NEW HAVEN, Conn. — There were undoubtedly several standout performances from uncommitted prospects in the 2025 class at the National Prep Showcase this past weekend.
But personally, some of my favorite performances from the weekend came from players in the 2026 class.
The juniors still have time before their recruitment really picks up, but some are doing themselves favors by making strong impressions right now. With dozens of college coaches on hand at Albertus Magnus for the three-day event, there were a handful of 2026 recruits who did just that. One even got a high-major scholarship offer following the weekend.
I made the trip to New Haven for the final two days of the National Prep Showcase, and focused my observations on New England schools and players from those programs. Here are eight 2026 players who impressed me.
Chris Birden Jr.
South Kent, 6-10 forward
Hometown: Gretna, La.
Birden stuffed the stat sheet in both of South Kent’s games, contributing 11 points, five rebounds and four assists in the Cardinals’ narrow loss to Massanutten Military Academy before producing 12 points and five boards in their huge victory over IMG Academy, which included some big plays down the stretch. Birden is a super intriguing prospect with his size and athleticism on both ends of the court; I’m excited to see how he develops against similar athletes in NEPSAC this winter.
Timmy Bollin
Newman, 6-6 guard
Hometown: Brockton, Mass.
Bollin was one of the biggest stock-risers – regardless of class – of the weekend as he simply just kept making winning plays. He posted 25 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and four steals in Newman’s overtime loss to Sunrise Christian, which included a big steal in the final minute and the game-tying helper to Jalen Harper, whose buzzer-beating layup forced overtime. On Sunday, Bollin was once again everywhere – nine points, seven rebounds, six assists and six steals. He showcased an advanced feel for the game and a relentless motor throughout the weekend.
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Amir Jenkins
Worcester Academy, 6-2 guard
Hometown: Worcester, Mass.
Worcester Academy had the unenviable assignment of playing the opening game of Sunday’s slate at 9 a.m., but head coach Jamie Sullivan’s group brought the energy. And it was led by Jenkins, who had 21 points and five assists to lead the Hilltoppers to a blowout victory over OSL Prep. With coaches from Providence and Saint Louis – two schools who have offered him – in attendance, Jenkins showed off an improved game from when I last saw him play at June’s NEPSAC showcases. He had some really pretty finishes at the rim, put constant pressure on the defense with his strong drives, and made good decisions while doing so.
One of my favorite plays was when Jenkins made a strong behind-the-back crossover dribble to get deep into the paint, and when the help came, he didn’t force a tough shot, instead passing out to the perimeter where ultimately one of his teammates knocked down a 3-pointer. A back-to-back state champion at Worcester North, Jenkins seems to be transitioning well to his new situation; I’m excited to see how his first winter in the NEPSAC unfolds.
Lucas Morillo
Newman, 6-7 guard
Hometown: Mount Vernon, N.Y.
It’s getting to a point where we might have to reserve a spot for Morillo on these lists whenever Newman plays. The junior guard was once again terrific. He took over in the second half to lead Newman’s comeback from a 19-point deficit against Sunrise Christian Academy as he finished with 31 points. The next day, he put up 15 points, 11 rebounds and five assists in the win over Massanutten Military Academy. The coaches from Iowa who were on hand were clearly impressed, as Morillo announced a scholarship offer from the Hawkeyes following another big weekend.
Louis O’Keefe
Newman, 6-3 guard
Hometown: Nashville, Tenn.
The strength of Newman is its depth, and that showed up in O’Keefe’s performance this weekend. The guard didn’t have a big impact in Saturday’s game, but he was critical in Newman’s Sunday victory as he scored a team-high 23 points on 9-for-13 shooting, including four 3-pointers, and added eight rebounds and five assists. He was a confident shot-maker, and had a few confident, athletic drives to the basket that were impressive. With starter Chase Geremia, Newman’s best 3-point shooter, out due to a minor injury, O’Keefe answered the call. It might be tough to get minutes in Newman’s crowded backcourt, but he certainly earned himself some more opportunities.
Collins Onyejiaka
Newman, 6-10 center
Hometown: Abuja, Nigeria
It’s been a bit of a quiet start to the season for Onyejiaka, but his impact was felt loudly throughout the weekend as he totaled 26 points, 21 rebounds and four blocks over the two games. He was opportunistic on second chances with several monster putback dunks, and he was engaged defensively. It was a good way to go into the break for Onyejiaka, who will look to carry that momentum into consistent performances throughout the winter.
Hunter Te Ratana
Darrow, 6-4 guard
Hometown: Auckland, New Zealand
It would be smart to buy some early stock in Te Retana, who came off the bench and scored 17 points – including four 3-pointers – in Darrow’s 30-point victory on Saturday night. He’s polished with an advanced feel for the game for his age, plays the game the right way and doesn’t force anything while taking what the defense gives him. He has a confident, smooth 3-point stroke and even made one mid-range jumper off the glass, which showed me his maturity. A member of New Zealand’s U17 team that finished fourth at the FIBA World Cup this summer, Te Ratana – who will join BABC on the grassroots circuit next summer – looks to have a bright future.
Jaxson Terry
CATS, 6-6 guard
Hometown: Acton, Mass.
Terry had his best game of the early season in CATS’ 74-56 victory over the Knox School in the final game of the event on Sunday. He finished with 16 points on four 3-pointers, and he was everywhere defensively in a team-high 38 minutes. He had two steals, but that doesn’t encapsulate just how much of a disruptor he was on that end, as he made several deflections in CATS’ press and made life difficult for opposing guards.
