Player Rankings - Top Paint Presence in the Class of 2026

Mak is arguably the most intriguing post player in South Dakota. She is six-foot, can dominate the paint, but also possesses the handles and shooting ability of a guard. On the offensive end she is deadly when catching at the high post, spinning to the basket, and using her speed and frame to finish at the basket. At six-foot and with a consistent stroke from beyond the arc, she's tough if not impossible for some teams to guard. Defensively she can alter shots with the ability to block several shots per game as well as snag multiple steals per contest. Mak is a top prospect in the Dakotas for good reason and it will be fun to see where she lands at the next level!     Harley is an effective defender who has a high IQ, anticipates well to position herself effectively, and plays with intensity. She's a talented rebounder on both ends and on the defensive side does an excellent job boarding, getting the ball out in transition, and running the floor after. Her offensive game is diverse as she can post up, catch and score, as well as put her head down and effectively get to the basket and score. Keep your eye on Harley as a diverse forward who continues to get better year by year.     Taryn is a force in the paint with great physicality, high-level rebounding instincts, and a big-time motor. One of the most intense post players you will find this kid works her tail off on both ends. She moves well on offense to find openings to catch and finish inside and does a really nice job protecting the ball on the catch, going up strong, and finishing. On defense she protects the rim and rotates well when needed to help. This young lady has excellent potential with a great blend of frame and athleticism.     Halle is an elite shot-blocker, a solid scoring-option around the rim, and has a developing outside game that will make her an even better all-around scorer than she already is. Defensively she changes the game as a shot blocker who allows defenders around her to put intense pressure on the ball and in the passing lanes as they know she will be there to help clean up drives to the basket. She is a solid rebounder and provides a six-foot scoring option in the paint as well. As she continues to develop her offensive game she is a player with a very high ceiling to keep your eye on.     Liz has all the makings of a really good basketball player. She's six feet tall, has athleticism to go with it, and has a lot of varsity experience that has helped her develop her basketball IQ. She's a good finisher in the paint, rebounds hard on both ends, and has the length and ability to anticipate to disrupt opponent offenses both as a shot blocker and an on ball defender. She's the type of player who can put up 20 points and 10 rebounds making her a very efficient player who makes any squad better. Stock is up on Liz and a player to keep your eye on as we head towards next season.     Addyson is a physical paint presence who provides a matchup nightmare for certain matchups. She is six feet tall and has a developing skillset to go along with it. Her sister Avery ended up being one of the top post players in her class, so look for Addyson to take big leaps forward with an increased role and keep the stock riser alert on this young lady!     Sydney is an already very talented defender who can cover up a lot of defensive mistakes for her teammates. She understands when and where to help and is an excellent shot blocker who makes it really tough to score on her squad in the paint. Her offensive game continues to develop and as she improves on that end she could take a strong hold on one of the most talented centers in this class.     We featured Gracie recently as a top prospect who has a great blend of size and athleticism. She has excellent movement at her height and is the type of post player who can get it done in a variety of ways. Now with state tournament experience I look for Gracie to develop into a double-double machine and one of the best shot blockers in this class.     Abbi is an athletic prospect who gets after it on both ends of the floor as a diverse offensive player, an aggressive defender, and a high intensity player. She's an aggressive offensive player who can attack the basket and finishes well off the dribble. On defense, she does a great job of putting pressure on the ball, positioning herself effectively in the gap and help side, and boxing out to get boards.