Updating rankings can be one of the most stressful events in the yearly high school calendar. Though it should be fairly common knowledge, there is no “correct” order or proper way of ranking these players. While subjectivity naturally plays a role, objectivity typically leads the way when determining who belongs where. Between statistics, accolades, team success, and long-term projection, various factors are involved for each individual. With the release of our rankings for North Carolina’s Class of 2026, there’s no better time to give a brief description of each player with their corresponding ranking. Although some travel ball stats are “available,” they will be excluded due to the lack of conclusive information. We will release intervals of five per article. Let’s take a closer look…
1. 6’11 Will Stevens (Davidson Day)
Modern big man with legitimate rim-protection instincts and the ability to space the floor or score around the basket. Clearly blossomed after joining Upward Stars for the second half of his travel ball season, increasing his numbers across the board and shining as one of the top big men in the 3SSB circuit. Stevens will only get stronger and more explosive over time, but it’s already easy to see him having success at the high-major level.
2. 6’8 Kendre Harrison (Reidsville)
Absolute physical specimen with an incredibly rare blend of size, strength, power, mobility, and explosiveness. Going to play football at Oregon but would be a Division I basketball player if he chose that avenue. Stood out as a dominant force for Team CP3 during the summer, standing out as a nightly double-double with points and rebounds with nice scoring efficiency. Only lost one game in his high school career (freshman year state championship).
3. 6’10 Cody Peck (Davidson Day)
Arguably the prospect with the highest upside in this class, Peck possesses an unbelievable array of tools. Extremely fluid athlete with long arms, effortless explosiveness, and the ability to wreak havoc without really needing the ball in his hands. Defensively, he’s a game-changing piece who can block shots, switch onto smaller opponents, and utilize his athleticism to be disruptive. For Garner Road, he highlighted a ton of appealing flashes on both ends of the floor. His potential is massive.
4. 6’8 Justin Caldwell (Fayetteville Academy)
The Georgetown commit remains one of the most productive players in the state—regardless of setting. Strong, physical post player who knows how to control the glass, score around the basket, and utilize his body on both ends of the floor. Played majority of the summer season with Washington Warriors, and seemingly found success every time he took the court. Should put up impressive numbers for the Eagles this season.
5. 5’10 Dionte Neal (Reidsville)
The most accomplished player in North Carolina and a leader for every team he’s on, Neal is able to consistently elevate those around him. Smart, shifty guard who sets the tone through his quickness, penetration ability, and balance between scoring and playmaking. Despite his lack of size, Neal is simply someone who can be trusted to run a team at the highest level. Like his teammate above, his only high school loss was the state championship as a freshman.
6. 6’1 Isaac Ellis (Moravian Prep)
The best player on arguably the best team in North Carolina. Ellis is different than his brother, but will still be the clear leader of this group. Incredibly smooth-shooting guard who has consistently improved all other areas of his game. Knows how to run an offense or apply pressure as an elite spot-up threat. Tough, pesky defender who will only get better with additional strength. Played up (and against legitimate competition) his entire life.
7. 6’3 Yohance Connor (Combine Academy)
Extremely explosive wing who is capable of dominating a game with his energy and physicality. Connor has improved as a ball-handler, perimeter shooter, and creator for himself and others, but still knows how to play to his strengths. Strong downhill driver and powerful finisher above the rim. Disruptive defender with the ability to mirror opposing guards and force turnovers at a nice rate. Excels in transition. Will return as a focal point for Combine Academy.
8. 6’2 Kobe Edwards (Greenfield)
Wiry, athletic lead guard with quickness, explosiveness, and a balanced approach when running a team. Effectively runs the team while actively touching the paint and creating for himself and others. Understands how to expand his production as needed. Capable shooter who applies consistent pressure at the rim. Possesses great anticipation and instincts as a defender, but will only continue to improve as he gets stronger. Should be the undisputed leader for Greenfield.
9. 7’0 Jones Lay (Moravian Prep)
Quite possibly the most improved player listed, Lay has made tremendous strides over the last twelve months. Folks should already know that big men develop slower, so it makes sense why he’s starting to tap into his long-term potential. Given his legit size and steady interior presence on both ends of the floor, Lay offers a reliable, low-maintenance identity from the center position. He moves well for his size while finishing, securing rebounds, and altering shots at a quality level. His recruitment continues to climb.
10. 6’7 Elhadji Diallo (Combine Academy)
After recently announcing his return to North Carolina, there should be definite excitement surrounding the intrigue of Diallo. When he departed, he was already a well-known piece with obvious physical appeal and considerable upside on both ends of the floor. Diallo is already a terrific defensive cog with the strength, physicality, and athleticism to wreak havoc for opponents. His motor and physical tools allow him to rebound at a quality rate and toggle across multiple positions defensively. Diallo will be a major addition to the Goats.
11. 6’5 Bradley Floyd (Winston-Salem Christian)
Skilled, well-rounded wing with the IQ, size, and athleticism to affect all facets of the game. Natural glue-guy. Floyd does a healthy amount of everything on the court and is adaptable to team needs in every setting. Reliable shooter, penetrator, and overall scorer from all levels, but quietly underrated as a passer. Quality defender and rebounder for his size/position. Simply an impactful player who doesn’t possess any glaring weaknesses on either end of the floor.
12. 6’7 Elton James (Winston-Salem Christian)
Big, versatile forward with the skill and athleticism to alter his approach based on matchup. Strong enough to overpower most perimeter players and too mobile/skilled to be contained by most bigger opponents, he’s able to create mismatches. James finishes above the rim, attacks off the bounce, and is capable of knocking down shots along the perimeter. He rebounds at a solid rate and displays useful instincts as a defensive piece. Like his teammate above, James should be a focal point for the Lions.
13. 6’4 Tyler Jones (Christ School)
Gritty, rugged guard with an incredibly high motor and physical approach to the game. The Albany commit has rapidly trended upward since entering North Carolina. He’s a suffocating defender whose energy and toughness make him a real nightmare for opponents. Sets the tone as a point-of-attack defender while showing the ability to dictate the offense or apply pressure as a scorer in various ways. Should have a highly productive season for the new-look Christ School.
14. 6’4 Jyi Dawkins (Ben L. Smith)
Fresh off a state championship and strong travel ball season, Dawkins’ stock continues to climb. He’s a versatile, well-rounded wing with the ability to lead a team or produce within a role. Dawkins displays feel as a creator, scoring polish from all levels, and the understanding of how to make an impact with or without the ball in his hands. Long, physical athlete with a high motor and great nose for the ball. Expect him to lead Smith to another deep playoff run.
15. 6’3 Ian Bailey (Asheville Christian)
Pure gamer who recently committed to UNC Asheville. Explosive athlete who excels at getting downhill and attacking the basket or getting to his spots in the midrange. Displays great feel and vision as a creator, but more than comfortable at asserting himself as a scorer from all levels. Plays with energy, toughness, and physicality on defense, consistently leading to forced turnovers and opportunities in transition. Given the massive load he carries for the Lions, Bailey should put up impressive numbers this season.
16. 6’3 Ashton Pierce (North Meck)
Shot-making guard who possesses the ability to make an impact with or without the ball in his hands. Reliable spot-up threat. Capable of filling it up as a scorer from all levels. Knows how to move without the ball and find open seams within the defense. Solid creator. Plays with energy defensively. Operates within the flow of the action and expands his production as needed. Should remain a focal point for the Vikings this season.
17. 6’5 Antonio McKoy (Harrells Christian)
Explosive shot-making wing with size, athleticism, and the ability to constantly fly around to make plays on both ends of the floor. Knows how to create for himself and others while actively highlighting his scoring prowess in various ways. Excels in transition and knows how to get to the basket with relative ease, but can also hit jumpers off the catch and bounce. Utilizes his motor and physical tools to make life difficult for opponents. Expect him to have another incredibly productive season.
18. 6’4 Logan Johnson (Carmel Christian)
Smooth shot-making guard whose creation skills, scoring prowess, and instincts as an off-ball threat make him extremely valuable. Arguably at his best when playing alongside a floor general, allowing him to place greater focus on filling it up as a scorer. Quality pull-up threat and spot-up shooter. Steady defender and willing rebounder. Capable of leading a team or shining within a role. Johnson should have a notable season at Carmel Christian before heading off to UNC Asheville.
19. 5’10 Q Williams (Forsyth Country Day)
Given his identifiable status since middle school, folks should already be well-aware of what Williams brings to a team. Smart, unselfish floor general who has consistently increased his scoring load. Crafty ball-handler and passer. Displays excellent pace when breaking down opponents and touching the paint. Makes great decisions with the ball in his hands. Defends with energy. After several years of varsity experience, he should have a big season to conclude his high school career.
20. 6’1 Cameron Newman (Gaston Christian)
After being a known name for quite a while, Newman remains one of the top floor generals in North Carolina. He’s a poised, methodical floor general with natural instincts for running a team. Newman offers great balance between scoring and playmaking, and consistently looks to make the best possible decision with the ball in his hands. Adapts to team needs and mixes it up well to keep defenses guessing. Pesky defender. His production should take another leap this season for the Eagles.
21. 6’5 Dacen Petty (Christ School)
Reliable, well-rounded utility piece with a terrific blend of size, feel, and versatility on both ends of the floor. Naturally fills in the gaps as an offensive piece through his ability to pass, handle, and score within the flow of the action. Quality rebounder and defender across multiple positions. Fluid athlete. Excellent at producing in a role but more than capable of expanding his production. Even after a lot of roster turnover, Petty should be a valuable contributor for Christ School.
22. 6’2 Chaise Smith (Washington)
Crafty, electric combo guard who knows how to dictate the action or fill it up as a scorer from all levels. Possesses a wiry frame, quick first step, and explosive burst when attacking. Creates well for himself and others off the dribble, and consistently makes smart decisions with the ball in his hands. Capable cutter and spot-up threat. Excels in transition. Utilizes his length well to be disruptive defensively. Should be poised for a highly productive senior season.
23. 6’8 Jordan Buzzard (Carmel Christian)
After transferring and reclassifying, Buzzard opted to return to his original class. The Coastal Carolina commit continues to trend upward as a long, mobile, athletic forward with useful inside-out ability. Displays nice touch around the basket and spaces the floor well from beyond the arc. Consistent rebounder who knows how to properly fill the lane in transition. Excellent defensive cog with the ability to guard in space, switch across multiple positions, and block shots at a quality rate.
24. 6’7 Aidan Rousseau (Cary Academy)
Highly skilled forward who steadily transformed his identity to become an all-around offensive weapon. Displays soft touch, precise footwork, and a variety of useful moves on the block. Knows how to secure position and exploit matchups against smaller opponents. Spaces the floor really well from beyond the arc and is capable of attacking off the bounce. Solid rebounder and willing passer. Possesses the type of malleable game that can mesh with various types of players.
25. 5’11 Ayden Johnson (Caldwell Academy)
Heady, smooth-shooting guard with a crafty nature and the polish to fill it up in a variety of ways. Displays deep range and the ability to consistently score off the catch or dribble. Lethal shooter, but applies pressure from all levels. Sees the floor well as a passer and gets to his spots well in transition. Quick, pesky defender who suffocates opposing guards and forces turnovers at a quality rate. Will be a focal point for the Eagles this season.