5 Connectors to know in the 2026 rankings update

Every team has scorers and stars, but the ones that win have connectors. The guys who keep everything flowing, fill gaps without needing the spotlight, and make everyone around them better. In this final 2026 rankings update, a handful of players stood out not just for what they do individually, but for how they impact winning. These are the connectors who elevate teams, embrace their role, and quietly tilt games in their favor.   Use code dev30 for 30% off and secure access as we're going through rankings and preparing you for grassroots season. You don't want to miss any of our scouting.     Dylan came into the season on a mission and was one of the biggest risers in the Colorado Springs Metro South League. What he proved is he's a winner and difference-maker, and although he was the team's leading scorer this year, he was also a connector who kept the team afloat. The 6'3 athlete did it all for Harrison as he put up an impressive 14.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.6 assists a game. He made sure the ball kept moving, he took advantage of mismatches, and he also showed two-way capabilities. In writing this breakdown, I see that I probably should've had him higher in the rankings, as he went out and turned some heads in his senior season.     Bode is a player we got to see a few times throughout the years, and one thing that always stood out to me was his ability to keep everyone involved, keep the ball moving, and to stay out of the way when teammates get going. Bode is a player who gets downhill, finds the hot hand, and is a true connector as a floor general. Bode had a solid junior season and duplicated that in his Senior year, but with more freedom offensively. He averaged 8.3 points and 3.5 assists a game, found his groove, and played some of his best ball this year. Solid season for him.     Swanson showed signs of being a big-time scorer in his junior year and doubled down on that in his Senior season that had them as one of the favorites throughout the year. He was one of the best players in the Jeffco league and showed he could consistently scored when the ball found him. He averaged 11.1 points and 4.7 rebounds a game and showed he could mix it up and be a ball handler who you could build around as the facilitator as well, with 2.3 assists a game despite being a 6'4 wing. Swanson uses his size, and he's versatile, and that is what separates him. Solid career for a player who I feel could play at the next level.     Frederick is a squad that had solid guard play, and when you look at that squad, you think, how do you keep everyone happy with only one ball, and that is where I feel that Burton was so important. Despite there being some big-time scorers and shooters over there, they needed to have a guard who looks for others, keeps the ball popping, and takes care of it, and Burton did those things consistently in his senior year. Burton sacrificed a bit of his scoring to step up as a passer and two-way option for the team. He averaged 4.6 assists, which was one of the top in the Granite Peaks League, but also was one of the better rebounders as well at 4.2 boards a game. He played at a high level and showed that scoring isn't the only thing that brings attention your way. Solid player.     Tristan was one of the bright spots for Sand Creek, and he put the work in in the summer, which he got on radars and put that into fruition during the season. There was plenty of variance on why the team struggled last year, but when Tristan was on the floor, the team was better. He averaged 10.3 points a game, had a career high of 24 points late in the season, and kept defenses honest with his outside shot. Tristan played the passing lanes, stole it, and finished in transition. He also played off-ball and showed he could get going in other ways, and was the team's connector. Solid career for him.

Every team has scorers and stars, but the ones that win have connectors. The guys who keep everything flowing, fill gaps without needing the spotlight, and make everyone around them better. In this final 2026 rankings update, a handful of players stood out not just for what they do individually, but for how they impact winning. These are the connectors who elevate teams, embrace their role, and quietly tilt games in their favor.