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.   5. Omar Karem | 6'1" Guard | Sunrise Christian   Omar brings a high-level basketball IQ and valuable international experience to Sunrise Christian this winter. While he could easily rank higher, he's still poised to be a major impact player at the point guard position. His quick first step and sharp initial movements create separation, giving him the time and space to read defenses effectively. He's exceptional in ball screen situations, with a deep understanding of how to manipulate defenders -- forcing them over or under screens to open up scoring or driving lanes. Omar is a selfless playmaker, consistently looking to deliver pocket passes and drop-offs to his bigs for easy finishes around the rim. He demonstrates a strong grasp of offensive actions and continuity sets that help him get downhill and finish through contact. His international experience has also prepared him to compete against bigger, more physical defenders, adding to his potential effectiveness at the next level.   4. Reece Riedel | 6'5" Guard | Mill Valley | VWBA Elite   Reece is another player who has built on a strong winter with an impressive summer, continuing to elevate his game. Renowned for his elite shooting, he consistently connects from deep with excellent range and efficiency. He's highly effective off the catch but also capable of creating his own shot, displaying great balance and the ability to generate space off the dribble. Beyond his shooting, Reece brings underrated athleticism -- able to attack the rim with force and finish through contact against bigger defenders. He's also a smart playmaker and a tenacious offensive rebounder, frequently creating extra possessions and setting up teammates for easy looks around the basket. On the defensive end, he plays with high energy and awareness, making an impact both as an on-ball defender and in help-side situations. Reece's all-around effort and versatility make him a valuable contributor on both ends of the floor.   3. [player_tooltip player_id='2958641' first='Sam' last='Simmons Jr']. | 5'10" Guard | Olathe North | [program_tooltip program_id='2078454' first='KC' last='Run GMC']   Sam could easily top this list -- he's an elite multi-sport athlete whose exceptional motor sets him apart. A true two-way point guard, Sam is a tenacious defender who applies relentless pressure on opposing guards, consistently generating deflections and turnovers. His defensive intensity often fuels his transition offense, where he thrives with speed and decisiveness. Offensively, Sam is electric. He changes direction effortlessly with the ball in his hands, creating separation and opening up scoring opportunities. As a passer, he's dynamic and creative -- able to look off defenders and deliver pinpoint passes through tight windows. While he's a capable three-point shooter, he's most dangerous in the mid-range and around the rim, where he finishes effectively with either hand and uses his body well to shield defenders. Sam's combination of athleticism, defensive grit, and offensive flair makes him one of the most impactful players on the floor every time he plays.   2. Jon Dzabatou | 6'8" Forward | Sunrise Christian | Oakland Soldiers   Dzabatou is a new name to watch in Kansas, arriving from California to join Sunrise Christian. What immediately stands out about Jon is his explosive athleticism -- he consistently plays above the rim, throwing down powerful dunks and serving as a constant lob threat. He's aggressive in traffic and has the vertical ability to rise and finish through contact. Around the basket, he shows strong footwork and can finish effectively over either shoulder. Offensively, Jon demonstrates a solid understanding of ball screen actions, knowing how to find space and exploit various defensive coverages. On the defensive end, he uses his elite athleticism to anchor the paint as a rim protector -- altering and blocking shots at a high rate. His presence in the lane makes it difficult for opponents to score inside, allowing him to dominate games on both ends of the floor.   1. [player_tooltip player_id='1703078' first='Caeden' last='Hutcherson'] | 6'5" Guard | Sunrise Christian | Team Lillard   My top player in the class of 2026 is [player_tooltip player_id='1703078' first='Caeden' last='Hutcherson'], who will suit up for Sunrise Christian this winter alongside a talented supporting cast. At 6'5" with a strong, athletic frame, Hutcherson is one of the most versatile and complete prospects in the class -- there's very little he can't do on the floor. What immediately stands out is his ability to rebound on the defensive end and instantly initiate the break off the dribble. He thrives in transition, attacking the rim with purpose, showing the strength to absorb contact and the balance to finish through it consistently. As a scorer, he's dangerous at all three levels. He's a reliable catch-and-shoot threat with a smooth, compact release -- even in tight windows -- and is equally effective in the mid-range, utilizing a polished pull-up game and soft floaters with either hand. His combination of physical tools, athleticism, and an advanced scoring package make Hutcherson an elite talent and a true difference-maker on both ends of the court.

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.