Summer New Names Breakout: 2026 Wings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the summer season wrapping up we wanted to take a look at some of the prospects that went from unknown to players that will most likely be ranked in our next updates.&nbsp; These prospects made a name for themselves during the high school tournaments in June and in July with their travel teams.&nbsp; Here we examine <strong>Summer New Names Breakout: 2026 Wings</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2045857' first='Ethan' last='Hillsman'] (Joliet West – 2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hillsman is going to make the highest debut in the rankings after moving in from Tennessee.&nbsp; He has excellent positional size at 6'6” with strength and long arms.&nbsp; Hillsman proved his prospect status both with his high school team during June and in July with Hoops4Health.&nbsp; Explosive wing that can score from all three levels.&nbsp; Shot it at a high rate from beyond the arc, crisp mid-range shooting, and is a force off the bounce both in the half court as well as transition.&nbsp; Finishes and-1s and gets to the line at a high rate.&nbsp; Good rebounder and has all the tools to be a plus defender.&nbsp; Top 10 talent in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2400476' first='Deven' last='Triplett'] (Joliet Central – 2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Triplett caught our attention as a complimentary player for Hoops4Health playing up on the 17U level at the Grit Region Finals.  What we liked most out of Tripplett was his size for position, projectability, and versatility.  Fits in a number of different lineups and plays his role.  The lefty is crafty finishing around the hoop and getting to the charity stripe.  He is an active defender that uses his long arms on that end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2540031' first='Kyle' last='Ward-Owens'] (Hyde Park – 2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ward-Owens was one of the breakout standouts in the 2026 class.&nbsp; The lefty is a plus shot maker from three that made them off the catch with consistency when we saw him in late June.&nbsp; Free and easy shot and moves well off the ball for threes or cuts to the hoop.&nbsp; Strong frame and athleticism allow him to score off the bounce as well.&nbsp; Ton of upside here.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1552473' first='Alijah' last='Little'] (Whitney Young – 2025)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Little is a two guard that seems to be in line to play a pretty big role for the Dolphins this season on the wing.&nbsp; When we saw him he was best as a shooter that could also finish on slips around the hoop mixing in scores inside with either hand.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2407868' first='Tyler' last='Oakley'] (Charleston – 2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oakley impressed multiple PHI scouts with his play for Illinois Mavericks over the month of July.&nbsp; Plus shooter with size and strength at 6'3”.&nbsp; The central Illinois wing can really make shots in bunches with a sound stroke.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Payton Mcguire (Marshall – 2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mcguire is another sharp shooter from the Illinois Mavericks that had a few massive three point outbursts in July on the PHC.&nbsp; Closed out the summer strong at Arch Madness with his perimeter shot making displays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2492520' first='Elijah' last='Wade'] (Springfield – 2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wade is a versatile wing that along with his brother will open eyes this season at Springfield High School.&nbsp; The 6'3” two guard is a plus athlete that can score off the bounce, rebounds well, and brings upside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2507312' first='Dominic' last='Boyd'] (Edwardsville – 2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Boyd moved to Illinois from Texas and will be making a nice debut in our fall rankings update.&nbsp; The Edwardsville product produced for Illinois Orange with his two way ability.&nbsp; Does most of his damage using his broad shoulders attacking off the bounce for scores in the paint along with hitting from mid-range.&nbsp; Flashed as a three point shooter.&nbsp; High level defender that can guard multiple spots getting blocks and steals in every game we saw.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->