Under the Radar: Six 2026 Players to Watch

Our first look at 2026 players in some of Nebraska's small classes is on tap. We look back to some Class C and D standouts from last season and also a few we saw this summer that improved their games. All of these players are not currently in our 2026 Top-50, but players we feel could make big strides for their schools this year and also play at the small-college level.   In addition, while we focus on the small classes some players we have ranked are not here. This includes Pender's [player_tooltip player_id='502331' first='Hadley' last='Walsh'] and Oakland-Craig's [player_tooltip player_id='820511' first='Briar' last='Ray'] in Jeremy Brooks' <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2025/07/2026-player-rankings-update-uncommitted-hoopers-id-offer-asap/">"Uncommitted Hoopers"</a> piece from earlier this month.    A key cog for the state champion Crusaders last winter, Pittenger's game blossomed this summer as she played for both Lincoln Supreme and then later in the summer was on the ETG team that won the 3SSB Classic division in Rock Hill, SC. She averaged 10.7 points, 3.1 assists and 2.1 steals per game last winter. Pittenger is blessed with a great motor and is an excellent defender as well.     The Knights may have all the tools to make another run at a Class C-2 final in the winter and Bootch will be a key cog if they can get it done. One of the best shooters in the class, Guzinski made 78 triples last season and shot at a 37% clip from beyond the arc. A gritty competitor and "coaches kid" Guzinski also an excellent passer.     One of the top athletes in Class D, Gegg had excellent seasons in all three sports for the Bulldogs last year. Shelton was the Class D-2 state volleyball champion, with Gegg leading the way with nearly 500 kills at hitting .350. She was also a three-event qualifier at state track, placing 8th in the triple jump. Her best sport may be hoops where her length causes problems defensively and she can step out and shoot the three, averaging 14.6 points and 6.3 rebounds last winter. Had a productive summer playing for Loup Basin River Rats 17U.     The Southwest Conference may be one of the top Class C leagues in Nebraska next winter. The Dusters will rely on Stutzman who had a big season as they advanced to the sub-district final before falling to state semifinalist Minden. No summer ball for Stutzman, but the Dusters had a good team showing at Top-10 Camp and coach Derek Runcie said she has been in the gym almost every day this summer. The 5-5 point guard, averaged 13 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists last year and shot 43 percent from field.     Another fantastic athlete, Falk was The Grand Island Independent player of the year after averaging 22.2 points and 7.3 rebounds for the Eagles who advanced to a district final and finished 19-7. Another elite athlete, Falk was the Class D 100 meter hurdle champion and long jump champion at the 2025 Class D State Track Meet. Falk's quickness and athletic ability also shined this summer in her play with the FKC Hoopers.     At nearly 6-feet, Bose brings a nice post presence in the paint, but is also not afraid to come outside and handle the ball. Even brought the ball up the floor at times for her summer team, Nebraska Chaos this summer which gave off a little Nikola Jokic feel. Southern Valley was the D-1 state runner-up when Bose was a sophomore and advanced to a C-2 district final last year with Bose averaging 11.2 points and 7.6 rebounds. Older sister Ann plays for Hastings College.

Our first look at 2026 players in some of Nebraska's small classes is on tap. We look back to some Class C and D standouts from last season and also a few we saw this summer that improved their games. All of these players are not currently in our 2026 Top-50, but players we feel could make big strides for their schools this year and also play at the small-college level.