Who's New in the Final 2026 Class Rankings

The final 2026 class rankings recently dropped. 255 prospects make up the list with more than two dozen more included in the 'Watch List.' Little growth occurred in the rankings due to attrition since the last rankings was released this past September. Many months have passed since the September release and in that time dozens of athletes have committed to play basketball or another sport in college. Who was not added, as I have been consistent with over the years, were unranked players who had already committed in another sport. If an existing ranked player has already committed for another sport that person is not removed. With all that being said do enjoy this list of players new, or returning, to this final rankings release.    Following Ottawa's loss to McPherson in the 4A 2024 state tournament Nichols dropped off my radar due not having seen her on a team roster. This season she has shown herself playing a key, paint-clogging role in the paint for a 16-7 Cyclones team that has ranked consistently in the top 10 while grinding through a tough schedule. She is a quality shot-blocker but what I really like is her quickness off the entry pass catch. She is one of the few bigs in the class who can beat the double-down with a quick drop-step in either direction, scoring with a layup or a short jumper.     There is a lot to like about the Golden Eagle forward that does not show up in the box score. Yes she has scoring ability and, like everyone on the team, runs well. She's quick, lengthy and heady. She uses all of those abilities to garbage collect and battle inside. I am a huge fan of players who lay wood on their opponents to box them out so hard the opponent gets taken out of the play. Mount does just that.     I have caught Newell on occasion but what I could not get past is tendency to hang the ball out when dribbling. A steal waiting to happen. There has been a lot of trips up and down the floor since then and she has improved. The quick point guard is very fast with the ball in transition. She is also a hard-working full court defender who is an absolute thief jumping the passing lanes. Among the rare things she does that most high school players do not routinely do is use the correct hand to deflect passes. An essential piece of the one loss, 5A state championship caliber Indians     Lemos is a recent discovery. She is by far the best athlete on the team and is also a talented softball and volleyball player. There is a lot to like with Lemos. She has speed with the dribble, hops on the finish and can jump, catch and shoot right away out of inbounds plays. While undersized at the power forward spot she did pick up an all-tournament selection at the very tough Burlington Invitational this year. Her ceiling is high so here's hoping she finds her way to the college hardwoods next season.     The Tonganoxie Basketball Invitational all-tournament team selection is a stretch four type player who had to be respected all season due to her perimeter shooting ability. Perimeter shooter. Defenders had to take care to not have their close-outs attacked because she put the ball on the floor, got to the hoop and finished with a soft touch using either hand. With solid size and transition speed I would love to see what she looks like with continued development at the collegiate level.     After reaching but getting bounced from the first round of the 3A state tournament a year ago Wickwar's Longhorns are a favorite to reach it again this year. Despite losing a strong senior class two-loss Holcomb's strong perimeter shooter and solid ball handler has provided leadership and fortitude. She has good speed with the ball, passes well in transition and uses her length well on both ends. But what she is known for is her shooting. She does it with 22' range, from everywhere around the perimeter and has among the quickest release due to her ability to shoot it from where she catches it. No wasted movement. Colleges always look for quality shooters, Wickwar should get more looks.     The Cardinal small forward has been a key part of the team's success over the years. Athletic with a quick first step Helsel leads breaks well with speed. Her combination of quickness and length also enables her to play the top of full court pressure.     I first came across Spexarth at an early loss to Valley Center last season. I noted that she was a solid defender who scored well on the move. Watching online against 4A top dog Wellington she continued to show those abilities. With her average+ frame, length and nose for the ball she provides punch that forces opponents to keep track of her - limiting help-side opportunities for defenders. Spexarth is also a quality garbage collector. The Indians are a consistent 4A state tournament team and are only a step away from reaching it again.     A forward with versatility to play on the wing and inside Boatman is a key player working to lead her Trojans to a third straight 3A state tournament appearance out of the West Franklin Sub-State. A threat to put up double-doubles every night she recently crossed the 500 career rebounds threshold. She has a solid frame, good north-south transition speed and raises her team's play just by being on the floor.

The final 2026 class rankings recently dropped. 255 prospects make up the list with more than two dozen more included in the 'Watch List.' Little growth occurred in the rankings due to attrition since the last rankings was released this past September. Many months have passed since the September release and in that time dozens of athletes have committed to play basketball or another sport in college. Who was not added, as I have been consistent with over the years, were unranked players who had already committed in another sport. If an existing ranked player has already committed for another sport that person is not removed. With all that being said do enjoy this list of players new, or returning, to this final rankings release.