2026 Rankings: There Is A New #1-Ranked Player

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The updated 2026 rankings are here, and the #1 spot has a new occupant…</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='373866' first='Lani' last='Smallwood']&nbsp;</strong>(5'9/CG/'26/Albertville HS)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>IG: Lani_faith_12</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>X: @Lanismallwood12</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ranking: #1</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lani moved into the #1 spot in this class as she had a sensational junior year leading her squad to an Elite 8 appearance, where they fell to eventual state champions Hoover. She has emerged as one of the best playmakers in her class and the state. She consistently impacted every game throughout the season with her instincts, intensity, and motor. She is a dynamic playmaker who can create her own shot at any moment and also makes everyone around her better. She excels at all three levels, as she is confident from deep, comfortable in the midrange with a really soft touch, and fearless when attacking the rim.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='382891' first='Khloe' last='Ford'] </strong>(6'4/F/'26/Hoover)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>IG: khloe._f</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ranking: #2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Khloe finished the season with an injury, cheering her team on from the sideline as they captured another blue map. My question, and the question that many had at the final four, was how big would the deficits have been had Khloe been healthy and playing. She is one of the most dominant interior players in not only this class but in the state. She is an imposing force with her size, is agile on her feet, and finishes well with both hands at the rim. Defensively, her wingspan helps her to alter and swat shots in the paint, helping her to anchor her squad's defense. Look for Hoover to be the favorite to win it all again next year with a healthy Khloe.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='371497' first='Jabria' last='Lindsey']</strong> (5'8/CG/'26/Central)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>IG: jabrialindsey_2026</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ranking: #3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite dropping two spots in the rankings, Jabria is still one of this class's most dominant offensive threats. She is dangerous with the ball in her hand as she can push tempo, put pressure on the rim, and finish with creativity and power once she gets into the paint and at the cup. She is one of the most reliable scoring guards in this class, as she does a good job hunting her shot, showing scoring versatility, and competing at a high level with poise beyond her years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='371498' first='Ja'Kyah' last='Smith']</strong> (5'9/CG/'26/Bob Jones)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>IG: jaeee23_</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ranking: #4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ja'Kyah is one of the most talented two-way threats in this class. Offensively, she can score from all three levels with confidence. She has a smooth shooting stroke from deep, a consistent midrange pull-up game, and she's tough finishing around the rim with both hands. She brings toughness and swagger to the backcourt and has a brilliant floor game. Defensively, she competes hard on the perimeter, applies suffocating pressure on the ball, and is active with her hands. She plays fearless with an attacking style on both ends of the floor.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='382895' first='Hannah' last='Smith']</strong> (6'0/Wing/'26/Montgomery Catholic)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>IG: hannahsmith_2026</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>X: @2026_hannah</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ranking: #5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hannah is a relentless competitor who plays with a high motor. If opponents do not match her level of play, they are often in for a very long night. She is really good at attacking off the bounce and making plays at the rim. She has open floor speed and the strength to absorb contact off the bounce, which makes it very tough for her to be contained in space. She has proven to deliver in big moments, and the question going into next season will be can she lead her team to Birmingham.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->