Early Season: 10 2026s Making Their Case

As we wrap up the third week of the high school basketball season, I want to spotlight a few senior prospects who have stood out early and made meaningful contributions to their teams. These soon-to-be graduates may be low-ranked or unranked, but they've shown skills and qualities that make them strong fits for smaller college programs, whether they've already committed or are still exploring.    Vogel may not get the same attention as the other seniors on New Trier, but he competes at a high level and displays notable basketball IQ. He can drive quickly with control, and his vision — often underrated — allows him to hit perimeter shooters or find transition runners with accuracy. Defensively, he's versatile, able to guard multiple positions, time steals, and stay active in the halfcourt. His smart cutting is also worth noting, as he consistently reads defenders and creates opportunities. Committed to Colby College in Maine this past October.     When I say active rebounder, White is a true go-getter. His long 6'6" frame and reach help him control the glass, but it's his relentlessness in attacking the ball and fighting for positioning that stands out. He secures boards on the defensive end and creates extra possessions or second-chance points on the offensive end. His interior presence is a major factor for the Scouts.     Dixon flashes a quick first step off the bounce, getting by defenders and putting pressure on the interior. He shows good change-of-direction ability on drives and can adjust mid-air to finish around the rim. It's also encouraging to see his willingness to pick up ball-handlers the full length of the court and make them work just to initiate offense. Defensively, his active hands lead to deflections and forced turnovers. His speed stands out on both ends, allowing him to stay attached to opposing guards and get out ahead of the ball in transition.     A big man who brings toughness and physicality, he uses his strong frame to be a reliable rebounder and shot-blocking presence. He does a good job sealing defenders in the post to create scoring opportunities in the paint, and on the defensive end he uses his body well to box out and pursue rebounds. Safe to say he can anchor the interior for the Ramblers.     You have to appreciate Nguyen's grittiness on both ends of the floor. He's a hounding on-ball defender with the timing to force tie-ups and generate steals. Offensively, he blends that toughness with skill — getting low on drives, collapsing the lane, and finding spot-up shooters. He shows juice attacking closeouts or beating defenders off the dribble with control, and he has the balance to absorb contact and finish. He's also capable of connecting from distance off the catch.     Segroves gives the Caravan needed height and interior presence. He moves well around the paint, finding open pockets in both the high and low post. He's shown a nice touch on a baby hook, and he applies pressure on the offensive glass with timing on follow-ups. Defensively, he uses his frame to clear space, secure boards, and even open lanes for teammates to crash in and help.     Holy Cross baseball commit also gets it done on the hardwood as a solid role player for the Ramblers. 6'5" lengthy frame makes it difficult for opponents to move and out battle on the boards. Has an eye to find soft spots in defenses and a soft touch at the rim.     Ford is a gritty, shifty guard who does the small things that contribute to winning. Defensively, he stays in a low stance with the quickness and lateral shuffle to stay in front of ball-handlers, and he consistently contests shots with a hand up. Offensively, he can initiate transition, find passing windows, and set up teammates. His shiftiness and competitiveness allow him to operate at either guard spot.     Tallos has a well-rounded game. As a forward, he can act as the primary ball-handler for LFA, showing patience in pick-and-roll situations to read defenders and make smart decisions. He uses his strength, balance, and angles effectively to penetrate the heart of the defense. His mid-range jumper features a clean release and solid arc. Defensively, he makes a strong impact on the glass, securing rebounds and helping his team maintain possession.     Macapinlac is the ultimate glue guy for Niles West. The one who embraces the dirty work others might shy away from. He brings constant energy on every possession, never dwelling on the previous play. His cutting from the perimeter opens up the offense and creates rim opportunities for himself, and his aggressive playstyle sets a tone the entire Wolves team can feed off. His all-out effort is both noticeable and impactful.

As we wrap up the third week of the high school basketball season, I want to spotlight a few senior prospects who have stood out early and made meaningful contributions to their teams. These soon-to-be graduates may be low-ranked or unranked, but they've shown skills and qualities that make them strong fits for smaller college programs, whether they've already committed or are still exploring.