2026 player rankings: More moving parts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I mentioned in my last <a href="https://prephoops.com/2025/01/2026-player-rankings-moving-parts/">piece</a> that there were a lot of moving parts in the latest 2026 Tennessee player rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>No lies were told. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This class, as a whole, has been productive across the state. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are the other moving parts:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1760995' first='Ronald' last='Towns III'], Southwind: Towns moved him up seven spots to No. 24. The 5-foot-11 guard has continued to keep the Jaguars a player in Class 4A with his offense. Towns is leading the team in scoring with 13.4 points per game, while shooting 51 percent from the field. He can make shots from all over the floor and much attention isn't on Towns now since the arrival of senior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1400891' first='Kristopher' last='Carroll'], who's second on the team in scoring (11.8).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2236641' first='Kaden' last='Matthews'], Smyrna: The 6-6 wing has been a highlight reel all season. Matthews is very good in transition, finishing every score with hard, monster dunks. He moved up 10 spots to No. 54. Matthews is currently averaging 10.5 points and 6.9 rebounds. He's leading the team in blocks (1.1).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1923548' first='Jackson' last='McCutcheon'], Brentwood: McCutcheon has been a bright spot for the Bruins this season. The 5-9 guard has been shooting the ball extremely well. McCutcheon made his way inside the top 100 at No. 89. The week before Christmas, McCutcheon averaged 21 points, 3.0 assists, and 2.7 rebounds, while shooting 61.2 percent from 3-point range. He set the school's record for most made 3s in a game with 11.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1658056' first='Parker' last='Pounds'], Briarcrest: Pounds made a similar leap like McCutcheon, jumping 15 spots to No. 90. The 6-4 shooting guard has been the Saints' second or third-best player in their quest to repeat as DII-AA state champs. Pounds is one of the best shooters in his class. He's currently averaging 14.2 points per game, while shooting 48 percent from 3. Pounds is even better from mid-range (65 percent).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2360874' first='Jordan' last='Myers'], Freedom Prep: Myers moved up 17 spots to No. 110. The 5-9 point guard has been productive. In the week of Jan. 12-18, Myers had a 30-point performance in a win over Sheffield. He's quietly making noise in this class. Myers doesn't have an issue getting into the lane. He knows how to finish at the rim. A strong finish to this season could bolt Myers inside the top 100.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->