2026 Rankings: Movers and Shakers in the Top 50

There was a ton of movement in the latest rankings update, with a lot of hoopers’ stocks rising from a big Spring and Summer on the AAU circuit. Since the debut rankings in June, they have put in the work, honed their craft and made it count when the lights shined the brightest. As they enter their sophomore seasons, these young ladies have ascended up the rankings and boosted their portfolios. We take a look the greatest gainers from the Class of 2026’s Top 50.

Sophie Smith | Prev. Rank #49 | New Rank #21

Having watched Sophie play at four different events this summer with the Shoreshots, her growth and evolution as the months passed was incredible to witness first-hand. From Spooky to Pitman to Atlantic City and beyond, her length was problematic and her tenacity on both sides of the ball was awe-inspiring. At Best of Maryland in June with Red Bank Catholic, Sophie showed everyone why the Caseys’ sophomore Class is arguably the best in the state. Next summer we’ll see her in a Philly Rise uniform as a new addition to the juggernaut EYBL program.

Sophia Georgiades | Prev. Rank #74 | New Rank #27

Sophia’s rise up the rankings was meteoric… and for good reason! Running the point for United NJ, she was electrifying right from the jump, putting her foot on the gas at the New England Warm Up in April and never letting up! It was at Run 4 Roses, however, where I felt Sophia took her game to the next level! She was crafty creating off the dribble, lightning quick getting to her spots and asserting herself as a true three level scorer. Her commitment to defense and sharp anticipatory skills was key to United going 5-0 in the mighty Select 40. She went on to be named Select 40 Session II First Team (15U). With all this momentum behind her, she is poised for a breakout Year 2 with Ridge!

Mia Washington | Prev. Rank #61 | New Rank #30

Up 31 spots and still climbing, Mia’s terrific two-way game was on full display this summer as she established herself as a menace on both ends. Her stifling ball pressure caused a world of issues for primary ball-handlers far and wide, boasting excellent lateral movement, active hands and a relentless pursuit of the ball. College coaches took note of her ferocious play during the live periods at Spooky, Atlantic City and Louisville, as she received offers from Marist, Manhattan, Quinnipiac and Binghampton. I have a feeling she has only scratched the surface and remain confident a monster sophomore season is loading!

Toni Pernetti | Prev. Rank #200 | New Rank #32

The picture of versatility, Toni can play and defend multiple positions effectively. Offensively she boats the ability to score it with her back to the basket, face-up in the high post and stretch out behind the arc and drain the 3. It was this efficient multi-level scoring that helped United NJ achieve a ton of success over the summer. Most notable is her tenacity when crashing the glass. Her aggression on both the o-boards and weakside rebounding is wildly impressive as she plays much bigger than her 5’10” frame suggests. She attended elite camps at Villanova, Army, Princeton, Lehigh and worked with the legendary Bob Hurley, honing her skills and further perfecting her craft.

London Caldwell | Prev. Rank #73 | New Rank #36

London set the backcourt on fire with New Heights NYC this summer. Her sizzling, shake and bake handles and blistering speed was tough to contain, to put it lightly. She is emerging as a mid-range master, with a stop and pop jumper that is difficult to defend due to her lightning quick release. Her electric guard play is very reminiscent to that of former LSU star Alexis Morris, slashing and dashing all over the court with a supreme motor. After putting up nearly 300 points in her debut season at St. Benedict’s, expect buckets to rain in rapid succession in Year 2.

Whitney Hobson | Prev. Rank #91 | New Rank #39

The Shoreshots 2026 squad was hands down one of the most impressive teams I saw this summer. An absolute speed demon with insane athleticism, Whitney had a lot to do with their ultimate success. She made my “Live Period Stock Risers Report” in July at Championship Weekend with her suffocating ball pressure and relentless lockdown defense. She was electric and efficient, possessing a near automatic mid-range jumper and strong takes to the rim. The Shoreshots went on to claim the 15U HGSL Championship and Whitney’s stock rose exponentially in the process.

Imani Mullings | Prev. Rank #82 | New Rank #40

She showed up and showed off at the New England Warm Up in early April and it was full steam ahead the rest of the Spring and Summer! She was a part of the Panthers’ tenacious backcourt, taking defenders off the bounce and cutting to the hoop with authority. Equal parts scorer and facilitator, she did a great job of knowing when to create for herself and when to dish out some impressive dimes, passing up a good shot for a great shot. She brought fire and intensity to the NJ Spring Classic at Sportika, undeniable grit to Orlando and extreme fearlessness to Run 4 Roses. At Prep Girls Hoops’ Top 250 Expo this Fall, she was efficient and impressive on both sides of the ball, earning 1st Team All-Expo honors. Small in stature, MIGHTY in game!

Gabriella Mittelman | Prev. Rank #88 | New Rank #48

Gabriella blazed a trail on the Nike circuit this summer in her first season with the Gemz 15U EYBL squad. Possessing elite handles, she controlled the pace and dictated play wonderfully, always in control and never getting rushed or sped up by the opposing defense. Champs in Dallas at Session II (Platinum), the HGSL NJ Jam Fest and Nike Nationals in Chicago, Gabriella ran the point and ran the show! She fed the bigs inside with perfectly-timed post entry passes and orchestrated the half-court offense, setting up plays and distributing the ball to 3-point snipers lurking around the arc. When taking it herself, she attacked the lane with confidence and absorbed a ton of contact while finishing at a high rate. She turned the heat up this summer and is poised to sizzle even in the winter months as she begins her sophomore season with Demarest.