Player Rankings Update: 2026 Knockdown Shooters

<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1696246"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Region 8-5A All-Region performer, [player_tooltip player_id='1696246' first='Jerrin' last='Samuel'] is going to be a very popular name for years to come. The Winder Barrow shooting guard has a knack for scoring and a deadly stroke from behind the line, shooting 41% from three this year. He's already got good size and could likely keep growing. With a solid spring, Samuel's recruitment could take off sooner than later.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1543507"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1543507' first='Aiden' last='Aponte'] has already become a well-known name in this 2026 class and played a major role for Galloway this year in a highly competitive region. Aponte is a great shooter, able to knock down catch and shoot looks or pull up off the dribble. His wingspan is noticeably impressive and I think he's got a ton of upside as an effective 3 and D guy.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1696238"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Wheeler currently has a group of 2026s that have a chance to be really special. [player_tooltip player_id='1696238' first='Nathan' last='Earl'] was able to find some minutes as a freshman and impressed many with his offensive skillset. Despite being a freshman, Earl played with  confidence that can be seen in his willingness to pull from three and his good decision-making with the ball. As Wheeler departs some key pieces, Earl could see a major role increase next year.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1540716"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='1543568' first='Zade' last='Elshihabi'] sprung onto the scene in the fall with some strong camp outings and he's back at it again this spring. At OTR's The Opening last weekend, Elshihabi was a consensus top performer and caught fire in one game for 7 three-pointers. He's a skilled combo guard that can spot up or create with his dribble. Elshihabi's one the premier pieces for Tier 2 Elite and should have the opportunity to raise his stock this spring.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["1801844"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Because he plays up in Pickens County, few know about [player_tooltip player_id='1801844' first='McCord' last='Purdy'] but they will eventually. Purdy is a versatile guard that can play any position along the perimeter effectively. He's got a textbook jumper that he shoots with confidence and can get hot quickly. Purdy will play a prominent role for Wood Elite's 2026 squad which features a few hidden gems.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-641e5134a6bf0"} /-->