Strand got a nice little bump in the rankings moving up from 73 to 67 and he’s got a chance to continue rising as he’s starting to show a lot more vertical pop in his game than he previously did. Strand is a great blend of outside shooting and rebounding at his size. He just has a generally smooth game, as he will frequently grab a rebound, push it in transition, and make a play for himself or a teammate. Strand is averaging 17.2 Points, 11.3 Rebounds, 1.9 Assists, 2.2 Steals, and 2.1 Blocks per game. He’s having an all-state type season on a Heritage team that just won their 2nd round playoff game to advance to the 3rd round. Strand should continue to garner more and more next level attention as the season winds down. He’s got a lot of translatable skills to the next level.

Ryder is enjoying a really big senior season at Heritage who had a dominant showing in the Garner HoopState MLK showcase with a dominant win over High Point Christian. Strand’s ability to make outside shots, finish above the rim in transition, and be a true two way connector for this young but talented team that is getting better and better as the season progresses. Sitting at 4-0 in conference, Strand is averaging 17.2 Points, 11.3 Rebounds, 1.9 Assists, 2.2 Steals, and 2.1 Blocks per game. He’s having one of the most statistically impressive seasons for anyone in North Carolina. All of this is on 50/30/73 splits and I actually expect that 3 point percentage to increase as the year goes along. Strand is poised to help lead Heritage on a playoff run and showcase his game on a larger stage.

Strand is a guy that is continuing to improve his game in all aspects at a steady rate. At 6’5″ he can really shoot it from deep, he has a quick release and can make contested shots. He’s becoming a more and more explosive athlete, getting chase down blocks and dunks with frequency. He’s a quality passer out of double teams and is a constant presence on the glass for his team. Strand was a key piece this summer with Sw15h Elite on UA Rise showing that he can play high level competition. Strand should garner scholarship level attention throughout the rest of the season.

Strand is due for another rise in the 2026 rankings following his productive grassroots campaign with SW15H Elite ; he’s an underrated athletic wing who put up seven double-doubles along with 14.6 ppg, 7.8 rpg and 1.1 bpg in 2024-25; he’s a prospect who flies around making plays around the rim on both ends of the floor; DII/DIII programs would be wise to get eyes on him

A prospect who continues to rise in the 2026 class in NC out of Heritage High; versatile with size at 6-foot-5 who can knock down shots from the perimeter as well as finish at the rim; even more of a presence defending the rim and rebounding the ball; fearless with a strong motor and knack for making an impact; DII programs in the region would be wise to get him on their radar

Strand is another prospect out the Raleigh area out of Heritage High. He’s learned to be a factor both scoring and rebounding with Team Wall on the grassroots scene. His ability to make his presence felt by more than just scoring the basketball is something college programs need to take notice of over the next few months.

Strand is an emerging name to get to know in the 919 area out of Heritage High to keep an eye on. He utilizes his shooting ability and athleticism in a variety of ways to make his presence felt, especially on the rebounding front. He plays with tremendous energy and effort when he’s on the floor and emerges as one of the top risers in the latest rankings update for the 2026 class.