With private schools tipping off this week and public school rosters now being officially set, I’m turning the page to the class of 2026 and highlighting players in the triangle who I believe should be popular candidates for a breakout season. Last week, I took a look at the class of 2027 which you can read here and here. You can read part one of the 2026 class here.
6’2” McCoy Williams (Cary Academy)
Williams has always been a microwave scoring threat and should step into a new and improved role this year under a new coaching staff and an increased workload. He’s a crafty shot maker who gets to his spots with relative ease and is an efficient scorer. He has good positional size and I believe he has more of a passing sense than previously shown. He’ll be an integral piece for new coach Matt Cioce on both ends of the floor, acting as a main creation option and point-of-attack defender.
6’5” Ryder Strand (Heritage)
As I’ve stated numerous times in the past eight months, Strand is slated for a breakout year and his development will be a key factor in how far Heritage can move the needle in year two under Coach Pyper. He’s athletic, smart, and is a knockdown shooter. His motor continues to improve and he’s shown some real signs of future defensive prowess in the last 12 months. He’s dominant in transition and will provide quite a few highlight plays in that area this year. As he continues to gain confidence, look for him to stand out as a highly impactful two-way piece this season.
5’11” George Daniels (Middle Creek)
Daniels has always been one of my personal favorite players to watch in the area simply thanks to his willingness to do whatever it takes to win. He’s a smart, unselfish, and creative point guard who can guard multiple positions and fill a variety of offensive roles. His ability to create for others will be absolutely crucial as he’ll be surrounded by a handful of quality scoring options this year. While he may not get the usage this year to get a triple-double, I fully expect him to flirt with one on multiple occasions. His ability to impact winning is incredibly important to a Middle Creek program that’s eyeing a playoff berth within an unproven SWAC.
6’2” Abdou Diop (Fuquay-Varina)
Diop is in a unique spot as he had the best statistical season last year of anyone on this list, but was left off of the GNRC all-conference awards list at the end of the year. He showed flashes of shot creation last season and will be leaned upon heavily to provide consistent scoring production as a junior. He’s a dominant defensive presence thanks to his motor, feel, and explosiveness. Since Fuquay-Varina was on the receiving end of multiple transfers this offseason, look for Diop to be tasked with not only producing under heavy usage, but also with leading a young roster to wins.
6’7” Tyson Miller (Green Level)
Miller has the least amount of varsity experience of anyone on this list, but should be plugged right into an important role for the Gators as they look to make a run at a state championship. He’s a capable inside-out big man who adequately fills his role within Green Level’s offense and is an underrated finisher around the rim. He should be able to provide consistent depth at the forward spot which will be critical to the Gators success this season as they’ll need multiple unproven pieces to step into important roles.