Top Stock Risers in the Class of 2026
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The Class of 2026 just had the new rankings dropped! This group now has rankings provided and is officially more than a watchlist! Here’s my top stock-risers that are climbing the ladder and impressing game in and game out! Addison…
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Continue ReadingThe Class of 2026 just had the new rankings dropped! This group now has rankings provided and is officially more than a watchlist! Here’s my top stock-risers that are climbing the ladder and impressing game in and game out!
Addison Neuendorf Addison Neuendorf 5'4" | PG Hamlin | 2026 State SD – Hamlin – 5’4″ G – Class of 2026 PGH Ranking – 4th
Neuendorf might be the most fundamentally sound perimeter player in the class. She stands out with immense basketball IQ at a young age, pure handles that make her very ball secure, and an aggressive scoring mindset. She is a great dribble-drive scorer and can knock down shots as well. Her quick release allows her to get her shot off whenever she wants and she isn’t afraid to knock down important ones when her team needs it. She shows off great passing vision and can throw it with one or two hands across the court in the offense to find open cutters. She reads cuts extremely well as a player without the ball and truly understands the game. On defense she has a knack for finding the ball and creates a lot of possessions for her team forcing turnovers. Addison has a D1 athlete level of intelligence and skillset and it is going to be a blast to watch her get even better as she continues to develop physically as just a freshman.
Ava Kellenberger Ava Kellenberger 5'8" | CG Brandon Valley | 2026 State SD – Brandon Valley – 5’7″ G – Class of 2026 PGH Ranking – 7th
Ava is an aggressive, dynamic guard who knows how to get it done on both ends. She plays on really talented Brandon Valley squad which has gained her tons of experience and providing her with a high IQ for such a young athlete. She’s a basketball junkie and her work is paying off! She’s explosive when attacking the basket, has great range that extends out beyond the arc, and plays with great intensity. On defense she has active hands, can put pressure on the ball, and is a fundamentally sound athlete with great knowledge of the floor. Ava belongs in the top 10 in this class and keep an eye on where she ends up as she continues to develop for the Lynx.
Jenna Miller Jenna Miller 5'7" | CG Dell Rapids St. Mary | 2026 State SD – Dell Rapids – 5′ 6″ G – Class of 2026 PGH Ranking – 8th
Jenna is dynamic scorer who can attack the rim and finish with either hand. She’s got a variety of moves that allow her to beat her defender in a 1 on 1 setting, getting to the rim or creating shots for others. Pair her attack mode mentality with her consistency in hitting the three and you have one of the most talented offensive players in the class. On defense she plays with the same intensity and does a great job putting pressure on the perimeter. One of her greatest assets is court vision and speed which allows her to create offense from defense and help her team score in their primary offense before the defense recovers.
Mak Scott Mak Scott 6'0" | C Lyman | 2026 State SD – Lyman – 6’0″ F/C – Class of 2026 PGH Ranking – 10th
Mak is a player that has had a huge rise in stock. She came into the season as a somewhat unknown six-foot freshman with a huge ceiling. She has proved herself this year and not only still has a high ceiling, but has already risen into the top 10 of this class. There just aren’t many 6’0″ athletes that match Scott’s level of talent, athletic ability, and basketball knowledge. She’s a savvy post player who understands how to get to her spots to score. She can handle the ball in transition which is a lot of fun to watch a player with her length do. On defense she’s a multi-steal, multi-block per contest player who alters the game with her length and anticipation. Stock is up on the talented Raider from Lyman!
Taryn Hermansen Taryn Hermansen 5'11" | C Aberdeen Central | 2026 State SD – Aberdeen Central – 5’11” C – Class of 2026 PGH Ranking – 15th
Hermansen checks in as another near six-foot athlete who moves well and contributes on both ends. She is a physical paint presence who has the makings to be one of the best post players in her class. Great footwork, smart seals, and soft hands allow her to post up and score vs. man or zone defenses. She has a high motor and is always finding ways to put herself into a position to score, whether that means posting and catching on the block, facing up and attacking from the mid-range, or positioning herself for offensive boards and a put-back. On defense she boxes out consistently and goes and grabs a ton of boards. She can alter her opponent’s shots as well with blocked shots and tipped passes.
Emery Larson Emery Larson 5'4" | PG Chester Area | 2026 State SD – Chester – 5’4″ G – Class of 2026 PGH Ranking – 18th
Emery is one of the most pure scorers in the class and had a very productive freshman season. She put up almost 19 points per game and hit 32% of her threes and 72% of her free throws. Her transition game shows off her ability to get to the rack and finish, stop and pop from outside, or create an opportunity for a teammate. She moves well away from the ball and works to get herself opportunities to score. On defense she moves well, positions well, and does a good job in a 1 on 1 setting from the perimeter.
Hazel Luethmers Hazel Luethmers 5'9" | SG De Smet | 2026 State SD – DeSmet – 5’9″ G/F – Class of 2026 PGH Ranking – 19th
Luethmers is one of the most intriguing prospects in the Class of 2026. Standing at 5’9″ with great length and a guard scoring and overall playing ability, she has all the makings of a future college prospect. She can elevate over the defense and knock down shots and uses her length well to create shots off the dribble as well. She’s a talented scorer around the paint who demonstrates a high IQ with excellent shot selection. On defense she can guard nearly every position with her unique combination of length and lateral quickness. She steals passes, blocks shots, and shows up all over the floor to get stops on that end. Keep your eye on Hazel as a player who could jump higher than even the Top 20 in this class before next season.
Ella Merriman Ella Merriman 5'6" | CG Beresford | 2026 State SD – Beresford – 5’5″ G – Class of 2026 PGH Ranking – 25th
Ella is a high intensity, highly competitive athlete who gets after it every minute she gets. She is one of the top 3-point shooters in the class and has range from well beyond the 3 point line. Her ball handling ability is sound and she can operate the point guard position. Her ability to knock down the deep ball and create open shots for her teammates makes her one of the top combo guards in this class.
Taziah Hawkins Taziah Hawkins 5'6" | PG Hanson | 2026 State SD – Hanson – 5’6″ G – Class of 2026 PGH Ranking – 26th
Taziah is a an up-and-coming star in the making for this class. She has a quick, smooth release on her 3-point shot and has a rare ability to hit off the dribble as well. She’s a long 5’6″ athlete who looks to still be developing physically and is set to improve even more over the next three seasons. She has a nice footwork toolset in which she uses to score in traffic and on the transition drive. On defense, she anticipates well, moves her feet, constantly gets her hands on the ball, and can guard her girl the full length of the floor.
Ashlan Carlow-Blount Ashlan Carlow-Blount 5'10" | CG Maȟpíya Lúta | Red Cloud | 2026 State SD – Red Cloud – 5’10” G/F – Class of 2026 PGH Ranking – 39th
Ashlan is an under the radar prospect who may just be the best player on a state tournament caliber squad year in and year out in Class A. Her numbers speak for themselves as she stuffed the stat sheet this season averaging 15 PPG on 44% overall from the floor, 38% from downtown, and 68% from the charity stripe. Throw in nearly five rebounds, a very impressive 5.6 assists, and 3.5 steals per contest and you have an athlete who does it all. Her 5.6 assists was one of the highest marks in the state of South Dakota and was a huge part of the high potency offense her team showed off. She understands the game and does an excellent job knocking down shots and creating shots within the offense for team. Stock is up on Ashlan and don’t be surprised to see that trend continue!