2026 Rankings: Players 21-24

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Here is a final look at the 2026 rankings, and in this article, we dive into players ranked #21-#24…</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>#21-Ranked Player In The 2026 Class</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='803308' first='Mattie' last='Machen']</strong> (6'2/PF/2026/Mortimer Jordan)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: Mattiemachen</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @Mattiemachen</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Mattie is a gifted scorer with size and inside-out scoring versatility. She is a multi-level scorer with a good understanding of how to manufacture scoring opportunities. There is no questioning her toughness, as she plays a physical brand of basketball and competes at a high level consistently. She is not the most athletic but plays with a good understanding of the game. Whether setting solid screens, being active on the glass, or&nbsp;being a physical defender, Mattie provides productive minutes when on the floor.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>#22-Ranked Player In The 2026 Class</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='371480' first='Lauren' last='Nelson']</strong> (5'5/CG/2026/Shades Valley)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: lauren.n_2026</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Lauren brings a lot of energy and effort to the backcourt. She does a really good job shooting the trey ball as a spot-up shooter. Defenders must be conscious of her ability to knock down the long ball, but they must also be aware of her ability to create off the bounce, where she does a good job of driving and spraying to open teammates. She has a budding PG IQ, understands floor spacing, and plays like a coach on the floor as she excels at running the offense. She is small but has to be accounted for on every offensive possession.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>#23-Ranked Player In The 2026 Class</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='652254' first='Ryan' last='Bardenwerper']</strong> (6'0/SG/2026/Northridge)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">IG: rbardenwerper26</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Ryan is a three-point specialist with range. I have seen her in settings where she is the primary scoring option and shows scoring versatility from all over the court, and I have also seen her play in a system where her ability to knock down the long ball is a huge source of production for her team. Whatever the style of play, Ryan can provide offensive production that goes beyond scoring, but make no mistake about it; scoring the rock is the strength of her game. She has positional size and is not afraid to mix it up and play a physical brand of basketball. She is definitely a weapon with her perimeter shooting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>#24-Ranked Player In The 2026 Class</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='371499' first='Armani' last='Thomas']</strong> (5'5/CG/2026/Lauderdale County)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">X: @Armanithomas111</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">The lefty is a very instinctive backcourt talent on both ends of the floor. She reads the floor well and is very good at reacting quicker than most of her peers. She has very good court vision and awareness, which allows her to make plays others see only after it happens. She is mentally tough, makes momentum-changing plays, and plays with a good feel for the game. Her lead guard skills help her play the PG spot, while her ability to play and score without the ball in her hands allows her to play out on the wing.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->