Peach State: Class of ’26 & ’27 prospect watch

Peach State: Class of ’26 & ’27 prospect watch

By Robert Alfonso Jr.

AUGUSTA, Ga. – The July Live period is when players want to get recognized and seen by college coaches. Many times college coaches are focused on finding players in the class of 2024 and possibly 2025. Those are the ones getting the most attention, deservingly so.

Now, there is a cluster of players in the class behind those players. We had a chance to see some players college coaches may want to see. These prospects are on the rise and are putting in work in their age group right now. They hail from all over the country from California, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, and everywhere in between.

Here are the players to watch.

Prospects to watch

2026 Charles Knight, Team Dtermined, had one of the better performances as a floor general. He played the position like Kendrick Lamar spits bars. There were minimal hiccups and plenty of fluidity. He was patient with teammates while putting them in comfortable scoring positions. His focus was to dish the basketball, resulting in 10 assists in the team’s final game. He was intentional in finding them. California is a large state but don’t be surprised to see Knight’s name in the future.

2026 Cliff Daguerre, Triple Threat Hoops, has an undeniably needed skillset, the ability to shoot the ball. He was locked in on the perimeter nailing three-pointers from all over the floor. His shooting performance made him one of the best shooters in the class and tournament. Daguerre’s game, at the same stage, resembles that of former Seton Hall standout Myles Cale.

2026 Kamari Brown, Promise Elite Gold, is going to be a known name soon enough. He is a competitor with some decent skills. His speed and quickness make him dangerous on the open floor. He gets to the rim and is capable of finding players for good scoring opportunities. His game will continue to flourish as the Grayson High product competes for a spot on the Rams roster. 

2026 Tarris Bouie, Team EAT, has a strong upside. The 6-foot-4 wing with a growing skillset handled the ball well while putting passes on a string to other players. His ability to score the ball allowed him to go for 30-plus points but that wasn’t the most impressive part of Bouie’s game. Being able to dish out six assists and four blocks gave those watching him Brandon Ingram vibes, who is a North Carolina native like this young man. 

2026 Joseph Riggins, Team Dtermined, catches one’s attention because of his length and athleticism. This Colony High product is a player. Period. There is no doubt about it because his motor never stops. He gets to and finishes above the rim. When he was on the perimeter Riggins’ range was impressive. His length caused havoc on defense frustrating opponents. Look for this West Coast native to soar high up in the interest level when more college programs get to see him on the hardwood.

2026 Nosa Lawami, Peel Elitę, was the most impressive post-player on the weekend. This forward was on the boards at both ends of the floor. His broad shoulders and strong base made him a load to handle in the paint. This Canadian is a load inside and a problem for anyone guarding him. 

2026 Dylan Hosten, Jacksonville Tigers, was enjoyable to watch. His 6-foot-5 frame makes him an intriguing wing. He posted up inside finishing through contact. Hosten is a solid rebounder and can push the ball up the floor to alleviate pressure. His skills will translate well in the SIAA during the season at Potter’s House, which is always loaded with talented wings. 

2026 Colton Jeffers, Birmingham Dream Chasers, walks on the floor with a moxie every coach wouldn’t mind seeing in their players. He plays the game with a lot of heart and never backs down. His length helped control the interior on both ends of the floor. This helped him dominate the glass allowing the Alabama-based team to gain momentum. He loves being a rim protector too. His carefree vibe showed this 

2026 Adrienne Lau, Peel Elite, knows his role, which is to knock down the open jumper. Well, the Canadian delivers every opportunity teammates kick him a pass. Those shots build a level of contagious confidence among teammates. They expect his shots to slice through the net regularly. The most impressive part of his game is the other parts. He is a defensive menace and dives for loose balls. This is not anything a player with his level of consistency in shooting the ball does.

2026 Alex Blurton, Promise Elite Gold, showed off the ability to nail shots under pressure. The Mill Creek High product nailed three 3-pointers in the second half to help the Gwinnett-based program back into the game late. His shot looks good for a player looking to make a name for himself in the future. Blurton could soon become a shooting weapon the Hawks will use in the coming future.

2026 Malik McCotter, Team EAT, has more range than a Verizon customer. The young man nailed jumpers from all over the floor. His triples were timely throughout the weekend for the Charlotte-based club. McCotter’s confidence grew with every shot made. His ability to shoot the ball is exactly what college programs are looking for consistently.

2026 Ronald Clark, Jacksonville Trojans, showed plenty of shiftiness running the point. He was getting out of tight spots and pressure giving the Florida-based program an advantage offensively. His ability to put this level of pressure on the defense helped him create for others while knocking down shots for himself. He ran Jacksonville with poise. 

2027 Jeffery Brooks, Triple Threat Hoops, is a young post player. He played the position like a traditional big man with his back to the basket. When he settled in the position Brooks kept his fundamentals and finished well inside. He is a 6-foot-9 wide body with great hands. This New Jersey product development will be critical to his growth. If it takes place as projected will make Brooks a household name in the Garden State. 

2027 Jalijah Rutledge, Birmingham Dream Chasers, stepped up when his team needed him the most. He handled the pressure pretty well for a rising freshman playing 15U. There were moments he handled things like an experienced veteran He ran the offense and showed the willingness to play relentless defense. Rutledge has a bright future ahead.

2027 Ty Duncan, Mark Gerald Elite, had one of the best shooting performances of the weekend. His efficiency was evident from the start. There was hitch or second-guessing when the ball got into his hands. He never looked rattled by the defensive attention. The way he played showed many in the gym he could handle tight circumstances. This Palmetto State product is next up with his ability to shoot the ball.