2026 Rankings Update: Emerging Stock Risers part 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The class of 2026 has seen several players make significant jumps in the rankings due to their standout performances this season. [player_tooltip player_id='2234471' first='Enoch' last='Rodriguez'] has emerged as a stock riser with his consistent play on both ends, showcasing his ability to impact the game offensively and defensively. [player_tooltip player_id='2211361' first='Jalihn' last='Timmons'] took on an expanded role for the Heights Falcons, proving to be a key contributor in their state tournament run. Darian Hammond made his presence felt as the X-factor for a loaded Northwest squad, using his defensive intensity and hustle to create extra possessions. Dual-sport athlete [player_tooltip player_id='1530221' first='Ayden' last='McGibboney'] showed that he can flat-out hoop, earning First Team All-ELK League honors. Meanwhile, 6'10” [player_tooltip player_id='2230883' first='Parker' last='Seithel'] used his size and skill to dominate inside while displaying impressive ball-handling ability for his position. With their continued development, these rising stars are cementing themselves as names to watch in the 2026 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2234471"],"_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-67d8fbedf264b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2234471' first='Enoch' last='Rodriguez'], a 6'5” shooting guard from Blue Valley High School in Stilwell, Kansas, has emerged as a significant stock riser in the 2026 class. His consistent performance on both ends of the floor has been instrumental in his team's success.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2211361"],"_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-67d8fbedf270b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2211361' first='Jalihn' last='Timmons'] has significantly elevated his performance this season for the Wichita Heights Falcons, playing a pivotal role in their journey to the state tournament. Stepping into an increased role, Timmons showcased his offensive prowess by leading the Falcons with 19 points in a decisive 64-44 victory over Washburn Rural in the state quarterfinals.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2327576"],"_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-67d8fbedf2776"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2327576' first='Darrian' last='Hammond'] emerged as a pivotal contributor for the Wichita Northwest Grizzlies during the 2024-2025 basketball season. Standing at 5'11” and weighing 145 lbs, Hammond's versatility was evident as he adeptly played both shooting guard and point guard positions. Offensively, he averaged 10.5 points per game, showcasing a sharp shooting touch with a 41% success rate from three-point range.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1530221"],"_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-67d8fbedf27d9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1530221' first='Ayden' last='McGibboney'], a 6'3” junior at Blue Valley Northwest High School, has distinguished himself as a remarkable dual-sport athlete, excelling in both basketball and football. On the basketball court, McGibboney's exceptional skills earned him a spot on the first team All-Eastern Kansas League (EKL). <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2230883"],"_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-67d8fbedf282f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">At 6'10”, [player_tooltip player_id='2230883' first='Parker' last='Seithel'] is a versatile basketball player from Blue Valley High School in Stilwell, Kansas, class of 2026. His height and skill set make him a challenging matchup for opponents, as he can both finish over defenders and handle the ball effectively. Despite missing some time due to injury this season, Seithel made a strong comeback, notably scoring 21 points in a game against Blue Valley West.  He has also drawn interest from programs in the Atlantic 10, Missouri Valley Conference, and Ivy League, reflecting his potential to compete at the collegiate level.  <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->