2026 Rankings Update: Top 10 Newcomers to the Rankings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(9) [player_tooltip player_id='1978100' first='Jaxon' last='Clark'] | PF | Keokuk</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This one is kind of cheating, as Clark is more of a re-introduction to the rankings than a newcomer. He briefly moved down to Florida to play at Montverde Academy but is back in Keokuk now and has continued to show he's one of the best players in the state, averaging an eye-popping 37.8 points, 17.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.8 steals, and 2.0 blocks per game so far this season on 67% shooting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(79) [player_tooltip player_id='2334402' first='Jackson' last='Crock-Sibbing'] | SG | Pleasant Valley</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A 6-0 off-ball guard who moved to Pleasant Valley from across the Mississippi in Illinois, Crock-Sibbing leads the Spartans in scoring at 12.8 points per game and has showcased the ability to shoot it from the 3-point line at a high level, burying 44.1% of his 3-point attempts so far this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(107) [player_tooltip player_id='3230922' first='Adrian' last='Gonpue'] | C | Muscatine</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An athletic, rangy, versatile defender who can do a little bit of everything on both ends of the floor, Gonpue is averaging 9.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game while shooting nearly 70% from the floor. He plays bigger than his listed 6-4 with his length and bounce.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(131) [player_tooltip player_id='3255087' first='Lual' last='Tharjiath'] | PF | Carroll</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tharjiath has emerged as one of the state's elite rim protectors this season, averaging 5.5 blocks per game early this season. A hyper-athletic, bouncy 6-6 forward with great length, he has impeccable timing as a shot blocker, is a dominant force on the offensive glass (5.2 offensive rebounds per game, 8.5 total), and finishes above the rim with authority.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(136) [player_tooltip player_id='3255118' first='DJ' last='Bijiek'] | PF | Ames</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bijiek is a bit of a project still at this point, but he has real size and length at 6-9, can run the floor, and is really good on the glass on both ends of the floor. With his size, length, and athleticism, he's the type of player who could really turn into something special in the next few years as he continues to develop his game and body.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(142) [player_tooltip player_id='2617518' first='Jayvion' last='Hanson'] | PG | Des Moines East</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A downhill, attacking guard with a real burst off the dribble, Hanson has gotten his senior year off to a strong start, averaging 16.2 points per game for the Scarlets. He's a capable mid-range shooter but is at his best when he's getting to the bucket and finishing or getting to the free-throw line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(143) [player_tooltip player_id='3255094' first='Eduardo' last='Frazier'] | SG | Sioux City West</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another senior guard off to a great start, Frazier is putting up 20.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game on nearly 58% shooting for the Wolverines. He's a tough, athletic guard who can get to the rim off the dribble, knock down shots off the catch, and he gets his teammates involved.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(144) [player_tooltip player_id='2381211' first='Jimmy' last='Carter Jr'] | CG | Davenport North</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Carter is a solid three-level scorer who primarily operates off the ball for the Wildcats, but he can provide some secondary playmaking with the ball in his hands. He's shooting 35% from the 3-point line, but he's best when he's getting into the teeth of the defense, using his speed and body control around the rim to finish.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(151) [player_tooltip player_id='3255104' first='Carter' last='Brightwell'] | PG | MOC-Floyd Valley</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brightwell is one of the top shooters in the state, burying 52.5% of his 3-point attempts early this season, and he can shoot it equally well off the dribble and the catch. His ability to stretch the floor opens things up for his teammates.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>(152) [player_tooltip player_id='3254923' first='Benny' last='Doe'] | SG | Woodward Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Doe has been a very pleasant surprise early this season for Woodward Academy, averaging 24.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 6.6 steals on 51-30-73 shooting splits. He's a quick, dynamic guard who can do it all on the offensive end of the floor, using his speed to attack off the bounce and shooting it well off the catch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->