My Top 25: Breaking Down the 2026 Class

As the class of 2026 prepares for the upcoming high school season, a number of standout prospects are entering what could be the most pivotal stretch of their basketball careers so far. With recruitment heating up at every level, these players are aiming to raise their stock — whether through breakout performances, stepping into leadership roles, or embracing expanded responsibilities on both ends of the floor.   This winter presents a key opportunity for athletes to display their growth, consistency, and long-term potential to coaches and scouts alike.   In this breakdown, I take a deep dive into my Top 25 players in the class of 2026 — highlighting what sets each of them apart and what to keep an eye on in the months ahead. Note: This list does not include post-grad players.   10. [player_tooltip player_id='2209776' first='Cameron' last='Love'] | 6'4" Wing | Olathe North | [program_tooltip program_id='2078454' first='KC' last='Run GMC']   An explosive athlete with a high-motor, Love consistently makes his presence felt every time he steps on the floor. He's elite in transition, thriving in the open court where his speed, creativity with the ball, and athleticism allow him to break games open. With a dynamic handle and ability to change pace effortlessly, he attacks the rim with purpose, showcasing a blend of acrobatic finishes and powerful, above-the-rim dunks that energize his team. In the half court, Cam is equally dangerous as a face-up threat. Whether catching the ball on the perimeter or at the high post, he uses a quick first step and strong frame to get downhill, often beating his man off the dribble and finishing through contact. Defensively, Love brings the same intensity. He's a disruptive on-ball defender, consistently applying pressure and making life difficult for opposing guards. He forces turnovers at a high rate and quickly converts defense into offense, creating fast break opportunities and easy buckets for himself and teammates. With his two-way impact, explosive athleticism, and a growing skill set, Love is a player with tremendous upside who is just scratching the surface of his potential.   9. Derrick Jackson, Jr. | 6'2" Guard | Piper | [program_tooltip program_id='2078454' first='KC' last='Run GMC']   A long, poised floor general, Derrick commands the game with confidence and leadership. He possesses an elusive handle, allowing him to navigate pressure, create separation, and break down defenders off the bounce. Whether in the open floor or half court, Jackson controls pace and tempo, setting the tone for his team. He thrives in ball screen situations, displaying a high basketball IQ with his ability to read defensive coverages and make advanced decisions. Whether it's a precise pocket pass to a rolling big or a skip pass to a weak-side shooter, Jackson consistently puts teammates in position to succeed. As a scorer, Jackson is equally dangerous. He's a crafty finisher at the rim, using length and body control to shield defenders and finish with touch. He's also a confident shooter, pulling up from the mid-range or beyond the arc with consistency. Most notably, he's proven to be a clutch shot-maker, often stepping up and knocking down big-time buckets when it matters most. With his size, skill set, and leadership qualities, Jackson has the tools to be an impact player at the next level — and he's trending in the right direction.   8. [player_tooltip player_id='2211343' first='KaeVon' last='Bonner'] | 6'4" Guard | Seaman | PAC   KaeVon is one of the fastest-rising names in the class and could ultimately emerge as one of the top college prospects on this list. His advanced feel for the game and unselfish nature separate him from many of his peers. A true playmaker, Bonner creates as much for others as he does for himself — reading the floor with high-level vision and anticipation. He often sees actions unfold before they happen, allowing him to exploit defensive rotations and make high-IQ reads. Offensively, he's a three-level scorer. Bonner is a confident and consistent shooter from deep, with a smooth, quick release that allows him to get shots off in tight windows. His ability to space the floor forces defenders to close out hard, opening up opportunities for him to attack off the dribble. With the ball in his hands, he shows excellent control and composure. At 6'4” he uses his size to see over the defense, finding passing lanes and hitting teammates in stride. When driving, he has a balanced finishing package, combining touch, body control, and mid-range craft. Bonner's combination of size, IQ, shooting, and playmaking makes him a high-ceiling prospect with translatable tools for the next level. As he continues to develop physically, his stock should only keep climbing.   7. Christian Matos | 6'3" Guard | Sunrise Christian | K-Low Elite   Matos may still be an under-the-radar name in Kansas, but that won't last long as he suits up for powerhouse Sunrise Christian this winter. A long, rangy guard with intriguing upside, Christian brings a unique combination of skill, feel, and creativity to the backcourt. Offensively, he stands out with a shifty, versatile handle and the ability to initiate offense in both half-court sets and transition. He's particularly crafty with his left hand, often using misdirection, hesitation, and pace control to keep defenders off balance. Around the rim, he's a deceptive finisher, showing excellent touch and body control — consistently throwing off defenders' timing with clever angles and delays. As a passer, Matos displays high-level instincts. He reads help defenders well, excels in drive-and-kick situations, and regularly delivers precise drop-offs to bigs in tight spaces. His vision and timing make him a valuable facilitator who keeps the offense flowing. With his length, craft, and emerging confidence, Matos is a name to watch closely this season, as he looks poised to make a major jump on the radar of scouts and college programs alike.   6. [player_tooltip player_id='2209777' first='Ian' last='Premer'] | 6'6" Forward | Great Bend   Ian remains a household name regardless of the sport — and on the basketball court, his elite size, athleticism, and versatility continue to set him apart from the pack. At 6'6", Premer is a dominant force in transition, often covering the full length of the floor in just a few dribbles and finishing plays with explosive, rim-rocking dunks that electrify the gym. In the half court, he's just as dangerous. He attacks the offensive glass with a relentless motor, creating second-chance opportunities and scoring efficiently around the rim through strength, positioning, and timing. His physical tools allow him to impose his will on both ends of the floor, and his ability to finish through contact or elevate over defenders makes him nearly unguardable when he gets downhill. Defensively, Premer is as versatile as they come. He can switch 1 through 5, using lateral quickness to contain guards and elite timing and vertical pop to protect the rim. His anticipation and instincts lead to steals, deflections, and blocks, making him a legitimate game-changer on that end of the floor. With his combination of physicality, mobility, and motor, Premer projects as one of the most impactful two-way players in the region — and as his skillset continues to expand, his long-term ceiling is sky-high.

As the class of 2026 prepares for the upcoming high school season, a number of standout prospects are entering what could be the most pivotal stretch of their basketball careers so far. With recruitment heating up at every level, these players are aiming to raise their stock — whether through breakout performances, stepping into leadership roles, or embracing expanded responsibilities on both ends of the floor.