2026 Player Rankings Update: Stock-Risers

To be a, “Stock-Riser”, means a few things depending on how you look at it but the most important factor in my opinion is that the prospect is continuously putting in meaningful work in their off-time and that work is translating to the floor in real game-time. In this piece, we cover five individuals out of this 2026 Class in Nebraska, that have embodied what it means to be a Stock-Riser these past few months.   Thanks for tuning in and enjoy!    Scottsbluff High School is on the western side of the state of Nebraska, closer to the Wyoming border more than anything else so I don't get the chance to see their program compete live very often but from the looks of it, they have a number of noteworthy prospects, that every recruiter out of the Midwest should know about. Someone that really stands out for this group is 5'10 - SG, [player_tooltip player_id='964973' first='Ava' last='Reed']. Reed is a physical guard, that has a crafty game-style while attacking her opponent. Not only that, Reed also has demonstrated that she can hit a pull-up jumper in a plethora of different ways, no matter if it's contested of not. When it comes to defense, Reed would be categorized as one of the best guard defenders in the state throughout her 2026 Class. She jumps to the ball well, her natural instincts shine through in big moments, and she is always willing to give up her body for the good of the team. All in all, Reed is someone to know if you don't already.     [player_tooltip player_id='820519' first='Eleanor' last='Griffin'] of Lincoln Southwest High School was a contributing factor last year at the Varsity level, helping her team to an overall 22-4 record. Following this season, Griffin took her talents to the AAU floor with her ETG Midwest [program_tooltip program_id='713325' first='Elite' last=''] 3SSB team and built on her momentum. This is a prospect that has better than average height for her position at 6'0, she has a flame thrower from deep, and she doesn't settle. Her natural size and reach gives her an advantage in most situations on the court against other opponents. Griffin is the #10 rated player in her Class in this Update, so it'll be interesting where she can take things next for her Junior season. Her roster is going to bring in a really talented PG, so if she can find her teammates per usual, it's going to be a very successful season for Griffin and company.     I have always been a fan of [player_tooltip player_id='758842' first='Lucy' last='Fierro'] and her play-style out on the court. It does not matter if it's AAU ball or on the Varsity floor for the high school season, Fierro plays basketball the right way. She is an individual with a quick dribble, great instincts in every meaning of the term, and she always possesses a positive demeanor. The thing that has always stood out about this one is that she makes everyone else better, while not trying to do too much. She doesn't ever get caught forcing action on the offensive side of the ball but instead, she keeps it simple and just takes what the defense is giving her. At Westview this Winter, I'm sure that Fierro is prepped for a memorable year. If she plays to her strengths and others around her do what they can, they will put together a respectable record before you know it.     Right now, there is a TON of upside to [player_tooltip player_id='866709' first='Bryleigh' last='Robinette']'s play-style and what she could possibly become in the future. Robinette moves up in this Update because of her mixture of skill, size, athletic ability, and production the past couple of months leading into this Fall. At South Sioux City, Robinette was a major factor in their success during their 2023-2024 campaign and she is going to be put in a similar situation this upcoming Winter. She will have some other talented prospects along side her like [player_tooltip player_id='890842' first='Bailee' last='Durant'], Abbi Aitkins, and Izabella Moret. If they put together a good strategy each contest and they build off of what they set in place last year, then they should end up winning some highly anticipated contests this next six months. Maybe even setting them up for a big run once the State Playoffs come about.     [player_tooltip player_id='820879' first='Ava' last='Markowski'] of Pius X High School is prepped to have the best season of basketball of her life after putting together a very successful AAU Summer/Spring campaign. What made it so successful for Markowski? For starters, her team won a lot of games and they all became better prospects while doing so. Secondly, she received three scholarship offers from D2 programs across the Midwest, with more on the way this Fall. Those offers were to NW Missouri State, Drury, and UNK. Like I said, with Markowski's mixture of length, scoring ability, her willingness to adapt, and her ability to defend multiple positions, these are certainly not going to be the only offers she receives. She should grab some D1 programs interest before you know it but for now, she will move into the #14 spot in this 2026 Update.

To be a, “Stock-Riser”, means a few things depending on how you look at it but the most important factor in my opinion is that the prospect is continuously putting in meaningful work in their off-time and that work is translating to the floor in real game-time. In this piece, we cover five individuals out of this 2026 Class in Nebraska, that have embodied what it means to be a Stock-Riser these past few months.