Preseason Watch List: Additional 2026 Names To Know

With preseason fall ball now firmly in the rearview, all attention has shifted to the rapidly approaching high school season. As programs ramp up over the next week and a full winter of basketball awaits, let's take a look at several prospects who deserve to be on everyone's radar—whether they're aiming to make a name for themselves with breakout performances or looking to further strengthen their stock in the months ahead.    A potent perimeter threat who can heat up quickly from beyond the arc, [player_tooltip player_id='1788762' first='Will' last='Spross'] is a confident and versatile outside shooter with a fluid and compact shooting release. Knocking down shots as a spot up shooter as well as showcasing his ability to be just as dangerous a shooter off the bounce, Spross does most of his damage from the perimeter and allows his lethal shooting ability to open up additional offense for himself— being efficient off the dribble to get into the paint and finish with craftiness around the basket.     Serving as the primary ball handler and offensive initiator in Lyndhurst's backcourt, Johnny Chaname will look to provide steady poise as a ball handler along side solid decision making, orchestrating offense and getting his teammates involved. A consistent paint toucher, Chaname consistently attacks the basket and often times finishes through contact and earning multiple trips to the free throw line. Off the ball, Chaname remains an effective threat as well, fitting seamlessly into Lyndhurst's offensive flow and knocking down open catch and shoot threes. Coming off a junior year that saw him shoulder a large portion of Lyndhurst's offensive production and post averages of 21.1 PPG and 5.3 APG, look for Chaname to carry much of that momentum into his senior season and be an effective playmaker from the point guard spot.     A versatile and confident three point shooter with deep range accuracy, [player_tooltip player_id='2549640' first='Chase' last='Plotkin'] is a dangerous threat from beyond the three point arc, knocking down spot up threes while also showcasing his ability to be a dangerous shooter on the move. Plotkin has impressive intangibles that define high-level shooters—sprinting to the corner in transition, using smooth footwork off screens, constantly relocating within the flow of the offense, and getting into his jumper with a quick and high release and getting into his jumper with a quick, high release. Plotkin has no problem contributing in other areas as he's often times seen initiating offense, crashing the glass, connecting plays as a passer, and staying vocal on defense. While he shoots the ball with efficiency and confidence from beyond the arc, Plotkin is also more than of capable of mixing in tough transition finishes at the rim.     Coming off an impressive junior season that saw him average 19.6 PPG, [player_tooltip player_id='1953390' first='Matt' last='Mikulka'] proved himself to be a smooth and efficient shooter along side being a decisive playmaker at the point guard position. He's also demonstrated his off ball value, knocking down perimeter shots from beyond the arc and serving as a dependable facilitator who consistently made sound decisions with the ball. With the skillset to provide reliable and steady production from the point guard spot, look for Mikulka to capitalize off the momentum he generated this summer and continue to put up big scoring performances.     A proven threat from beyond the arc, [player_tooltip player_id='2342648' first='Will' last='Foley'] looks to continue to prove to be a reliable perimeter shooter, complemented by his unselfish play and knack for making winning plays. A versatile shot maker, Foley can convert on open looks off the catch as a standstill shooter, off the bounce, and on the move as a movement shooter. In addition to his shooting ability, he has a strong feel for the game, as he consistently makes smart and sound decisions with the ball, and competes with toughness and intensity on the defensive end of the floor.     One of South Jersey's best statistical scorers last season, [player_tooltip player_id='2509565' first='Markus' last='Polite'] looks to build off the momentum he generated over the course of his junior season. Polite is capable of putting up points in bunches and is definitely a candidate to erupt for explosive scoring performances over throughout his senior year— showcasing his ability to score from multiple different areas on the floor, with confidence and efficiency.

With preseason fall ball now firmly in the rearview, all attention has shifted to the rapidly approaching high school season. As programs ramp up over the next week and a full winter of basketball awaits, let's take a look at several prospects who deserve to be on everyone's radar—whether they're aiming to make a name for themselves with breakout performances or looking to further strengthen their stock in the months ahead.