Ranking Class of 2026
Is there a nice way to kick off a new website primarily covering high school basketball in Michigan? A smooth easy start that won’t be controversial at all? I’ve got it— rankings. Those are always universally agreed upon right?
All joking aside. They will be a big part of this website. They will be composed by a committee of one. But I have plenty of other people that I trust and listen to. I will gladly take “constructive” input.
This will be the first of four parts to get to an even top 150 ranking amongst the four high schools classes. Exponentially getting bigger and doubling by class to get to that number.
-Top 10 2026
-Top 20 2025
-Top 40 2024
-Top 80 2023
Ranking a class so young is tricky. A lot of physical projection is needed. I also expect to it to be pretty fluid list. For example in the class of 2025. I can’t imagine anyone supplanting Trey McKenney for the top spot. I can’t say I feel the same level of confidence about this group.
A few of these are already also accomplished multi sport athletes. They might not even play basketball at the next level. Of the four lists. This is one that will be updated and changed the most.
- Jaquan Stennis– 6–6 Detroit Old Redford Academy– I was at large live event tournament in Indianapolis this summer when I noticed a familiar name I had not seen in a while. The Michigan Hurricanes were one of the more prominent AAU programs of my youth. They were in a Auxiliary gym well off the beaten path. I decided to take a chance and check them out. Not knowing what to expect. What I saw was group of players playing up an age division absolutely dump trucking teams. Leading them was this elite athlete. Already has plenty of size and is extremely explosive athletically. Has an impressive wingspan with large hands. Finishes above the rim with ease. If you put it anywhere near the square or even above. He will go get it. Quick second jump makes him a problem on the offensive glass. Can play volleyball up there. Lanky but sturdy frame. Won’t need to add much weight as he fills out. Regular season has gotten off to a quick start as well. Only question with this prospect is what sport is he going to pursue. Already holds multiple high level football scholarship offers. Has a handful of basketball offers as well.
- Trevor Smith 6–8 Okemos The adage holds true. You can’t coach size. Smith has plenty of it. As prospects with such size tend to do. Has already attracted his fair share of online attention. Ran with the The Family’s 2026 squad. Is in an excellent developmental program in Okemos. The “Chiefs” have a history of turning players with size into college prospects. Anthony Ianni (Michigan St) and Mark Kissling (Dartmouth) come to mind. He also has something that bigs tend to need. A point guard to grow with and get him the ball. Brandon Mercer is an intriguing but small point guard.
- Tristan Comer 6-7 Freeland Like Stennis a freakish athlete who is already attracting recruiting attention on both the gridiron and the hardwood. If he is done growing completely— which would be surprising. Already has the size and explosion be high level Division 1 athlete. Had a huge summer playing with a high level Ohio based Adidas AAU program. Wrapped up the summer with a strong performance at CP3 Rising Stars Academy against one of the better fields in the nation. With his size and skill is already a walking double double at high school level. Like Smith will have a good player the grow and develop with in fellow 2026 standout Wilson Huckeby.
- Cameron Ryans 6–4 Grand Rapids Northview I’m dating myself a bit here. One of the better freshman I ever saw was Flint Northwestern’s Kelvin Tolbert (also see watch list below) This West Michigan forward is the Kelvin Torbert of this list. A big framed guard/forward who already can impose his will athletically on a game. Younger brother of 2024 top five prospect EJ Ryans. But completely different as a player. Not afraid of the moment at all early in his career. Earning a few wins in showcases in college gymnasiums. It will interesting to see how fills out and develops physically in the next four years.
- Carlos Medlock Jr 5–10 Wayne Memorial Stennis’ running mate with the aforementioned Michigan Hurricanes squad. A scoring point guard with deep range on the perimeter. Also an excellent ball handler who drives to the basket without fear. Good bloodlines as his father was a pro and former player at Eastern Michigan after a stellar career at now defunct Detroit Murray-Wright. Has already earned a scholarship offer from Cleveland St in the summer.
- Jacob Pleyer 6–1 Watervliet Lead guard prospect with plenty of size already. Positional versatility are what gives this prospect such intriguing long term potential. Has the skill set to develop into a rangy point guard prospect. However if he keeps growing could also have potential to be a dynamic two guard. Already has a natural nose for the basket. Plays at a small off the beaten path school. But has tested himself well on the national grassroots scene.
- Jon Sanderson 6–1 Saline The old cliche “grown up around the gym” applies to this prospect in more ways than one. Son of the longtime Michigan strength and conditioning coach. So you could assume he knows his way around both the hard court and the conventional gym with weight benches. Career has gotten to a blistering start for the Hornets.
- Cory Sadler 5–9 Detroit Cass Tech Contributing as freshman for one of the high profile programs in the vaunted PSL. I could stop right there and that should be enough. Similarly to other prospects on this list. Is already a highly regarded two sport athlete. Uses this elite athleticism to make up for not being the biggest prospect.
- Derick Kilgore Jr 5–11 Detroit Old Redford Academy Another Michigan Hurricane. With that group played mostly off the ball due it the presence of Medlock (see above) In the regular season has moved to the point and the early returns are impressive. Has a lot of bounce to go along with a tight handle. Rises nicely with good elevation on his jump shot. Also has an athletic and well put together frame for such a young player.
- Braylon Frantz 6–1 St Clair Definition of a power guard. Penetrates with purpose and power. I was very impressed with his performance at the Prep Hoops Freshman Showcase in the fall. Ran with Sanderson on a very good REACH 2026 unit. Powerful leaper off of two feet who is not going to be knocked off his spot. Not the tallest two guard. But elevates nicely on his jump shot. Has plenty of ball skills to play the point if he is done growing.
Watch List (alphabetical order)
Jaylon Allen 6-0 Wayne Memorial
Noah Arnold 6-7 Saginaw Heritage
Cassius Bont 6-0 Byron Center
Jovaan Daniels 5-6 Hudsonville
Ahijah Eichelberger 6-6 Saginaw
Braden James 6-7 Grand Ledge
Alex Jamison 6-2 Port Huron Northern
Steven Jones 6-2 Hamtramck
Jaden Garwood 6-4 UD Jesuit
Max Jansenvanvuren 6-6 Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice
Zay Larthridge 6-4 Grand Rapids Catholic Central
James Martin 6-3 Muskegon
KT Torbert 6-3 Okemos
Keyshawn Summerville 5-8 Lansing Sexton
Drew Wilson 6-1 Bloomfield Hills
