2026 Rankings: New Additions

The New York high school basketball scene continues to reload with talent, and the 2026 class is no exception. This latest update to the Prep Hoops state rankings brings a fresh wave of newcomers—an exciting mix of rising stars and hidden gems beginning to carve out their place in a competitive landscape.   From gritty guards making noise on the AAU circuit to skilled forwards emerging from storied programs, this group is deep, versatile, and full of upside. Some are already picking up Division I interest, while others are just starting to gain traction—but all are poised to make major impacts heading into the next phase of their high school careers.   As always in New York, the talent runs deep and wide, and this batch of newcomers proves that the future remains bright across all five boroughs and beyond.    Murphy is a shifty and confident guard out of Wyandanch High School who averaged 13 points and 3 rebounds per game this past season. She stands out for her natural scoring instincts, particularly in the paint and mid-range areas, where she uses her quickness and body control to create separation and finish through contact. Her ability to change speeds and direction makes her difficult to guard in isolation, and she consistently finds ways to get to her spots on the floor. Murphy's offensive game is built on her creativity and toughness, showing a fearless approach when attacking the basket.   While she has proven herself as a capable scorer, the next step in her development will be expanding her playmaking ability. Improving her court vision and decision-making as a passer will help her become a more complete and versatile backcourt player. Defensively, Murphy has the foot speed and athleticism to be effective, but she will need to bring a more consistent level of intensity and focus on that end of the floor.     TT Burden is a dynamic, high-energy guard who averaged 19 points per game for Newburgh Free Academy in her return to basketball after a hiatus since 8th grade. She brings strong defensive instincts, thrives in transition, and excels at pushing the pace. Burden has solid shooting mechanics, a shifty handle, and the ability to attack the rim with ease. Her balance and quickness make her a tough cover in the open floor. While she's a proven scorer and disruptor on defense, continued growth as a playmaker and shot creator will elevate her game even further.     Jones is a 2026 point guard for the storied South Shore girls basketball program, is quickly making a name for herself, recently earning her first Division I offer from Stony Brook. A physical and versatile floor general, Jones brings a complete skill set to the court. She excels at facilitating for her teammates, consistently creating open looks through smart decision-making and crisp passing. Offensively, she uses her strong handle and footwork to get to the rim, where she finishes with control and toughness. She also shows range on her jumper, making her a threat at all three levels.   What sets Jones apart is her unselfishness and winning mentality—she consistently puts the team first and impacts the game in multiple ways. On the defensive end, she sets the tone with intensity and physicality, often guarding the opposing team's best perimeter player.       Alvarez has emerged as a key figure for the Leaders in Our Neighborhood program, showcasing her growth with an impressive all-around statline this season: 14 points, 6 rebounds, 4 steals, and 2 assists per game. The 5'7” point guard has made noticeable strides in her development, evolving into a more complete and impactful player on both ends of the floor.   Alvarez is a gritty floor general who plays with toughness and composure. She leads with poise, understanding when to take over as a scorer and when to set the table for her teammates. Her ability to get to the rim with confidence, using her strength and footwork, is a hallmark of her game. While she has shown the ability to knock down shots from the perimeter, she tends to rely more heavily on her interior scoring. Becoming more aggressive with her outside shot will be key to stretching the floor and opening up more opportunities for herself and her teammates.     Gafford is a rising senior center for Lafargeville with clear double-double potential and a growing presence on both ends of the floor. Over the past two seasons, Gafford has shown steady and significant improvement, positioning herself for a breakout senior year. Defensively, she anchors the paint with her shot-blocking ability and rebounding instincts, consistently altering shots and protecting the rim with authority. Her commitment to defense has been especially evident this past season, where her timing and positioning have taken a major step forward.   Offensively, Gafford shows solid touch around the basket and finishes well through contact. While her interior scoring is dependable, the next phase of her development lies in expanding her offensive range. Adding a consistent mid-range or face-up game would help her create more space and make her a more versatile scoring threat. With continued growth on the offensive end and her already strong defensive foundation, Gafford is a post player to watch heading into her final high school season.

The New York high school basketball scene continues to reload with talent, and the 2026 class is no exception. This latest update to the Prep Hoops state rankings brings a fresh wave of newcomers—an exciting mix of rising stars and hidden gems beginning to carve out their place in a competitive landscape.