5 2026 Players to Watch over the Next 4 Years
Now that high school basketball is one month into the season, here is a look at some freshmen with big-time potential that should be on everyone’s radar. Rivers Knight Rivers Knight 6'9" | PF Charles E Jordan | 2026 State…
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Continue ReadingNow that high school basketball is one month into the season, here is a look at some freshmen with big-time potential that should be on everyone’s radar.
Rivers Knight Rivers Knight 6'9" | PF Charles E Jordan | 2026 State NC | 6-9 | 2026 | F | Jordan High School
Rivers has the potential to be a big-time player and if he is not on your radar now, he will be soon. He has terrific size for his age, and he couples that with great skill. He also brings to the court soft touch around the rim. Good footwork and young post players do not normally go together but Rivers displays good post footwork, and he carves out deep post positions. He has good mechanics on his jumper with 3-point range.
Taylor Blakney | 6-4 | 2026 | F | Lee Park Prep
Blakney is a strong-bodied forward who should be on the radar of college coaches right now. The leading freshmen scorer in the state at 22.6 PPG and he gets it done in a variety of ways. He can hit the three-ball. He can drive to the basket where he finishes through contact. High IQ player that is displayed through timely back-door and curl cuts to create scoring opportunities for himself. Positions himself well defensively and provides solid rim protection.
Antonio McKoy Antonio McKoy 6'4" | SF Harrells Christian | 2026 State NC | 6-4 | 2026 | F | Harrells Christian Academy
Another name that should be on your radar. He shows some great 2-way potential. He uses his length defensively to block shots and pester ball handlers on the perimeter. Antonio is a good ball handler and he couples that with his length and athleticism to get to the basket where he finishes around and through the opposition. He has a good-looking jump shot and range to the three-point line.
Caden Ryker | 6-0 |2026 | Guard | North Carolina Leadership Academy
Caden is a player that can really shoot the ball from the perimeter. He couples that shooting ability with the ability to attack the rim where he is a threat to score or kick to a teammate for an assist. He makes solid basketball plays that can translate into any system. He plays well off the ball using well-timed cuts to put pressure on the rim. He attacks quickly and efficiently off the catch not wasting dribbles. Caden is a player that coaches should keep an eye on as he can only get better in the next 4 years.
Max VanWeerdhuizen | 6-0 | 2026 | Guard | Oak Grove School
Max is a big-time shooter with a lightning-fast release. He displays range out to the 3-point line and beyond and also the ability to hit the mid-range jumper if necessary. He can shoot it off the catch and off the bounce. While he is an impressive shooter, he also has the ability and the willingness to get to the basket and finish. He is also a great passer for his age that can get his team open opportunities.