Top Centers of 2026 Class

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Since the article highlighting the 2026 power forwards has had so many views, its only appropriate to give you the same for the 2026 Centers. These paint playing pivots are going to become much more relevant in the next two seasons, not only because they'll have bigger roles, but also because we are seeing a higher importance put on post play at the high school and college levels lately. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first player on this list is 6'7" [player_tooltip player_id='2306138' first='John' last='Burke'] of Sissonville. Not a big scouting report yet on Burke, but he does play on the varsity of one of the better 3A programs in WV that will be reloading a bit for next year and likely seeing Burke step into a big (no pun intended) role. Burke definitely looks the part, good feet, fluid movements to accompany his large frame. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2390880' first='Owen' last='Gunter'] is a player we're looking forward to seeing this spring and summer possibly as well as next year. The 6'7" center is a varsity player on one of WV's top and most storied basketball programs. Gunter like Burke above, will likely step into a very important role with the Flying Eagles and will be surrounded by lots of talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2377474' first='Stephen' last='Boggs'] of Braxton County is one of the most pleasant surprises from the WVSSAC State Tournament. Boggs is a solid built and athletic 6'6" post player that has an obvious high ceiling athletically. During the state tournament it was easy to see he has great athleticism and strength for a sophomore and we'd expect him to lead Braxton in many statistical categories next two years. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2306130' first='Drew' last='Blough'] is a 6'6" center in the Parkersburg South program. Coaches at South have been praising his development and its likely safe to say he'll have a huge role if not a starting position for the Patriots next season. Blough will have lots of talent on the floor with him so you can expect Blough to shine in the box score a few times next season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2306581' first='Greyson' last='Parris'] is another program player who's played behind several seniors awaiting his turn in a program that was loaded with seniors. Parris should step right in for Bluefield and contribute from day one and continue the Beaver's string of success along with some young talent that's coming up with him. Parris is a legit 6'5" or possibly 6'6" and already uses his body well in half court situations. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2243523' first='Brayden' last='Helmick'] is the top rated center on our list. Helmick is a solid 6'6" pivot man and double double machine for the Notre Dame Irish this past season. Helmick has good feet and finishes soft around the rim. Helmick posted a double double nearly every night out as well as 4-6 blocked shots. A great feel for the game and basketball IQ. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->