Big Season Risers in the Final 2026 Rankings Update

The final 2026 rankings update is here, and as always, there were some real movers. A number of prospects used the season to elevate their stock, stacking production, consistency and impact when it mattered most. These are players who didn't just improve — they made a statement. As we close the door on this class, here's a look at the biggest risers in the final 2026 rankings.   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.     Winnett will be a riser in the rankings as he was the team's leading scorer this year, who was also effective as a rebounder. He did it all for Air Academy. Winnett opened up his game with the 3-point shot, which made it easier for him and teammates to get going. He got inside a bit more, got out and finished in transition and attacked closeouts for finishes at the basket. Winnett averaged 11.3 points and 4.2 rebounds a game and will be making a jump in the rankings.     Nichols is a player who we watched a couple of times this year, and he's a player who starred in his role. The moment was never too big for Nichols, as you could always count on him to be a solid rebounder. He stepped up and scored when attention was on teammates, and he found ways to impact the game with his activity. Nichols played hard in every setting. He kept defenses honest offensively as he could get to the rim or step out and extend the defense with his shot, and he checks off boxes. He will make a rise in the rankings after a solid season.     [player_tooltip player_id='2926464' first='Logan' last='Clarkson'] was Lutheran's second leading scorer on the year and was who kept the ship afloat to begin the year. He was who was the focal point of the offense until they got Speckman into the fold, and when he came, Logan was able to just adjust his game and play more off-ball, and the team started cruising. That's a player understanding the situation, and that maturity is why they held up the championship trophy at the end of the season. He averaged 9.8 points on the year, spaced the floor with his outside shot, and cut for backdoor finishes as well. He's a player who made the most of his opportunity and is making a jump in the rankings.     Palisade was the surprise team of the year as they finished with a 23-3 record. Their leading scorer was [player_tooltip player_id='2410534' first='Hunter' last='Howard'], as he put up 13.9 points and 6.8 rebounds a game. He also showed that he could get it done defensively as he played the passing lanes and got his hands on the ball coming up with 3.1 steals a game. He came alive in the second half of the season. He shot the 3-ball relatively well and did a bit of everything for Palisade to have a successful year. He's a stock riser with his play on the year, and his play could not go overlooked much longer. Solid year.     Thornton was one of the bright spots for Denver North this year as he was the leading scorer in his few games played. He made a mark from the opening game as a scorer, and despite the opposing team's game plan being on slowing him down, he showed he could still consistently score. He averaged 13.2 points a game, erupted for a career high of 21 points in a close win against D'Evelyn, and showed that he could score from all 3-levels. He's a player who earned a stock boost with his play and is going to rise in the rankings.     Fun year for Fort Morgan this year, and a player who elevated his game in his senior year is [player_tooltip player_id='3356924' first='JJ' last='Marquez']. Marquez went from a glue guy who stepped up in key moments as a junior to being the focal point of the offense as a senior. Marquez averaged 19.9 points a game and had 5.2 rebounds to go along with it. He lit it up as an inside presence who got downhill, finished on the block with his back to the basket, and moved as a slasher on the baseline. He was also the team's defender, and he put up 2.5 steals a game. Marquez proved to be a riser and will be making a jump in the rankings this final go-round.

The final 2026 rankings update is here, and as always, there were some real movers. A number of prospects used the season to elevate their stock, stacking production, consistency and impact when it mattered most. These are players who didn't just improve — they made a statement. As we close the door on this class, here's a look at the biggest risers in the final 2026 rankings.