Rankings Update: 2026 Watch List

As we wrap up our rankings coverage for the Class of 2026, we want to highlight a few prospects that fell just outside of the rankings and ended up on the Watch List.   In most cases, these are prospects that might be new to the region, have recently appeared on our radar, or that we simply haven't had the chance to evaluate in person.   Below are six prospects from the Watch List that we'll have our eyes on this winter.    Moody, a guard out of Windham High School in Maine, appears on the Watch List after a strong start to his senior season. One of the best two-way guards in the MPA, Moody has done a lot of winning over the years and is aiming to help Windham win their third state title in a row this season. He defends the opposition best perimeter scorer, mixes it up as a rebounder, and has the ability to score it from all three levels offensively, standing out as a mismatch slasher with his combination of quickness, length, and strength.     Louis, a guard out of Archbishop Williams High School in Massachusetts, makes his way onto the Watch List on the heels of a few standout performances so far this winter. Louis is a disruptive defender, both on the ball and in passing lanes, that's capable of quickly turning defense intro transition offense. Offensively, he has a nice scoring package around the rim, but really stands out with his ability to knock down perimeter jumpers, particularly in catch and shoot situations.     Padden, a guard out of Marshfield High School in Massachusetts, makes an appearance on the Watch List for the first time this winter. Padden is an aggressive guard that has some creativity around the rim as a driver, burst when getting downhill off the bounce, and impressive floor vision as a passer. His speed, particularly in transition, is noticable and allows him to get to his spots off the bounce both as a creator and scorer. Defensively, he uses his quickness to create steals both on the ball and in passing lanes.     Almonte, a guard out of Danbury High School in Connecticut, makes his way onto the Watch List after a terrific start to his senior season. Almonte is incredibly active on the defensive end of the floor, using his length and quickness to rack up deflections and steals in passing lanes. Offensively, he's really good in transition, where he uses his length as a finisher around the rim and his feel for the game as a decision maker off the bounce. Off the ball, he can score it at multiple levels and does a nice job of elevating into his jumper.     Whalen, a guard out of St. Bernard High School in Connecticut, makes his first appearance on the Watch List in this rankings update. Whalen, a 6'2" guard, can really shoot the basketball, showing a quick release and consistent mechanics. He does a nice job of moving without the ball, using screens to get open, and being shot ready on the catch. On top of that, he shows some ability as a secondary ball-handler and decision maker in the half-court.     Allen, a guard out of the Hotchkiss School in Connecticut, makes his first appearance on the Watch List this winter. Allen is a confident shooter in catch and shoot situations that does a nice job of sliding off drives to find opening passing lanes. He makes good decisions as a scorer, turning down bad shots to hunt better ones, and moving the ball quickly within the flow of the offense. Defensively, he's capable of staying in front of opposing ball-handlers laterally and does a nice job of digging on drives when he's off the ball.    That wraps up our rankings coverage for the Class of 2026, but keep an eye out next week as we drop the updated rankings for the Class of 2027!

As we wrap up our rankings coverage for the Class of 2026, we want to highlight a few prospects that fell just outside of the rankings and ended up on the Watch List.