Rankings Risers: 2026 Players Who's Stock Keeps Going Up

The Class of 2026 update is coming this week, and the movement is real. A group of players has elevated their games with dynamic, confident play that's impossible to ignore. These players are impacting wins, setting the tone and making nightly statements. Here are the names whose recent performances are forcing their way into the rankings and demanding a closer look when the update drops.    Burton is a player at Peak to Peak who continues to force attention as his game rises to another level. What separates him is his ability to impact both ends of the floor with consistency. A confident scorer, Burton is excellent with the ball in his hands and understands how to break down defenders, getting to his spots with purpose and a smooth, repeatable release. The majority of his 20.3 points come inside the arc where his strength, touch and footwork allow him to finish through contact. Defensively he's just as disruptive, averaging 7 rebounds and 3 steals by constantly applying pressure and positioning himself in passing lanes and in areas to secure boards. His physicality, feel for the game and two way production are why he continues to climb the rankings     Owen is electric to watch because his motor, toughness and feel for the game consistently jump off the floor at Erie. A physical wing, he brings energy every night and backs it up with production, as his 18.8 points and 6.2 rebounds only scratch the surface of his impact. Offensively he plays within the flow, taking what the defense gives him and never forcing the action. He can attack the rim with strength, score on the block, knock down the midrange or the three and make the right read by finding open teammates. Defensively Owen is just as valuable, routinely locking down the perimeter and taking on the challenge of guarding the opponent's top shooter, making winning plays on both ends. It's his dynamic, two way impact, fearless versatility and ability to swing games that have him steadily climbing the rankings and turning heads every time he steps on the floor     Callies game continues to expand for Berthoud, and he's making teams pay for underestimating him night after night. While many label him as just a shooter, especially with his place among the top five in three pointers made in the state that only scratches the surface of what he brings. He has excellent handles, creates real separation and can score efficiently from anywhere on the floor. When he gets into a rhythm, he's capable of erupting for monster performances, highlighted by his season high 36-point outing. Averaging 16.8 points per game, Callies has clearly grown into his role as a senior, placing more emphasis on leadership, game control and getting teammates involved, making him a far more complete and dangerous offensive threat. That growth into a complete offensive weapon, combined with consistent production and a clear impact on winning, is why he continues to climb the rankings     Kirkland is the engine that makes Pueblo County go, impacting the game in every possible way while setting the tone on both ends of the floor. A true stat sheet stuffer, his numbers jump off the page for a point guard, averaging 17.8 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds and an impressive 4.1 steals per game. He's a complete three level scorer who can hurt defenses in transition, the midrange, or from deep. What really separates him is his leadership and feel for the game where his vision allows him to get to his spots, consistently find open teammates and keep the offense flowing. Defensively he's relentless, rotating early, forcing turnovers and finishing possessions with rebounds that ignite the break. His consistent two way production, command of the game as a true point guard and ability to elevate those around him are exactly why he continues to climb the rankings     Gilloth has made a massive leap as a senior, and his jump in production reflects how dominant he's become, averaging 16.9 points and 9.1 rebounds per game. A true interior threat, he's not just a back to the basket big as he's comfortable putting the ball on the deck, making his move and overwhelming defenders who can't keep up. He easily backs opponents down and counters with a nasty spin into a soft fall away jumper that he buries consistently. He produces with volume while staying efficient, hitting 55 percent from the floor. What's driving his rise in the rankings is the reliability of his impact as he anchors the paint defensively, secures tough rebounds, forces bad shots and consistently gives his team a physical advantage inside every night

The Class of 2026 update is coming this week, and the movement is real. A group of players has elevated their games with dynamic, confident play that's impossible to ignore. These players are impacting wins, setting the tone and making nightly statements. Here are the names whose recent performances are forcing their way into the rankings and demanding a closer look when the update drops.