Every year, there are debates and discussions surrounding who are the top players in the state. While these are almost entirely subjective arguments, it’s worth taking a deeper, more objective look at this topic. These conversations typically ignore positional context and long-term upside but we will acknowledge both. Although we will take a closer look at guards and wings, this article will specifically look at the top grouping of big men (based on our rankings) in North Carolina’s Class of 2026…
6’7 Kendre Harrison (Reidsville)
Given Harrison’s body of work, most folks will see this conversation as a moot point. It’s understandable. Harrison is a physical freak and nightly double-double machine who has the same number of Peach Jam Championships and high school losses (1). The Oregon football commit is a unique athlete with amazing strength and explosiveness. Harrison is a powerful finisher who blocks shots, controls the glass, and regularly plays above the rim. He’s averaging 14.4 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 1.2 SPG, and 2.7 BPG while shooting 60% from the floor.
6’11 Will Stevens (Davidson Day)
It’s been incredible to watch Stevens’ gradual ascension into one of the most coveted prospects in the state. His appeal should be quite clear as a modernized big man who can reliably protect the rim, space the floor, and operate around the basket. Stevens possesses legitimate size and utilizes his length well to block or alter shots defensively. He moves well for his size and simply knows how to impact the game in a steady, low-maintenance manner on both ends of the floor. Stevens’ malleable game is part of what makes him such an enticing prospect.
6’9 Rivers Knight (Jordan)
We featured Knight in detail yesterday (which can be read here), but he still warrants attention in this group. Between his rebounding, interior defense, and offensive polish, there’s certainly a lot to like. Knight is widely known for his lethal perimeter shooting but also displays useful ability around the paint. He’s comfortable being featured in various spots on the floor and is skilled enough to naturally cause matchup problems for opponents. Knight is averaging 16.7 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.8 SPG, and 3.2 BPG with 50/36/80 splits.
6’8 Justin Caldwell (Berean Baptist)
Arguably the most productive guy on this list, Caldwell has proven to be a valuable asset for Berean since arriving. He’s a strong, physically overwhelming big man with toughness, athleticism, and a quality level of skill. Caldwell is a reliable scorer from the block and midrange area but can also space the floor as needed. He utilizes his body well to gain position and absorb contact as a rebounder and finisher. Caldwell is averaging 22.8 PPG and 4.4 RPG for the Bulldogs.
6’9 Heimir Helgason (Asheville School)
While it can be argued that each of these listed players improved over the last twelve months, no one has progressed more than Helgason. He went from a virtual unknown upon arriving to blossoming into one of the more dynamic, intriguing prospects across the state. Helgason is a fluid athlete with an impressive blend of skill, explosiveness, and inside-out ability. He’s comfortable posting up, attacking off the bounce, operating around the elbows, and spacing the floor when necessary. Helgason is averaging 20.2 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 2.2 APG, and 2.5 BPG.