2026 rankings update: 10 newcomers made the grade

There are so many different ways for a player to get noticed. AAU play is the most common. For prospects who play on a high school team that participates in tournaments and travels frequently, that also helps. And then there are the special events like the Prep Girls Hoops. Given that this showcase takes place just prior to the fall rankings update, it is a particularly good opportunity to be seen in a productive setting playing with and against quality players. Today we're adding 10 new prospects to the PGH Class of 2026 rankings, half of whom put an exclamation point on their potential at last month's showcase. Here are the top 5 newcomers:    #95 – The lengthy prospect from Eastview is the highest-ranked newcomer and the only one to crack the Top 100. At last year's Expo, we called Jenkins an “emerging talent.” What a difference a year makes, particularly after a summer on the PGH Circuit with the [program_tooltip program_id='774653' first='Minnesota' last='Bobcats']. At this year's Expo, Jenkins absolutely killed it. Her compete level is excellent. Her length is impressive. And her development curve is well worth watching. Maya has made the top prospects list now but she has the potential to climb her way up the ladder in the months ahead.         #111 – We've been watching the 6'2 post with interest over the past 18 months or so and the evolution has been remarkable. Many sizeable forwards take some time to grow into their bodies and gain the level of coordination required to play at a high level. When the tipping point is reached, however, the results are obvious. That's where Myla's at now. She was terrific at the Expo, showing off her versatility, improved footwork, rebounding ability and enhanced understanding of the game. We think Evers is ready for a breakthrough season.     #128 – Every time we update the rankings there always seems to be at least one mea culpa involved. Sometimes we get it wrong, and players end up entering the rankings much later than they should have. This is the case with Kendal, a feisty guard with the size, skill and strength to be an impact player in the collegiate game. She can score at all three levels and her length and athleticism make Damon a standout defender. Kendal earned big minutes in the second half of last season and delivered the goods for the Rangers. We expect more of the same this time around.     #130 – At 6'4 or more, it's hard to miss Weber when she steps on the floor. It just took St. Peter coach Bob Southworth a couple of seasons to convince Braelin to become a basketball player. She's done that and the results speak for themselves. This summer, Weber came into her own with the [program_tooltip program_id='712699' first='Minnesota' last='Rise'] showing a much-improved skillset and solid grasp of the fundamentals. She has learned to keep the game simple, which is exactly what big forwards should do. As a result, Weber's confidence seems to have soared.     #133 – The lengthy forward from Sauk Centre is a player we've been watching grow her game over the past couple of seasons. Last winter, she took on an expanded role for the Mainstreeters and earned the team's Most Improved Player award. Elly has the defender's mindset and relishes the opportunity to stymie opponents. Now her offensive production is catching up to that standard. We saw Elly take her game to a new level this summer with [program_tooltip program_id='713021' first='West' last='Central United'], making it obvious that she has the potential to be an impact performer in college.    5 MORE ADDITIONS TO THE LIST   #161 [player_tooltip player_id='672939' first='Madison' last='Gothmann'] – After putting in a good summer with the [program_tooltip program_id='767539' first='Minnesota' last='Comets'], Gothmann came to the PGH Expo on a mission. Madison's sheer effort level was impressive, particularly on the defensive end of the equation. She is a bulldog who possesses the mobility, quickness and tenacity it takes to tie up opposing ball handlers and force turnovers. In high school she fills up the score sheet, as well. Madison has a lot to offer at the next level and she's only going to get better.   #162 [player_tooltip player_id='947135' first='Ava' last='Bolin'] – We first watched the big post from Woodbury two and a half years ago in AAU with [program_tooltip program_id='756457' first='Opportunity' last='Basketball']. Her size was impressive, but Ava was as green as grass. Fast forward to today and it's obvious that things are coming together nicely. At 6'2, with a big body, Ava will obviously draw a lot of attention from college coaches. Her learned skills have improved a lot, including her footwork down low, but it is her natural instincts and touch around the basket that is most intriguing.   #163 [player_tooltip player_id='1035274' first='Madelyn' last='Barrow'] – The diminutive guard from Monticello is finding ways to make her presence felt in a bigger way. She has put in the work to develop a nice set of skills, from strong ball-handling to quality shooting. She gets her shot up high and quick, which is crucial for smaller guards. Defensively is where she really excels, though, with the ability to pressure opponents for 94 feet. Barrow is an excellent 6th player at Monticello who knows her role and plays it well.   #164 [player_tooltip player_id='1048125' first='Clara' last='Keaveny'] & #165 [player_tooltip player_id='1048130' first='Izabelle' last='Keaveny'] – The twins from Mayer Lutheran caught our attention early in AAU thanks to a high degree of athleticism, well-honed skills, and a dogged determination on the floor that you just can't teach. The girls would have been ranked a long time ago had they not turned their focus to volleyball. When Clara and Izzy turned in a stellar performance at the high school state tournament last spring we knew the two big guards had to be in the rankings regardless. They score, facilitate and defend at a high level as is evidence by their All-State honorable mention status last winter. To be clear, both Clara and Izzy would likely be in the Top 75 or higher if basketball was their primary sport. Until that happens, we'll just enjoy watching them lead the Crusaders during the high school season because they are a ton of fun to watch.

There are so many different ways for a player to get noticed. AAU play is the most common. For prospects who play on a high school team that participates in tournaments and travels frequently, that also helps. And then there are the special events like the Prep Girls Hoops. Given that this showcase takes place just prior to the fall rankings update, it is a particularly good opportunity to be seen in a productive setting playing with and against quality players. Today we're adding 10 new prospects to the PGH Class of 2026 rankings, half of whom put an exclamation point on their potential at last month's showcase. Here are the top 5 newcomers: