2026 Bigs on the Rise

The wonderful Nicole Rosenow has just updated the Oregon <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/oregon/rankings/2026-rankings/">class of 2026 rankings</a> for the first time since the preseason, and we're already starting to see some players rise through the ranks to cement their status as college-level talents. Check out the <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2025/12/icymi-2026-rankings-were-posted-this-week-21/">full list of risers</a> here, but today, we are focusing on the post players.   In my opinion, the bigs don't get enough love in this state outside of the few true blue-chip prospects. Sure, not every team has a 6-foot-or-taller shot-blocking and rebounding extraordinaire, but someone still has to play the 4 and the 5 at every school. Undersized players who give up their natural position to play inside out of necessity for their team are making a sacrifice that should be celebrated. On one hand, it could limit their ability to put their biggest strengths on tape for recruiters. On the other hand, it allows them to expand their game and develop the physicality required for the next level. It's all about perspective!   This list includes bigs of all shapes and sizes, all excelling in their own way. Enjoy!    The Sacramento State-bound Howell and her South Medford Lady Panthers went toe-to-toe with some of the best teams in California and Hawai'i at the 'Iolani Classic in Honolulu. Howell shot the lights out during the games and participated in the three-point shootout on the final day. She moves around the court lightning-quick without the ball, cutting hard and setting physical screens. She also showed great chemistry with her bruising frontcourt partner, [player_tooltip player_id='828956' first='Mayen' last='Akpan'], on handoff actions. Akpan gets most of the press as the top Oregon center prospect in her class, but playing with the state's top stretch big in Howell makes her life a whole lot easier. Both players earned <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DSQ1hMMknQL/?hl=en&img_index=1">all-tournament team</a> nods.     The Tualatin girls play with a standard of excellence, and Padilla's tough and fundamentally sound style of play exemplifies that. She is comfortable spacing the floor, and when she catches the ball on the perimeter, she is dangerous as a dribble driver. Her post-ups show promise, and her go-to move is a turnaround jumper pivoting left. She fights hard on the offensive glass, which is always a translatable skill to the next level. Portland State fans should be excited about the addition of Padilla, who committed in November.     I'm not sure a lot of people would have predicted Oregon City, which went 14-11 last season and does not have a player taller than 5'9" on its roster, to be one of seven undefeated 6A teams entering late December. But they are, and the 5'7" Carns is a major reason why. This is a perfect example of a natural wing sliding inside and excelling. She is a natural passer and has a great understanding of where her teammates are, so coach Kevin Baumbach is deploying Carns at the free-throw line as an offensive hub. She's answered the call by averaging the second-most assists on her team behind her sister, [player_tooltip player_id='1229051' first='Livie' last='Carns']. Alixe hasn't been a volume shooter, but she is incredibly efficient from all three levels. Defensively, she picks off a ton of passes while executing the Pioneers' aggressive full-court press.     Rasmussen is the steady interior presence behind a quality Baker team that is ranked no. 3 in the 4A division. She plays fearlessly down low, grabbing boards and going right back up with the shot. Her free-throw shot is reliable, and she gets to the line often. Baker primarily runs a horns system that puts both bigs on the elbows, and she excels in the role with her ability to scan the floor and deliver tight passes to cutters. She also looks for dump-offs when she attracts help on her drives. On defense, she prides herself on protecting the paint, but she has enough quickness to stay in front of her matchup on the perimeter.

The wonderful Nicole Rosenow has just updated the Oregon class of 2026 rankings for the first time since the preseason, and we're already starting to see some players rise through the ranks to cement their status as college-level talents. Check out the full list of risers here, but today, we are focusing on the post players.