2026 Rankings Frontcourt Stock-Risers
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Since the last update of the 2026 rankings, we’ve seen quite a few players already making big improvements. We’ll start here with the frontcourt guys. These next few players have had big summers that exhibit a desire to get better…
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Continue ReadingSince the last update of the 2026 rankings, we’ve seen quite a few players already making big improvements. We’ll start here with the frontcourt guys. These next few players have had big summers that exhibit a desire to get better and put in the work. Based on the progress they’ve already made, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them elevate their games even further during the high school season.
Previous Rank: 16rnMasini is an easy move up the rankings as a 6-foot-7 forward who has the skillset to one day move more to the wings. Right now, he’s a big body with strength yet has impressive fluidity with and without the ball. He’s a big-time rebounder and finishes through swipes and hacks, and most impressively is an outstanding passer out of the low block and short corner spots. He’s shown some ability to handle the ball too, mostly in transition, but is a threat to make something happen anytime he touches the rock. He’ll be an immediate force next season at Gig Harbor, especially pairing with fellow big man Luke Allison Luke Allison 6’8″ | PF Gig Harbor | 2024 State WA .
Highlights
Previous Rank: 29rnCohen got some good varsity minutes last season, mostly contributing as a stretch forward and with his interior play on the glass, but he’s added quite a bit to his game since then. Cohen still needs to get a little stronger inside with his back to the hoop or getting second-chance buckets, but his aggression and fight can’t be questioned. He’s still a threat to hit from 3-point but also gets out in transition and is not someone you want to get in front of when he’s charging the rim. At 6-foot-8, he’s shown some nice rim defense too and should have ample opportunity this winter.
Previous Rank: 20rnEmerald Ridge has a big-time player in McGriff. He’s an outstanding athlete and can punish you when he crashes the boards but he also displays some good touch from multiple areas on the floor and should continue to improve from the wings. He can knock down the three, operates well with his back to the hoop and facing up from the mid-ranges, and stays pretty poised when working with the ball. The handle could still improve but he has a lot of potential to be a big piece for the Jags this season.
Previous Rank: 48rnPilcher has really come on this summer and continues to show growing confidence in his game. He’s got a soft touch with the jumper around the paint, with good lift to rise up over defenders. He is still getting better from 3-point and working to play more on the perimeter too. But it’s his athleticism and defensive effort that really impressed me. He is an excellent help-side defender who can block shots out of nowhere and shows a lot of toughness in his rebounding. He’s a guy that could make a big leap as the year goes on.
Previous Rank: WLrnMalisani was a watch list guy at first because he’s a bit undersized in the post, doesn’t provide a lot of athleticism, and hasn’t really stretched the floor as far as I’ve seen. However, he’s made a jump to the rankings because he understands his abilities and has done a great job working on the technical aspects to be a really effective player. He has a big frame and uses his body well to create space for shots, holds position well down low to snag rebounds, and displays good footwork, strength, and ball control to operate out of the block. He plays extremely hard and shows a great mindset on the court.