2026s Playing at a High Level PT.3
BY:Trey Sterner

MJ Littlejohn (6’5 G, Westminster Catawba/Next Level SC) is a high-academic prospect with a 5.13 GPA, pairing intelligence with strong positional size and athleticism. A versatile scorer, Littlejohn shoots well from three, attacks the rim with strength, and thrives in transition. His rebounding and off-ball movement allow him to contribute in multiple ways, and he earned All-Conference honors this season while averaging 9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block per game.

Naef Yusuf (6’2 G, Sioux City East/TEAM Warwick) has shown excellent poise in ball-screen actions, making smart reads and facilitating in the half-court. A capable three-point shooter, Yusuf is at his best attacking downhill and creating in transition. His ability to generate offense for himself and others has been key this season, where he is averaging 10 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal per game.

Nando Mirarchi (6’0 G, Cathedral Prep/Team Northeast) earned First-Team All-Region honors as a sophomore and has continued to showcase his elite shooting and playmaking ability. He is highly effective in pick-and-roll situations and can run off screens to knock down threes. Mirarchi has posted three double-doubles this season, proving himself as a well-rounded offensive weapon.

Nate Kelley (6’0 G, Scottsbluff/ETG 3SSB) has solidified himself as one of the top point guards in the state after an All-State campaign last season. Holding offers from UNK and Chadron State, Kelley is a quick and tough floor general who scores from all three levels and locks in defensively. He is averaging 16 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 2.2 steals per game while maintaining a 2:1 assist-to-turnover ratio, showing his strong decision-making and playmaking ability.

Nathan Kirk (6’0 G, DME Academy/Austin Rivers Elite) has taken on a new challenge this season, transferring to DME Academy after helping lead his team to a 3SSB 16U championship this summer. A dynamic athlete, Kirk beats defenders in transition, finishes well at the rim, and plays at a high pace. He picked up an offer from Mercer over the summer and added another from Fordham in January as his stock continues to rise.

Nathan Ramus (6’1 G, Appleton North/Davis Bros Elite) is a microwave scorer who can make shots from all three levels. A high-IQ offensive player, he operates well in pick-and-roll situations and has strong footwork as a shooter. Averaging 14 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals per game, Ramus has been an efficient and reliable scoring option all season.

Nehemiah Lawrence (5’6 G, Allen/Southern Ties) is a relentless competitor who plays with unmatched energy on both ends. A lockdown perimeter defender, he picked up an offer from Hampton in the summer due to his ability to impact winning. His passing vision, scoring touch, and defensive presence make him a valuable asset, as he averages 8 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals per game.

Nicholas McLean (6’8 F, Winston Salem Christian) has been a strong interior presence this season, excelling as a rim protector, rebounder, and mobile big. He is efficient finishing around the basket and has shown the ability to knock down jumpers when needed. Averaging 7 points per game, McLean is a high-potential prospect with upside on both ends of the floor.

Nicholas Shrewsberry (6’4 G, South Bend St. Joseph/Team Tradition) was selected to the NCAA Basketball Academy in July and continues to prove himself as a knockdown shooter and skilled scorer. He plays with great decision-making, can score efficiently from three and inside, and is helping his team to a 16-3 record this season. Averaging 14 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 2 steals per game, he has been a consistent offensive force.

Nick Arnold (6’0 PG, Lake Norman/Team Charlotte) is a high-academic prospect with a 4.44 GPA and an effective midrange scorer who gets to his spots off the dribble. He plays well off two feet, uses jab steps and rip-throughs to create space, and is a strong on-ball defender. Averaging 15 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2.5 steals per game, Arnold has been a playmaker on both ends.

Nick Ballenger (6’0 G, St. Albert/HHA) is an elite three-point shooter who has been automatic in catch-and-shoot situations this season. His ability to score efficiently both on and off the ball has made him a reliable offensive threat. Averaging 13 points, 2.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 2 steals per game while shooting 35% from three with 50 makes, Ballenger’s offensive versatility and competitive nature make him a key player.

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