6’9 ‘26 Nicholas McLean (Winston-Salem Christian)
There’s a lot to like with McLean, especially considering that he’s starting to visibly tap into his long-term upside. He’s a long, wiry forward with an enticing blend of size, skill, and athleticism. At 6-foot-9, he’s becoming a real mismatch for opponents. McLean is a knockdown shooter with quality feel and developing ball skills. He regularly makes an impact through his ability to knock down shots along the perimeter, attack closeouts, and apply pressure at the rim as a finisher or putback threat. McLean has added strength over the recent months and appears more physical on both ends of the floor. Add in his switchable defense and ability to block shots, and it’s easy to see the appeal. McLean should attract a variety of Division I coaches going forward.
6’4 ‘26 Ben Houpt (South Meck)
All signs point to another year of success for South Meck, and Houpt looks more than prepared to return as a leader and focal point. He’s a smooth, well-rounded wing who dictates the offensive action, creates for others, and applies consistent scoring pressure from all levels. Houpt is a reliable shooter from midrange and beyond the arc, yet knows how to get downhill and reliably finish around the basket. Although he typically operates as the primary creator, he’s more than comfortable as a cutter or spot-up threat without the ball in his hands. Houpt has the size, toughness, and instincts to contain his assignment defensively. He also rebounds well for his position. Although he’s a guy plenty of coaches already have on their radar, Houpt should start collecting offers sooner than later.
5’11 ‘26 Drew Johnson (The Burlington School)
There’s been a ton of buzz surrounding the Spartans’ new-look roster, and Johnson has been exceptional as the lone returning senior. It appears he’s back to full health, as his polished, dynamic game is seemingly more effective than ever. Johnson is a quick, crafty guard with a tight handle, useful vision, and quality scoring prowess from all levels. He mixes it up well to keep defenses guessing. Johnson has the ability to hit threes, pull-ups, and apply pressure as a penetrating threat. He’s a great finisher, especially for his size, and plays well through contact. Add in his IQ, pace, and pesky defensive presence, and it’s easy to see all the ways Johnson stands out as a veteran leader. College coaches would be wise to get involved.
6’5 ‘26 Jim Gatehouse (South Meck)
Although we featured his teammate above, Gatehouse is equally deserving of acknowledgement for his production and leadership status with South Meck. He’s clearly trending upward as a skilled wing with the size and versatility to do a lot of different things on the court. Gatehouse is an excellent shooter and lethal spot-up threat from beyond the arc. However, he’s comfortable operating off the bounce, creating pull-ups within a few dribbles, attacking the basket, or setting up others. Gatehouse is primarily known for his blend of size and skill, but also showcased explosiveness as a finisher throughout the weekend. He’s also a scrappy defender with feel, positioning, and instincts. College coaches should be heavily involved.
6’0 ‘26 Kendall Lanier (Hargrave Military)
It’s easy to see the intrigue throughout Hargrave’s structure, but Lanier clearly excelled as their leader on both ends of the floor. He’s a smart, skilled, unselfish floor general who carries a heavy offensive load for this group. Lanier completely controls the action as the main creator. He utilizes his great combination of handle, quickness, and change of pace to regularly generate shots for himself and others off the bounce. Lanier is a willing passer with nice playmaking instincts, but arguably stood out more through his nonstop scoring. Basically every time the game started to slip away, Lanier stepped up. He hit shots off the catch and dribble while consistently attacking the basket and setting up others. Lanier should have a big year for Hargrave.