2026 Rankings: Six Risers to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These stock-risers provide a good mix of size, skill, shot-making, and athleticism. We've got some pretty interesting front-court prospects, as well as some under-the-radar wings/guards who should play big roles for their squads this winter. Check out six risers we've got our eyes on as we prep for the winter season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2307318"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6711a32eb84f3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Young could be in for a breakout junior season as he's shown the ability to be a rock down low, finishing with either hand, moving to space when teammates drive in, and showing the strength to finish through contact. He shows a willingness to bang inside and get position both for boards and on the blocks. Does a great job asking for the ball up high and being ready to go straight up when he's got the clear size advantage. He's also shown some good patience to let defenders fly by and then finish at the rim.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2275956"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6711a32eb854e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McCaan has been putting up some pretty big numbers in summer and fall ball with Ridgefield and looks like a guy who could make a nice step forward this winter. He averaged double figures last season and was the Spudders second-leading scorer. He's shown a pretty smooth jumper off the bounce in the midrange and stretching out to 3-point. Does a good job getting on balance for shots and should play a big role for Ridgefield this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2457266"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6711a32eb85a8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hedman has good size and shooting to contribute on the wings and has continued to look more consistent and aggressive with his shot-making since we first saw him a year ago. He can be a super effective spot-up shooter with good range, but he's also making more attacks off the bounce and looking to attack the middle of the floor. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2021638"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6711a32eb85ed"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Olympia guard is going to be a solid contributor for the Bears this winter with his decision-making and ability to get into high-percentage areas. He has looked very efficient with his scoring, largely in part to his movement off the ball, but also because of some added strength with the rock, allowing him to take contact and get separation easier.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2383539"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6711a32eb8632"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Harper is still a pretty raw basketball player but you can't deny the athleticism he possesses. He's a strong 6'6 forward who defends the rim, can really get out and run in transition, and is a strong, athletic finisher at the rim. River Ridge has a solid core of younger guys coming up that should make them more competitive this season and Harper's play inside will play a big role.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2380117"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6711a32eb8671"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Waite-Kellar is a stout physical presence. He has the broad shoulders to displace defenders and attack the offensive glass. He's athletic enough to run the floor and get on the end of breaks with big, above the rim finishes, and he has an excellent motor around the rim to find space and finish plays. Monroe has a strong team heading into winter and Waite-Kellar is going to cause a lot of issues for other teams inside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->