From explosive guards to jumbo playmaking wings and mobile 7-footers, the next generation of hoopers is already rewriting what high school basketball looks like. This national snapshot breaks down 25 rising stars and the blueprints that make their games special.

Tier One Headliners

Tyran Stokes – SF – Sherman Oaks, CA – Class of 2026

Stokes blends power and improved skill, showing a more refined handle and smoother scoring package. His trimmed frame and improved feel elevate him beyond pure bully-ball and into a versatile matchup problem. While not a projected franchise-changer, his steady growth keeps him firmly atop the 2026 class.

Miikka Muurinen – PF – Compass Prep (Finland) – Class of 2026

Muurinen flashes Lauri Markkanen-like touch and fluid shot creation at 6-10 with guard-level mobility. His Euro-style breakout showcased his shooting, energy, and explosive offensive versatility. Now signed with Partizan Belgrade, he continues trending upward as a modern stretch-forward weapon.

High-Ceiling Forwards and Wings

C.J. Rosser – PF – Rocky Mount, NC – Class of 2027

Rosser combines rare size and mobility with effortless scoring instincts and a clean outside stroke. His elite length makes him a natural shot-blocker with advanced defensive upside for his age. As his frame fills out, he projects as one of the highest-ceiling forwards in the 2027 class.

Bruce Branch III – SF – Gilbert, AZ – Class of 2027

Branch looks like a future pro with his 6-7 frame, smooth mechanics, and effortless shooting range. He moves with NBA fluidity and showcases a polished perimeter game well beyond his years. With size, strength, and shot-making, he profiles as a premier wing prospect in 2027.

A.J. Williams – SF – Hampton, GA – Class of 2028

Williams is a rangy, explosive defender with NBA measurables and multipositional versatility. He thrives in transition and shows developing creativity as a handler and slasher. Once his perimeter shot becomes more consistent, his ceiling rises into elite territory.

Marcus Spears Jr. – SF/PF – Plano, TX – Class of 2027

Spears is an explosive, high-motor forward who thrives in transition and finishes above the rim. He’s still discovering his full skill set but flashes big moments that hint at long-term star potential. With strong physical tools and work ethic, his ceiling is far from tapped.

Christian Collins – SF – Los Angeles, CA – Class of 2026

Collins brings smooth ball-handling, shot-making, and open-court play at 6-8 with long-term upside. His combination of length, fluidity, and passing vision gives him a modern wing profile. As his frame adds strength, he projects as an intriguing two-way mismatch forward.

Anthony Thompson – SF – Hudson, OH – Class of 2026

Thompson is a high-upside 6-8 wing with shooting touch and a frame built for long-term growth. He runs the floor, finishes above the rim, and shows confidence as a perimeter threat. As his consistency sharpens, he projects as a modern floor-spacing forward.

Isaiah Hamilton – SG/SF – Toronto, Canada – Class of 2028

Hamilton is an electric Canadian prospect with length, bounce, and relentless downhill pressure. His energy and transition ability make him a constant threat on both ends of the court. Once his outside shot develops, he has the tools to become a top-tier 2028 talent.

Baba Oladotun – SF – DeMatha, MD – Class of 2026

Oladotun brings guard skills in a jumbo 6-9 frame, creating matchup issues all over the floor. He scores from the perimeter and uses his size to finish through traffic inside. Strength gains and added explosiveness will unlock even more offensive versatility.

Bryson Howard – SF – Frisco, TX – Class of 2026

Howard is a multipositional 6-5 wing with athleticism, shooting touch, and transition scoring ability. He impacts both ends with effort, timing, and natural feel for playmaking. A fast-rising prospect, his well-rounded skill set continues trending upward.

Guards Who Control the Game

Jordan Smith Jr. – PG/SG – Fairfax, VA – Class of 2026

Smith Jr. is the type of powerful and athletic two-way guard that coaches covet. His strength and length let him play bigger than his height on both ends of the floor. If his point-guard reads keep improving, he could emerge as a high-value combo guard at the next level.

Dylan Mingo – PG/SG – Glen Head, NY – Class of 2026

Mingo is a dynamic, shifty guard with burst, bounce, and advanced shot-creation ability. His size and explosiveness make him difficult to stay in front of and a threat at all three levels. With continued growth as a lead guard, he has star-level tools for the next level.

Ryan Hampton – SG – Rockwall, TX – Class of 2027

Hampton is a polished scoring guard with deep shooting range and a strong, pro-ready frame. His jumper opens up driving lanes, where he uses craft and counters instead of pure speed. With size and shot-making, he projects as a high-level perimeter scoring threat.

Brandon McCoy – PG – Bellflower, CA – Class of 2026

McCoy is one of the most explosive point guards in high school basketball, excelling in transition. He gets downhill with ease and finishes above the rim, creating constant pressure on defenses. Improving his outside shot is the key to unlocking full NBA-level potential.

Nasir “Rudy” Anderson – PG – Norcross, GA – Class of 2027

Anderson is a strong, low-center-of-gravity guard who excels attacking the rim and creating contact finishes. He plays with poise, balance, and great feel, controlling pace and exploiting angles. His defensive footwork and toughness make him a reliable two-way presence.

Modern Bigs and Interior Anchors

Bamba Touray – C – Bradenton, FL (Senegal) – Class of 2028

Touray is a hyper-mobile 7-footer with rare end-to-end speed and natural rim-running ability. His length and athleticism make him an elite play-finisher who covers ground effortlessly. Still raw, his upside is enormous as his touch, strength, and instincts develop.

Cam Williams – PF – Phoenix, AZ – Class of 2026

Williams has risen rapidly thanks to his explosive athleticism and face-up creation. At 6-8 with length and quickness, he thrives off the bounce and finishes with vertical pop. His flashes of perimeter skill make him one of the most intriguing forwards in the 2026 class.

Paul Osaruyi – PF – Glendale, AZ – Class of 2027

Osaruyi is a powerful, bouncy forward who dominates the paint with rebounding and physicality. He protects the rim effectively and plays with a strong interior presence. Expanding his perimeter game could elevate him into a more complete modern big.

Obinna Ekezie – C – Windsor, CA – Class of 2027

Ekezie is a strong, imposing center who dominates the paint and alters shots defensively. His power game translates at the high school level, giving him a reliable interior identity. Improving mobility and offensive range will shape his long-term NBA outlook.

Eric Dampier Jr. – C – Madison, MS – Class of 2028

Dampier Jr. is a long, athletic young center with elite physical tools and shot-blocking instincts. He plays a traditional paint-anchoring role and already impacts games around the rim. With natural size and bloodlines, he has major long-term upside as his skills refine.

Bentley Lusakueno – PF – Atlanta, GA – Class of 2028

Lusakueno is a skilled 6-10 forward with touch, passing feel, and emerging floor-spacing ability. He moves well for his size and shows a versatile inside-outside offensive approach. As his athleticism grows, he projects as one of the most complete bigs in the 2028 class.

Specialist Scorers and Snipers

Kameron Mercer – SF – Cincinnati, OH – Class of 2028

Mercer is a strong, balanced two-way wing who excels in transition and mid-range scoring. He’s not an elite vertical athlete, but his coordination and frame make him consistently productive. His improving shot and defensive feel give him long-term upside as a versatile wing.

Colton Hiller – SG – Coatesville, PA – Class of 2028

Hiller is an elite shooter with deep range, clean mechanics, and a confident release. At 6-4, he has the size to shoot over contests and the strength to handle physical defenders. His overall athleticism is developing, but his shooting alone gives him high-major value.

Conclusion

As the high school basketball scene continues to evolve, these prospects stand at the forefront of a rapidly changing era defined by versatility, pace, and skill. While each player is at a different stage of development, their collective upside reflects the growing depth and global reach of the modern game.

Whether projecting as high-major college contributors or future professional talents, they each possess traits that translate to the next level and beyond. As the season progresses and these athletes continue to refine their strengths, the gap between potential and production will determine who rises, who surprises, and who ultimately shapes the next generation of basketball excellence.

Elite Hoops Spotlight

Written by Paul Garwood
Founder & Lead Evaluator, Elite Hoops Spotlight

Paul Garwood is a national basketball scout, evaluator, and media director specializing in high-school, prep, JUCO, and transfer-portal coverage. Through Elite Hoops Spotlight, he provides real-time scouting analysis, rankings, player features, and multimedia coverage designed to elevate athlete visibility and connect coaches, families, and programs nationwide.

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