Stock Risers: Class of 2026

Every year, there are players who jump onto the scene and take that next step and become impact players. While these players might not have gotten as much attention in the preseason as others, they are worth keeping an eye on as the season progresses. Many of these players have seen their role grow and are taking advantage of it.    Heilig is one of those players that I just kept being drawn to as I watched Omaha Gross defeat Lincoln Lutheran. He was doing everything that you want from your point guard, as he was in control of the game on both ends of the floor. He brings the intensity on both ends of the floor, as he is not afraid to pick up full-court. He does this in an aggressive yet disciplined way.   One of my favorite things about him was the control and patience that he demonstrated on his drives. He did not force things, as he did a good job of finding his teammates when the defense collapsed. He is also an effective scorer, as he can shoot it from deep and make tough shots inside. He does a good job of controlling the pace and pushing it in transition as well. He seemed to be the fulcrum for Omaha Gross as they have gotten off to a good start and might make some noise in Class B this season.     Happ has exploded onto the scene this season thanks to his ability to shoot it from deep. He is averaging 20 ppg through three games so far for Seward. He is shooting 12/30(40%) from downtown so far this season. He has been shooting with confidence, as his range increases and he continues to hunt his shot. He has a nice release and gets his shot off quickly, which makes him dangerous. He is the kind of player that you can't give any space to.   Happ figures to be one of the keys for Seward this season, especially as they have dealt with some injuries. It will be interesting to see how Happ adjusts as teams continue to scout him and give him less space to work with. It is worth noting that he has also been effective on the glass, as he is averaging 8.0 rpg, which is especially notable from the guard position.     A force on the gridiron, Kuhlmann has also become a force on the hardwood. He is a really strong player who likes to do his damage around the rim and beyond the arc. He is an aggressive scorer who can do it at all three levels. He is very strong and has shown some nice footwork at the rim, where he imposes his will. He has also shown the ability to work at the high post as a passer and to turn and shoot it. Perhaps the most intriguing thing about him is his shooting ability, as he is not afraid to let it fly from deep. He is 4/11 from downtown through two games.   Kuhlmann finds himself as the anchor of a Lincoln Lutheran team that is trying to replace a lot from last season's state tournament team. He will be looking to carry the load in scoring and rebounding, where he projects to get multiple double-doubles this year.     Koehler is a difference-maker for Johnson-Brock, who are looking to get their third championship in a row. He is one of the best players in the lower classes of Nebraska, and would start at most any school at any class across the state. He is an excellent athlete who plays above the rim, as evidenced by some nice dunks in their game against Palmyra. He has shown that he can play on the inside and the outside. He is scoring over 20 ppg and has already seen teams just deny him and put him in a box and one.   He is a true three-level player scorer. He has the ability to get to the rim and use his athleticism there. His midrange game is also pretty clean, as he rises up over smaller defenders. He also shoots it well from three, as he was 35% last season. He is the clear leader for Johnson-Brock after they lost a bunch of production for their title-winning teams, and it will be interesting to see what kind of looks teams continue to try to throw at him.     Folkerts is a deadly guard with the ball in his hands. He is the kind of guard that defenses have to locate, and he showed why in the season opener against Waverly, where he hit 6 threes as Norris put up over 100 points as a team. He has a nice release and does a good job of getting to his spots, to the tune of a shooting percentage that is over 40% to start the year. Another thing that stood out to me was his ability to get to the rim and adjust his body to finish.   He gives a loaded Norris team yet another option, which just makes them even more dangerous. Through the first three games, he is averaging 12.7 ppg as the second leading scorer. If he can continue to play at a high level, then Norris might run away with things in Class B.     McCafferty is a very intriguing prospect due to his size and shooting ability. Teams at the next level are always looking for guys who can give them length and shooting, and Elliotte fits that mold. He demonstrated this in Concordia's season-opening win over Boys Town, where he knocked down 6 triples and finished the night with 22 points. His size and length make it difficult for defenders to closeout and have any effect on his shot.   Concordia is another team with high expectations, and McCafferty is a big part of why. Look for him to continue to stuff the stat sheet and be a threat for the Mustangs as they look to make yet another run at the state tournament.

Every year, there are players who jump onto the scene and take that next step and become impact players. While these players might not have gotten as much attention in the preseason as others, they are worth keeping an eye on as the season progresses. Many of these players have seen their role grow and are taking advantage of it.