by: Ethan Reece
2026 Noah Noch (Team Hope)
Noah has been one of the ultimate role players that I’ve seen this season. He’s a smart guard that can play with or without the ball in his hands, brings the energy to play in an intense environment, and doesn’t get caught up in making mistakes from playing outside his game. He’s been a key cog in the well oiled machine that is this team and couldn’t be replaced easily without given time of understanding how much he actually provides to their success. If more guys knew how valuable this role was, basketball would be better for it.
2025 Keenan Arcega Whitside (Upward Stars)
I see a lot of long term potential and mixed usage with all the versatility Keenan provides. He’s an athletic forward that utilizes his quick and high jump to battle on the glass, runs the floor exceptionally well including full court takes straight off his boards, and is only scratching the surface of his upside with how well he finished and hit outside shots already. I think there’s still a lot of room to grow within his frame in terms of muscle and coordination, and that will only further expand his offensive palette to stretch floor and be a constant threat.
2025 Evan Dean (Durham Hurricanes)
Take this with a grain of salt, but the Durham Hurricanes have had uncanny success with long wing shooters in the recent past (Josh Hall and Trey Murphy). And while slightly off size with a lot more body to build, Evan showed great flashes in what I thought was the game of the week. He scored 32, featuring a quick trigger shot that needs little space to get off, comfort being pressured up off the lane and making split reads going to the basket, and a locked in competitiveness to find the zone and stay in. He inevitably also showed he’s clutch too with 3 straight FT’s to call the game.
2024 Sam Streeter (Strong Center)
Without having the biggest or tallest build, Sam managed to bring a demanding physical presence that changed the entire landscape of their game. Starting late in the first when the game was close, Sam checked in and turned the intensity up that to a level that defines the line between boys and men. He knocked down contested shots, was ruthless on the glass, and made the game work for him through his effort. He poured in 18 in the 2nd and truly by himself won that game with his aggression.
2025 Ty Sanders (Carolina Riptide)
For a rising sophomore, the moves Ty is making and style of play he is able to enact is profoundly next level material. When guys his age are making moves, it’s usually because of their athleticism and quickness to get to the cup. But Ty is using optimal positioning, fakes, and timing to work his long frame into smooth comfortable pullups. It’s very impressive seeing him break guys down with a patient attack and purposeful dribbles. He has a clear identity and has already seemed to find his bread and butter to consistently produce in a way that makes sense for him.
2026 Rivers Knight (Team United)
While only entering freshman year and still developing his post game, River already has his niche skill in his smooth shooting stroke to play the pick n pop. At 6’9, this is a translational college skill that coaches dream of developing when their post recruits get there. River already has the feel and timing of it all down and as the next 4 years pass, he’s bound to work that same touch he has on his jumper into a smooth mid range and post game. Jordan high is going to be a lot of fun to watch coming up with him paired with 2025 Derek Ross.