Azy Jackson
Kaleena Smith of Ontario Christian High School holds on to the top spot in the junior class. *Photo courtesy of 3SSB Circuit.
The 2025-26 scholastic season is zenith. Adding that to the body of work of the class of 2027 (juniors) means it’s time to refresh the ProspectsNation.com player rankings. This update, which precedes this group’s final year on the travel circuit, sees the rankings expand to an ELITE 60 as well as an expanding Watch List of the ELITE 150.
While the top 5 remain the same – Kaleena Smith of Perris, California, Ivanna Wilson-Manyacka of Fredrick, Maryland, Sydney Savoury of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Jezelle Banks of Wilmington, Delaware and Haylen Ayers of Dyersburg, Tennessee – the class sees quite a bit of movement from No. 6 and down.
At the top, Smith continues her remarkable run of elite play on some of the biggest stages in the game. This is evidenced by her team, Ontario Chrisitan High School, being in the conversation for No. 1 in the nation on most media outlets for most of the season.
One of the biggest risers in the top half of the rankings is Avery Arije of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. She powers one of the top Canadian teams, Crestwood Preparatory Academy. Arije’s battle with Ryan Carter, a 2027 for Friends Central (Pennsylvania) at the Nike Tournament of Champions in Arizona was one of the best we saw this winter. They are both elite guards with different styles of play and both have plenty of help on their rosters. After a tremendous summer this season has continued her ascent, moving up to No. 12.
Long Island Lutheran has no shortage of talent. One player we continue to see impact the game at a high level is Taylor Brown of Wyncote, New Jersey. Her speed with the ball combined with her ability to create not only for herself but her teammates, keeps faith that the point guard position will remain in the game and she has moved up to No. 18.
The play of Azy Jackson of Bonney Lake, Washington, has really elevated her game. She’s long had the potential and that has turned into impressive production. The 6-3 wing-forward has a unique skill set for her size and is starting to get noticed nationwide.
It should be an excited spring and summer and as always, the ProspectsNation.com rankings will put a premium on top matchups.
Chris Hansen is managing editor of ProspectsNation.com and serves on the McDonald’s All-American and Naismith Trophy selection committees. He was a co-founder of and the national director of scouting for ESPN HoopGurlz from 2005 until 2012 and is the director of the Check Me Out Showcase and ELITE is EARNED events. He can be reached at chris@chrishansenbasketball.com.
