2028 Rankings Update: Prospects Stepping into the Spotlight

While some prospects are still making their names known, others are on the cusp of becoming the next crop of stars in-state. Their production thus far speaks for itself, but here are five prospects who are becoming real players at the high school level:    With the veteran point guard Ellegood being moved around as a chess piece on offense, Allen is maximizing his on-ball reps. His handle is functional but not inefficient. So versus man-to-man or zone, he can still tilt the defense and glide into the paint. Then, late in games, Allen gets to the free throw line and converts at a good rate.     Haley makes his rankings debut as a Top 20 prospect due to his size, power, and agility. A “dancing bear” at offensive tackle, he shows good footwork when he catches the ball in the post. Even on offensive rebounds, he can grab the ball and pivot or take a power dribble and lay it off the glass. It's still early in the season and Haley has already had a couple 20 (pts) and 10s (rebs). His highest upside is on the football field, but if he keeps growing and improving, things could change.     Experiencing a ground-swell of support, McKnight has hit the season running in his 302 debut. He's a fluid, do-it-all athlete, willing and able to crash the boards, fly around as an off-ball defender, and make plays for others. But he can get a bucket too. McKnight likes his spots at the second level, however, he enjoys getting all the way to the rim where he can finish with craft. As the Bucs progress through their schedule, McKnight will be one to watch.     One of Delaware's “Thompson Twins,” the multi-sport athlete is coming into his own on the court. He has some traditional big man skills, able to post up from different spots, catch, then float the ball over defenders with no more than one dribble. Thompson's ability to operate out on the perimeter is even more intriguing. His team can and will play through him in space, either as a hub who can run handoffs and make high-low passes or as a short-roller who flashed the same passing chops.     A part-time starter as a freshman, Whitaker is raising the bar as a sophomore in a much bigger role. The Colonials put the ball in his hands and he delivers the invaluable shotmaking. Off the bounce, Whitaker uses subtle movements and his strength to create driving angles and pathways to his spots. And those pathways often lead to his smooth mid-range jumper, but his shot is just as clean off the catch from three.

While some prospects are still making their names known, others are on the cusp of becoming the next crop of stars in-state. Their production thus far speaks for itself, but here are five prospects who are becoming real players at the high school level: