My Top 25: Breaking Down the 2026 Class

As the class of 2026 prepares for the upcoming high school season, a number of standout prospects are entering what could be the most pivotal stretch of their basketball careers so far. With recruitment heating up at every level, these players are aiming to raise their stock — whether through breakout performances, stepping into leadership roles, or embracing expanded responsibilities on both ends of the floor.   This winter presents a key opportunity for athletes to display their growth, consistency, and long-term potential to coaches and scouts alike.   In this breakdown, I take a deep dive into my Top 25 players in the class of 2026 — highlighting what sets each of them apart and what to keep an eye on in the months ahead. Note: This list does not include post-grad players.   15. [player_tooltip player_id='2230883' first='Parker' last='Seithel'] | 6'10" Forward | Blue Valley | Gateway Knights   Parker is a modern stretch forward with excellent size, length, and a skill set that projects well to the next level. His most immediate and noticeable strength is his perimeter shooting. With a quick, fluid release and consistent mechanics, he's a high-level shooter from deep -- especially impressive given his size. He maintains balance and elevation on his shot, making him a reliable catch-and-shoot threat as well as a capable shooter off pick-and-pop actions. In the post, Seithel adds another layer to his offensive game. He's comfortable operating with his back to the basket, using touch and footwork to finish over either shoulder. His ability to mix in hook shots, turnaround jumpers, and creative finishes makes him difficult to guard on the block. Around the rim, he's a strong finisher -- frequently going up to dunk or protecting the ball through contact with smart body control. His length and vertical ability allow him to finish over contests and absorb contact while still converting at a high rate. What makes Seithel even more valuable is his feel in ball screen situations. He reads actions well -- knowing when to slip, pop, or dive -- and consistently finds open pockets of space. That awareness, combined with his shooting and touch, makes him a versatile offensive weapon in both structured sets and transition play. With his blend of shooting, interior scoring, and feel, Seithel is a high-upside prospect with a skill set tailor-made for today's game.   14. [player_tooltip player_id='1892885' first='Drake' last='DeBaun'] | 6'5" Forward | Shawnee Mission South   Drake is a standout multi-sport athlete whose athleticism and energy translate seamlessly to the basketball court. With an impressive blend of size, length, and mobility, he impacts games on both ends with a mix of power, finesse, and feel. Defensively, he is everywhere -- his anticipation, length, and motor allow him to block shots, disrupt passing lanes, and rack up deflections. He frequently turns defense into offense, creating transition opportunities off turnovers and missed shots. His ability to guard multiple positions and anchor defensive possessions makes him a valuable two-way presence. Offensively, DeBaun thrives in the open floor. Whether filling the lane or leading the break himself, he excels in transition -- often finishing plays with explosive, above-the-rim dunks. In the half court, he shows a powerful and controlled approach when attacking the basket, finishing through contact with soft touch or physical strength. He's especially dangerous when attacking downhill, using his body well to shield defenders and absorb contact while maintaining balance. With continued skill development and refinement on the perimeter, DeBaun's upside is substantial. His versatility, motor, and athletic traits make him one of the more dynamic and impactful prospects in his class.   13. [player_tooltip player_id='1624974' first='Cooper' last='Carr'] | 6'3" Guard | Baldwin | PAC   Carr is a high-IQ, fundamentally sound player who continues to add layers to an already impressive skill set. With a strong and sturdy build on the perimeter, Cooper excels in understanding offensive movement, spacing, and timing — traits that allow him to consistently find scoring opportunities within the flow of the game. He's a reliable perimeter shooter, capable of knocking down shots off the dribble or spotting up in drive-and-kick scenarios. His shooting mechanics are compact and repeatable, making him a consistent threat when left open. Cooper is also adept at reading defenses, often recognizing when to slip into open space or cut backdoor for easy looks. His physical frame gives him an edge when attacking the basket. He uses shot fakes, pivots, and footwork at a high level, creating separation from defenders and getting quality shots off in traffic. That combination of strength and craft allows him to finish through contact or use touch around the rim. Overall, Carr's feel for the game, versatility as a scorer, and physical tools make him a well-rounded perimeter threat with a game that translates well to the next level.   12. [player_tooltip player_id='2208970' first='Brayden' last='Myovela'] | 6'3" Guard | Maize   Brayden had a standout junior season, emerging as a true game-changer, particularly in the latter half of the year where he consistently took over games. A strong, physically imposing guard, Myovela thrives on downhill attacks, using his power, explosiveness, and body control to get to the rim and finish through contact. Offensively, he's a dynamic scorer, especially in one-on-one situations where he reads defenders well and makes efficient decisions. He doesn't force shots — instead, he capitalizes on matchups, driving hard to the basket or pulling up when space allows. Myovela also makes an impact as a rebounder, often creating second-chance opportunities by outworking opponents and securing tough boards in traffic. On the defensive end, his strength and lateral quickness allow him to cut off straight-line drives, while his motor and physicality make him a tough on-ball defender. He consistently pressures ball handlers, making it difficult for opposing guards to get comfortable. With his ability to affect the game on both ends and his growing offensive confidence, Myovela looks primed for a huge senior season as a leader and focal point.   11. [player_tooltip player_id='2234471' first='Enoch' last='Rodriguez'] | 6'5" Wing | Blue Valley | [program_tooltip program_id='2078454' first='KC' last='Run GMC']   Rodriguez may be one of the biggest stock risers in the state following an impressive summer that's firmly placed his name among Kansas' top prospects. A long, athletic wing, he thrives in the open floor, using his speed, fluidity, and body control to consistently finish in transition. He's difficult to stay in front of, getting to the rim at will and showing the ability to finish with either hand, even through traffic or around help defenders. Defensively, Enoch is just as impactful. His length and timing allow him to guard multiple positions, disrupt passing lanes, and contest shots both on and off the ball. He plays with energy and purpose, constantly affecting the flow of the game on that end. What makes his trajectory so exciting is the continued development of his skillset. His ball handling has improved noticeably, allowing him to create off the bounce, and his perimeter jumper has shown flashes of consistency. As both his handle and shot continue to evolve, Rodriguez has the potential to be a complete two-way threat and a game changer at the next level.

As the class of 2026 prepares for the upcoming high school season, a number of standout prospects are entering what could be the most pivotal stretch of their basketball careers so far. With recruitment heating up at every level, these players are aiming to raise their stock — whether through breakout performances, stepping into leadership roles, or embracing expanded responsibilities on both ends of the floor.