Sanderson, a guard out of the New Hampton School in New Hampshire, makes his first appearance in the rankings at #29. A newcomer to the region after transferring into New Hampton this summer, Sanderson is a stat-sheet stuffer that has leaves his fingerprints all over a game. He’s as good of a rebounder from the guard spot as there is in the region, uses a quick first step to get into the paint off the bounce, and can score it from all three levels. He’s a true playmaker that finds teammates in scoring spots and also shows the ability to guard at a high level on the other end of the floor.

Sanderson didn’t start in this game (he did during the NEBL games), but he operates with the same confidence and conviction no matter how many minutes he plays. The 6-foot-2 point guard has ridiculous end-to-end speed and keeps his dribble so close to the ground, so he’s pretty difficult to take the ball from. He had a couple turnovers while getting aggressively pressed down the stretch, but he’s typically incredibly reliable when it comes to handling a full-court press during the end of the game. He punctured the paint at will and made a slew of nice spray out passes to teammates, and his defensive pressure during yesterday’s second half was a big reason New Hampton pulled it out. His recruitment will pick up.

Really like how Sanderson is able to run a team. He lives in the paint and has a nice layup package around the bucket. Sanderson had two productive showings at National Prep Showcase. Sanderson is efficient with his shot selection. He also showed that he can find others for scoring chances of their own. Defensively he has a knack for gathering steals. One thing I want to see from Sanderson needs to become more of a threat from behind the arc, that’s what I believe holds him back as a prospect.

Sanderson is a total revelation for New Hampton. A year after they lost Tillery to college hoops, it looks like they’ve found their point guard for this season. The 6-foot-2 senior is incredibly quick with the ball and has one of the more active off hands I’ve ever seen, which allows him to puncture the paint at will. Once he does so, he has phenomenal vision and can make every pass in the book with both hands. He also finishes quite well for his size and can make shots from the outside. Sanderson a definite scholarship player who will comfortably run the show all year for New Hampton.

A twitchy player for sure who changes directions ferociously. Point guard who can score and has great dribble drive penetration with his anticipation for holes that open up. Cleaned up the turnovers in his 2^nd game ever in the NEBL, which I predict will be the norm. He played with passion this weekend and intent. Works very hard on the defense side of the ball causing disruption speeding on the dribbler. His college offers are of D1 level.  

James Sanderson is a cerebral, two-way guard who combines strong positional defense with a confident perimeter stroke. He’s efficient in half-court offense, using patience and timing to find gaps and make smart reads. His pull-up jumper and corner spacing make him a reliable option both on and off the ball. Sanderson defends with intent, communicates through rotations, and takes pride in containing primary ball-handlers. His discipline and basketball IQ give him a foundation that will appeal to college programs seeking a dependable, coachable backcourt piece who impacts winning.

✅ Composed two-way guard with reliable shooting mechanics
✅ Vocal floor communicator and disciplined defender
✅ Team-oriented player who values efficiency and decision-making

James is a high-level floor general with excellent size and a natural command of the game that coaches notice immediately. He consistently makes advanced reads in both pick-and-roll and half-court sets, showing poise and timing that elevate team execution. What keeps coaches watching is his combination of physical tools and feel—he’s strong enough to absorb contact, switch on defense, and still initiate offense with composure. His shooting touch adds another layer, making him a dual threat as both a scorer and facilitator. James projects as a leader with the frame, IQ, and demeanor to run a college program.

Translatable Skills:
✅ Court Vision
✅ Leadership
✅ Mid-Range Scoring

Sanderson’s evolution as an all-around point guard was on full display. From the opening tip to the final whistle, his playmaking left a lasting impact. He showed elite passing vision, executing long bounce passes, sharp advances in transition over the defense, and well-placed lob passes that set his teammates up for easy buckets. Defensively, Sanderson was active and engaged, contributing on both ends with the same level of intensity.

Sanderson is a tough, physical guard who plays with confidence and control. He thrives as a two-way player, using his frame and strength to score through contact and defend at a high level. While he is still developing his consistency as a facilitator, his ability to impact the game on both ends makes him one of the stronger lead guards in the class.

Translatable Skills:
✅ Two-Way Playmaking
✅ Physical Finishing
✅ Defensive Versatility

James Sanderson James Sanderson 6'2" | CG New Hampton School | 2026 State New E has all the tools to be the top point guard in this class, and this summer could be the moment where he puts everything together consistently. Playing alongside Davion Adkins Davion Adkins 6'8" | PF Prolific Prep | 2026 State #47 Nation FL , he’ll have the opportunity to showcase his PNR (pick-and-roll) decision-making, making him even more dangerous as both a scorer and facilitator. Sanderson is extremely skilled, capable of scoring at all three levels while creating high-quality looks for his teammates. For him, it’s all about staying aggressive on both ends, as his strong positional size and sound fundamentals make him an effective defender in space. With a stronger frame heading into the spring, he’s poised to showcase his improved ability to attack downhill against bigger guards, further solidifying his status as a premier lead guard.

Translatable Skills:
✅ Three-Level Scoring
✅ Pick-and-Roll Playmaking
✅ Positional Size & Defense