He was a good perimeter defender, using length and aggressive on ball defense to force bad decisions and turnovers. Gardner helped create for teammates as well when he was not scoring the ball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2415815"],"_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-68b36408b34f2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Desmond is a pass first point guard who gets into the lane at an efficient clip and shoots the ball well on open jumpers. His hustle play on the glass was clutch for his squad and he never stops moving on offense as well. Etienne figures to play a good role at Dobie HS this upcoming season and will factor into both sides of the court. I was not familiar with Desmond before ROW but will keep him on my radar for this school year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->