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These 2026 Players Continue To Elevate In Updated Rankings

These 2026 Players Continue To Elevate In Updated Rankings
Bobby Lopez
Bobby Lopez January 22, 2026 @ 04:00 PM
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In this article:

Ladarian Burks
Ladarian Burks 5'10" | PG/SG | 2026
CO
Dylan Arocho
Dylan Arocho 6'3" | SG | 2026
CO
Coehn Nitzel
Coehn Nitzel 6'3" | CG | 2026
CO
Javon Gonzales
Javon Gonzales 5'11" | PG | 2026
CO
Isaiah Melecio
Isaiah Melecio 6'2" | SG | 2026
CO
Trystan Rangel
Trystan Rangel 6'0" | PG | 2026
CO
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>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.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2831637"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-697100f32a9fa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Arocho is quietly making a name for himself at Harrison, and his game is demanding attention. Averaging 15.8 points and 7.1 rebounds per game, he's already posted four double doubles this season, showing he can impact both ends of the floor. What makes him special is his versatility and he can stretch the defense with his range, knock down shots as a reliable shooter and crash the boards with relentless effort. On defense he hustles back to protect the rim, and in transition, he pushes the pace and attacks the hoop with confidence. His stock is rising fast</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2930812"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-697100f32aac0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Burks has become a consistent force for Eagle Ridge Academy, lighting up the scoreboard with a 16.9 points per game average. What sets him apart is his complete offensive package. He handles the ball with confidence, creating opportunities for himself and others, while his mid range and 3 ball keeps defenders honest. He's a natural shooter and his movement without the ball is special whether it's cutting hard, finding seams or staying active he's a constant threat. With his scoring consistency, versatility and ability to impact games in multiple ways, Burks is clearly moving up the rankings and demanding attention from evaluators</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2129614"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-697100f32ab32"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nitzel's rise in the rankings is impossible to ignore as he's a complete force on the court for University. Averaging 15 points per game, he doesn't just score but grabs 7.2 rebounds, dishes 5.4 assists and racks up 2.7 steals, all while shooting a scorching 61% from the field. A true floor general, he controls the tempo, makes teammates better and punishes defenders who try to test him. Whether attacking downhill, hitting mid range shots, or creating chaos on defense, Nitzel blends skill, smarts and leadership in a way that demands attention and keeps his stock climbing fast</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1501189"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-697100f32abdc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Rangel continues leading Heritage and does it with his remarkable consistency and efficient scoring. Averaging 20.1 points per game while scoring in double digits every outing, he delivers night in and night out without forcing plays. His mid range game highlighted by a smooth floater, keeps defenders off balance and his ability to create and facilitate for teammates shows high basketball IQ. He knows how to read the defense, attack intelligently and make the right play at the right time. That combination of scoring, smart playmaking and reliability has made Rangel a player everyone is taking notice of, steadily pushing him higher in the rankings</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1764303"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-697100f32ac49"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gonzales is skyrocketing at Fort Lupton because he's simply a nightmare on both ends of the floor. Averaging 19.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 4.4 steals, he fills the stat sheet every night while showing the kind of versatility that separates good players from great ones. His triple double earlier this season of 18 points, 11 assists, 11 steals was a masterclass in dominance. Physical, relentless and defensively ferocious, he pressures opponents, creates turnovers and punishes mistakes. Add in his sharp shooting and tireless work ethic, and it's clear Gonzales is a do it all star whose impact demands attention and keeps him rising fast</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1622292"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-697100f32acdb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Melecio continues to trend upwards from the way he drives Rampart's success on both ends of the floor. Averaging 14.1 points, he's more than just a scorer and he brings relentless energy, attacks the rim without hesitation and plays with a fearlessness that sets the tone for his team. A true do it all player, he contributes in every facet of the game, whether it's finishing tough, creating opportunities for teammates, or making hustle plays on defense. His combination of skill, effort and leadership has made him indispensable for Rampart's 10-2 start and a player on the fast track upward</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

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.

Dylan Arocho

Dylan Arocho

CO
SG
HEIGHT 6'3"
POS SG
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Dylan
Arocho SG
Class
2026
Height
6'3"
HS
Harrison
|
CO
These 2026 Players Continue To Elevate In Updated Rankings
Arocho is quietly making a name for himself at Harrison, and his game is demanding attention. Averaging 15.8...
Written by Bobby Lopez
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Dylan Arocho

Instagram Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Harrison
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Ladarian Burks

Ladarian Burks

CO
PG/SG
HEIGHT 5'10"
POS PG/SG
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Ladarian
Burks PG/SG
Class
2026
Height
5'10"
HS
Eagle Ridge Academy
|
CO
These 2026 Players Continue To Elevate In Updated Rankings
Burks has become a consistent force for Eagle Ridge Academy, lighting up the scoreboard with a 16.9 points...
Written by Bobby Lopez
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Ladarian Burks

Instagram Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Eagle Ridge Academy
Club: 5280 Aces
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Coehn Nitzel

Coehn Nitzel

CO
CG
HEIGHT 6'3"
POS CG
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Coehn
Nitzel CG
Class
2026
Height
6'3"
HS
University
|
CO
These 2026 Players Continue To Elevate In Updated Rankings
Nitzel’s rise in the rankings is impossible to ignore as he’s a complete force on the court for...
Written by Bobby Lopez
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Coehn Nitzel

Instagram Twitter
State: Colorado
School: University
Club: 24MD Team Daum
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Trystan Rangel

Trystan Rangel

CO
PG
HEIGHT 6'0"
POS PG
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Trystan
Rangel PG
Class
2026
Height
6'0"
HS
Heritage
|
CO
These 2026 Players Continue To Elevate In Updated Rankings
Rangel continues leading Heritage and does it with his remarkable consistency and efficient scoring. Averaging 20.1 points per...
Written by Bobby Lopez
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Trystan Rangel

Instagram Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Heritage
Club: Colorado Roughriders
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Javon Gonzales

Javon Gonzales

CO
PG
HEIGHT 5'11"
POS PG
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Javon
Gonzales PG
Class
2026
Height
5'11"
HS
Fort Lupton
|
CO
These 2026 Players Continue To Elevate In Updated Rankings
Gonzales is skyrocketing at Fort Lupton because he’s simply a nightmare on both ends of the floor. Averaging...
Written by Bobby Lopez
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Javon Gonzales

Instagram Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Fort Lupton
Club: B&B Academy
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Isaiah Melecio

Isaiah Melecio

CO
SG
HEIGHT 6'2"
POS SG
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Isaiah
Melecio SG
Class
2026
Height
6'2"
HS
Rampart
|
CO
These 2026 Players Continue To Elevate In Updated Rankings
Melecio continues to trend upwards from the way he drives Rampart’s success on both ends of the floor....
Written by Bobby Lopez
Read more at PrepHoops.com
Prep Hoops

Isaiah Melecio

Instagram Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Rampart
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Prep Hoops

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