2026 Rankings: Newcomers to Watch Part 2

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The New York high school basketball scene continues to reload with talent, and the 2026 class is no exception. This second part 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.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>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.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>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.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["422811"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68558b772f52e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Skylar Burke is a tough, physical guard out who makes a big impact playing on the summer circuit with Exodus NYC. , Burke brings a versatile skill set that shows up on both ends of the floor. She's a true three-level scorer with strong playmaking instincts, able to create offense for herself and her teammates. Whether it's knocking down a jumper, attacking the rim, or making the extra pass, Burke consistently makes smart, winning plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">What sets her apart is her ability to control the tempo and make things happen in transition. Defensively, she reads the game well, anticipating passes and turning defense into offense. Her physicality and feel for the game allow her to guard multiple positions and disrupt opposing backcourts. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1047084"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68558b772f59e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1047084' first='Adelina' last='Rodriguez'] is a versatile forward who brings a strong two-way presence to the floor, consistently impacting the game on both ends. Offensively, she's capable of scoring from multiple areas—whether it's facing up, knocking down mid-range shots, or finishing around the rim. Her ability to stretch the floor and make smart decisions with the ball makes her a valuable asset in any offensive system.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Defensively, Rodriguez stands out with her length, mobility, and awareness. She disrupts passing lanes, contests shots, and provides help-side support, anchoring her team's defensive efforts. Beyond the box score, Rodriguez plays with a toughness and grit that sets the tone for her team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1260599"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-685e901e3f2c3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1260599' first='JaKayla' last='Brown'] is a 6-foot forward from North Tonawanda who brings a strong interior presence and physicality to the paint. She excels around the basket, using her size and strength to secure offensive rebounds and finish with soft touch around the rim. Brown has a natural feel for positioning and does a great job of cleaning up second-chance opportunities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Defensively, she anchors the paint with her rebounding and shot-blocking ability, controlling the glass and deterring opponents from attacking inside. As she continues to develop, refining her post footwork and expanding her skill set in both the low and high post will help elevate her offensive game. Additionally, improving her outlet passing and comfort handling the ball in transition would add a new dimension to her overall impact. With her size, motor, and upside</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1057638"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68558b772f63c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dyring has established herself as a rising talent after being named All-State this past season. Trusting her skills gave her game a new level of intensity, allowing her to impact the floor in more dynamic and consistent ways.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jordyn has elite mid-range scoring ability to complement her finishing and perimeter shooting, aiming to become a true three-level threat. She handles physicality needed to absorb contact and compete physically at a higher level. She has good handle, and ball control to create plays. With her drive and all-around development, Jordyn is poised to take another major step forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1244490"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-685e901e3f343"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Toledo is a well-rounded player with a versatile skill set and a high ceiling. Though her minutes were limited last season, she made the most of every opportunity—and with more consistent playing time, her development is picking up fast.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She plays with confidence and maturity, showing excellent court awareness and decision-making. Her ability to control the pace of the game stands out, using tight ball handling and crisp passing to keep the offense flowing. Offensively, she's a reliable scorer with a smooth shooting stroke, especially effective in pick-and-pop situations. Her mid-range jumper is consistent, and she has enough range from deep to keep defenders honest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->