2026 Initial Rankings: Six through Ten

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2026 class is a new and interesting entry into the ranks of the W.Va. High School rankings. Here are the kids that are six through ten on the list:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6 [player_tooltip player_id='385110' first='Kenna' last='Keener'], Grafton, W, 6-0, Fr. </strong>- Keener continues to grow into a solid wing player - one capable of hurting opponents on multiple levels. First, she isn't afraid to drive to the basket and post up downlow. She's able to get the shot she wants and goes up strong. Second, she can stand back behind the 3 line and connect on the 3 ball, no problem. But, the best part about her may be that she already contributes so much in the non-scoring aspects of the game. She may not be a stout post player, but she blocks shots. She may not be a huge body in the paint, but she grabs rebounds. She may not be a true guard, but she passes the ball like one. If you are a coach who treasures a multi-threat player, I recommend you take a look at Keener. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>7 [player_tooltip player_id='640827' first='Emilee' last='Owens'], Parkersburg South, G, 5-7, Fr.</strong> - Owens is a fast guard who shows a lot of problem in several different aspects of the game. Her quick hands and good instincts makes her someone who tips a lot of balls. Her footwork on defense makes it hard to actually get around her. She moves gracefully and quickly, usually beating an offense player to their spot. She has a great understanding of the game going on around her. When she's passing the ball, things really open up quickly for the Patriots. As for her offensive game, the jury is still out. South had so many weapons that they really didn't need someone to show all their weapons this past season. Regardless, I have a feeling that her gifts probably transfer well when it comes the scoring side of the game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>8 [player_tooltip player_id='570288' first='Rilee' last='Storm'], John Marshall, W, 5-8, Fr.</strong> - Storm brings a multi-layered attack to the floor. She really can make things hard for opponents on so many different levels. She can score from multiple areas. Her quickness allows her the chance to get by her defender and in deep for a layup. Her length lets her shoot over many other players who may try to stop her. She really knows how to grab a rebound and keep it above her head so there are no turnovers. In short, there's really not an area where she hasn't already showed some promise in on the hardwood. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>9 [player_tooltip player_id='496344' first='Karson' last='Jones'], Nitro, P, 5-11, Fr. </strong>- Jones makes a deceptive post player because you don't expect her to be quick on her feet, but she is quick and nimble. Once she positions herself in the right way around the rim, it is hard to stop what is coming next. She makes a quick move to the basket and finishes a quick layup before you have had time to blink. She also splits double teams with no problem, even looking comfortable at times around the designed play to stop her. She understands how to play the post, but has the dribbling skills of someone who can also play on the wing if need be. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>10 [player_tooltip player_id='570279' first='Ava' last='Gallion'], Huntington St. Joe, G, 5-4, Fr. </strong>- Gallion presents as a confident player who doesn't let her size hold her back. If anything, the young lady wears her size like a badge of honor and knows how to get her work done. Each time I have seen her play, she always knows what she wants to do on the court, then goes about getting it done. She uses a quick first step to knock her defender off balance, before she drives by them with the option to score or dish to her open teammates. And because she's such a threat to score if she receives an easy chance down the lane, she draws in other defenders, which usually leaves one of her teammates open. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->