One of the top overall prospects in Arizona's 2026 Class continues to soar below the recruiting radar, after being one of the hottest prospects in the class, just two years ago. Verrado High School's talented 6-foot-5, 180-pound senior guard Brayden Barrett is a big time shooter with an advanced offensive skillset, and he has been regarded by our Arizona Preps' staff as one of the elite prospects in the class for many years now. Barrett previously attended Millennium High School, and then decided to leave the program last year in surprising fashion. After the move to Verrado HS, Barrett has torched his competition and raised his numbers and production a great deal, but has yet to see the college recruitment that he once received as a mere freshman and sophomore prospect, although he is still very worthy of much more college recruitment for himself, and should become one of the more heavily recruited unsigned prospects in the class this season.
After a storied middle school career, and then as a freshman and sophomore prospect for a loaded Millennium basketball program, Barrett instantly became one of the elite prospects in Arizona's 2026 Class and held that honor for several years. His college recruitment immediately shot through the roof after a strong freshman and sophomore season for Millennium. Barrett would receive his first Division-I offer from the University of Washington, an offer that should have dictated his future college recruitment. Instead, Barrett has yet to receive another big offer of this kind, and has almost went unnoticed by college programs since leaving Millennium for Verrado, although his numbers have climbed significantly, as he has played a major role for Verrado HS.
Last season at Verrado, Barrett was one of the state's top individual performers - an absolute bucket getter. Barrett has continued his play with the amazing promise that I have suggested he has since he was a mere 7th grader, and better than just about everyone in the class. Barrett exploded last season - pouring in tremendous numbers. In the state's 5A Division, Barrett led Verrado to a 16-11 overall record on the season, while posting 23.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.3 steals per/game. These were eye-popping numbers last season, and I expect Barrett to produce even better numbers during his final senior season. Barrett should have some of the very best numbers in the country this high school season. After already pouring in excellent numbers last season, Barrett will be on a mission this season to prove to doubters in inexcusable value as a college prospect.
Barrett is worthy of much more college recruitment, as he is one of the most skilled players of his size in the country. He is a bigger guard prospect that is capable of playing several positions on the floor. He is a pure shooter of the basketball with unlimited range on his shot and a quick release. He plays the game with superior confidence and always feel that he is the best player on the floor, especially as he has matured physically and mentally over the years. Barrett is a sniper from three-point distance and now has unlimited range on his shot - spreading the floor consistently, and opening up the floor for his teammates. He has always been an excellent shooter of the basketball, and now he is adding more to his bag with an improved ability to handle the basketball and make plays off the dribble. He will only continue to round into nice form over time, and he has developed nicely since entering high school. He is ready for a huge senior season.
I believe that Barrett will become one of the more sought after high school prospects during his senior season, and although there is a high demand for the NCAA Transfer Portal, Barrett is still worthy of serious Division-I college recruitment, as there are not many prospects with his high basketball IQ and ability to make shots, and with size. Look for Barrett to raise many eyebrows this season with his play, and pick up his college recruitment. While he may or may not receive the college recruitment that he once had, he is still well deserving of it, and is one of my favorite overall prospects in the class.
I will continue to follow his recruitment closely, and bring you any updates as they continue to develop. I look forward to another big season for Barrett, as he looks to finish off an excellent high school career.
Arizona Preps Scouting Report: Barrett is a bigger guard or wing prospect with goo size as a focused shooter of the basketball. A long-time top-rated prospect in the 2026 Class, he has soared below the recruiting radar for some time no, but is worthy of serious college attention and recruitment. Barrett has a high skill level and an advanced offensive skillset. An absolute bucket-getter and shot maker that plays with superior confidence and has a high basketball IQ. Barrett is worthy of much more college recruitment, as he is one of the most skilled players of his size in the country. He is a bigger guard prospect that is capable of playing several positions on the floor. has excellent offensive versatility. He is a pure shooter of the basketball with unlimited range on his shot and a quick release. He plays the game with superior confidence and always feel that he is the best player on the floor, especially as he has matured physically and mentally over the years. Barrett is a sniper from three-point distance and now has unlimited range on his shot - spreading the floor consistently, and opening up the floor for his teammates. He has always been an excellent shooter of the basketball, and now he is adding more to his bag with an improved ability to handle the basketball and make plays off the dribble. An OK defender that needs to focus in this area of his game to maximize his potential as a player and college prospect. An excellent sleeper prospect today, although he has never been a sleeper, but he is now due to his lack of college recruitment. A steal for the right college program.
