In the world of high school basketball, few players in the Class of 2027 exhibit the poise, leadership, and basketball IQ that Jackson Riley brings to the court. 

Standing at 5’11" and weighing 160 lbs, the Wausau West High School standout is a versatile combo guard capable of running the point or shifting to the shooting guard position seamlessly. 

With UTC Fire AAU, Jackson continues to sharpen his skills against elite competition.

What immediately stands out is his three-point shooting, Riley has deep range and a quick release, making him a constant threat from beyond the arc. 

His offensive game is fluid, polished, and highly effective, allowing him to both create his own shot and facilitate for others. 

He reads defenses with maturity beyond his years and rarely forces bad shots or decisions. 

Defensively, he’s active, alert, and tenacious, he competes every possession and holds his own against top guards.

Jackson’s 4.0 GPA shows he’s as sharp in the classroom as he is on the court, a true student-athlete. 

His work ethic, leadership, and clutch performances make him a key contributor now and a high-upside prospect at the next level.

Strengths 

• Elite three-point shooter

• High basketball IQ

• Excellent court vision

• Active perimeter defender

• Strong work ethic

• Smart decision maker

• Fast in transition

• Vocal floor leader

Areas for Improvement

• Add muscle mass

• Mid-range shot consistency

• Finishing through contact

• Off-ball movement efficiency

• Advanced defensive reads

• Weak hand development

College Projection

• High-academic D2 potential

• D3 starter-caliber guard

• Mid-major upside possibility

• Prep school opportunity option

Conclusion 

Jackson Riley is a name you’ll be hearing a lot more of over the next few years. 

A skilled combo guard with a lethal three-point shot and mature floor leadership, Jackson plays the game with poise and purpose. 

His ability to make plays, defend, and elevate teammates makes him an invaluable asset at the high school and AAU level. 

As he continues to develop physically and polish his all-around game, Riley’s future at the collegiate level looks bright, particularly for programs that value academics and guard play. 

A true sleeper prospect with the mindset and motor to surprise many.

At 6'6" and just 170 pounds, Mathers McHone is an intriguing 2026 guard with elite size for his position and a game built on energy, intelligence, and production. 

Representing Spencer High School in Wisconsin and playing AAU ball with UTC Fire National, McHone has developed into a high-impact player who thrives on both ends of the floor. 

His love for applying pressure on opposing ball handlers creates turnovers that often lead to fast-break opportunities. 

He doesn’t wait for the game to come to him, he attacks.

Offensively, McHone is crafty with the ball, showing confidence in his ability to create off the dribble. 

Whether it’s slicing to the rim or pulling up for a smooth jumper, he’s a threat at multiple levels. 

His court vision and unselfish approach allow him to elevate his teammates, often making the right reads in transition or out of set plays.

What separates McHone is the combination of size, hustle, and IQ. 

He has a 28 ACT score, signaling strong off-court discipline that often correlates with coachable, system-ready athletes. 

He may be wiry now, but with physical development and continued reps, he could mature into a next-level backcourt player who fits well at the mid-major D1 level and above.

Strengths 

• Elite defensive motor

• Breakaway transition finisher

• Excellent ball pressure

• Strong basketball IQ

• Playmaker off dribble

• Creates for teammates

• Versatile offensive threat

• Great size guard

Areas to Improve 

• Add muscle mass

• More consistent jumper

• Sharpen off-ball defense

• Improve shooting range

• Rebounding for position

• Develop midrange floater

College Projection 

• Mid-major D1 guard

• Low D1 potential

• Strong NAIA contributor

• High ceiling prospect

Conclusion Summary 

Mathers McHone is a long, lean 2026 guard with the skill set and work ethic to develop into a strong college-level player. 

His defensive instincts and hustle make him a disruptive force, and his ability to create for himself and others adds major value. 

With continued physical development and refinement in his shooting mechanics, McHone has the tools to make noise at the next level. 

Coaches looking for a system-ready player who can contribute on both ends of the court should keep a close eye on his growth over the next two seasons.

At 6’5” and 205 pounds, Evan Shoeder from Rhinelander High School is steadily emerging as a force in the class of 2026. 

A physically gifted and fundamentally sound forward, Shoeder is showing tremendous upside both in high school competition and on the AAU circuit with UTC Fire 17U National. 

He brings a well-rounded game to the table, blending physicality with perimeter skill, a rare trait for a power forward at the high school level. 

His defensive awareness is advanced, serving as both a rim protector and a capable perimeter defender. 

On offense, Shoeder has shown range from beyond the arc and comfort putting the ball on the floor. 

His 3-point shooting has made him a matchup problem, and his unselfishness and leadership are key traits that college coaches value. 

With a 3.5 GPA and strong character, he checks the boxes both athletically and academically. 

Shoeder leads by example, plays with consistent effort, and has a growing basketball IQ that translates into winning basketball. 

College programs looking for a modern stretch-four with toughness and versatility should take a serious look.

Strengths 

• Perimeter defensive stopper

• Strong rim protector instincts

• Capable three-point shooter

• Vocal on-court leader

• Tough inside presence

• High basketball IQ

Areas to Improve 

• Quicker offensive first step

• Mid-post scoring moves

• Finishing through contact consistently

• Lateral foot speed burst

• Shot creation under pressure

College Projection 

• Low-major D1 potential

• D2 impact-ready forward

• Strong JUCO contributor

• NAIA athletic standout

Summary Conclusion

Evan Shoeder is the kind of student-athlete coaches love to build around, tough, smart, coachable, and steadily improving. 

He brings high energy and effort to every game while offering two-way versatility. 

As he continues to refine his offensive skill set and become more explosive athletically, Shoeder is primed to be a valuable contributor at the next level. 

Whether at a D2 program, low-major Division 1, or top-tier JUCO, his combination of size, skill, and attitude will translate. 

With continued development, don’t be surprised if Shoeder becomes a name that earns serious interest across multiple levels of college basketball.

Quincy Pfender is the kind of guard you want running your offense. 

At 6’2” and 170 pounds, he has ideal size for a backcourt leader, paired with a sharp basketball IQ and a clear understanding of how to control the tempo of a game. 

Playing for Newman Catholic and the UTC Fire 17U National team, Quincy shows maturity beyond his years with every decision he makes on the court. 

He's unselfish, calculated, and calm under pressure, a true coach’s dream at the guard position.

Quincy thrives on making his teammates better. 

He’s a pass-first guard with an ability to read the floor, hit cutters in stride, and find shooters in rhythm. 

His leadership shines through in how he communicates, stays engaged defensively, and keeps the offense flowing. 

He doesn’t rely on overwhelming athleticism, but instead leans on his craftiness, using fakes, pace changes, and footwork to create space and opportunities. 

Off the ball, Quincy never stands still, constantly repositioning and keeping defenses alert.

Defensively, he competes every possession, understands rotations, and brings vocal energy. 

He’s a high-effort player who dives for loose balls, boxes out bigger opponents, and always plays with a team-first mindset. 

With a 3.7 GPA, strong character, and leadership traits, Quincy is a student-athlete that programs will want in their locker room.

Strengths 

• High Basketball IQ

• Unselfish Floor Leader

• Crafty With Footwork

• Vocal Defensive Communicator

• Smart Shot Selection

• Excellent Court Vision

• Consistent Hustle Plays

• Calm Under Pressure

Areas to Improve 

• Explosiveness With First Step

• Strength Through Contact

• Finishing In Traffic

• Midrange Pull-Up Consistency

• Lateral Quickness Defensively

• Three-Point Shot Volume

College Projection 

• High-Level D3 Prospect

• Strong D2 Potential

• Ideal System Point Guard

• Fits Coach-Driven Programs

Conclusion Summary

Quincy Pfender is a true student of the game. 

His ability to lead a team, make intelligent decisions, and prioritize team success over personal stats makes him a standout among 2026 guards. 

He’s not flashy, but he’s steady, reliable, and competitive traits that win games and impress coaches. 

With continued growth in his explosiveness and offensive assertiveness, Quincy has the tools to thrive at the college level. 

Programs looking for a high-IQ, team-first point guard who brings leadership and unshakable poise will find Quincy to be a valuable addition to their roster.

Evan Strimel is a tough, hard-nosed 5'7" point guard from Geibel Catholic High School in the class of 2026. 

Don’t let the height fool you, this young man plays bigger than his frame. 

With a 3.8 GPA and a dual-sport background that includes baseball, Evan brings a unique combination of IQ, quickness, and competitiveness to the floor. 

He’s the kind of player who refuses to back down, always looking to make a play, set the tone, or ignite a run.

Evan is a scrappy, confident three-level scorer who understands how to manage tempo, control the game, and attack mismatches. 

Whether it’s knocking down a pull-up jumper, finishing through contact, or threading a no-look pass in transition, Evan’s decision-making and feel for the game stand out. 

He’s vocal on the floor, poised under pressure, and shows advanced leadership skills that translate well to the next level. 

His AAU reps with AIT/NXTPRO out of Pittsburgh have added more polish and confidence to his overall game.

Strimel plays with a chip on his shoulder, he does all the little things that win games and keeps coaches watching. He’s the heartbeat of any team he’s on.

Strengths 

• High Basketball IQ

• Confident Floor Leader

• Three-Level Shot Maker

• Competes Every Possession

• Strong Decision Maker

• Tough On-Ball Defender

• Excellent Court Vision

• Plays With Swagger

Areas to Improve 

• Increase Strength Base

• Improve Left Hand

• Enhance Defensive Footwork

• Expand Range Consistency

• Improve Shot Selection

• Read Help Defense

• Stay Low Defensively

• Develop Float Game

College Projection

• Low D1 Potential

• High Academic Fit

• JUCO Steal Option

• Strong D3 Contributor

Conclusion Summary 

Evan Strimel is a driven and confident point guard with a winning mentality and a versatile skill set. 

He brings grit, intelligence, and vocal leadership to every possession. 

A product of Pittsburgh’s competitive basketball scene, Strimel continues to develop into a guard that college programs should keep tabs on, especially those looking for toughness, brains, and a proven competitor. 

His game fits well in systems that value tempo control, spacing, and team-first play. 

As he continues to mature physically and expand his offensive toolbox, Evan Strimel has the potential to be a hidden gem in the 2026 class.

Jatyn Barkus, a 6’3, 175-pound combo guard out of Rhinelander High School and a standout for UTC Fire National 17U, brings the kind of versatility and tenacity you love to see in a high-level backcourt player. 

With a unique combination of size, strength, and skill, Barkus is a two-way threat who thrives in both on-ball and off-ball roles. 

Offensively, he is capable of attacking the rim with power, using his athleticism and body control to finish through contact, even throwing it down in traffic. 

He's also a consistent shot-maker off the dribble and catch, which allows him to thrive in half-court sets and transition play. 

On defense, Barkus takes pride in locking down the opposing team’s best player, using his quick feet, physicality, and sharp instincts to cause turnovers and frustrate ball-handlers.

His basketball IQ is also notable, he understands spacing, moves without the ball, and knows when to make the extra pass. 

Barkus views himself as a smart decision-maker and a playmaker who can get teammates open with strong vision and timing. 

He shows leadership, toughness, and a willingness to do the dirty work, all traits that translate well to the next level.

Strengths 

• High-Level On-Ball Defender

• Explosive Rim Attacker

• Strong Basketball IQ

• Plays Through Contact

• Versatile Guard Skillset

• Great In Transition

• Confident Shot Creator

• Unselfish, Team-First Mentality

Areas to Improve 

• Tighten Advanced Passing

• Develop Weak Hand Finishing

• Improve Shot Selection Consistency

• Refine Half-Court Decision Making

College Projection 

• Mid-Major D1 Ready

• Could Climb Higher Ceiling

• D2 All-Conference Potential

• High-Level JUCO Option

Conclusion

Jatyn Barkus is a high-ceiling guard who brings toughness, athleticism, and competitive edge to every possession. 

His ability to defend, attack the rim, and create offense, both for himself and others, makes him an intriguing recruit for coaches at the next level. 

With continued work on his passing polish and decision-making in set offenses, Barkus has the tools to impact a college program immediately. His motor, coachability, and mindset are elite, and that’s what separates good players from great ones. 

Keep a close eye on this young man out of Wisconsin, he’s coming for everything.