WV High School Basketball:Top 5 Impact transfers for the 2025-26 Season

The WVSSAC High School Prep Basketball season is less than three months away, and with the new era of the High School Transfer Portal, we will be unveiling my Top 5 impact transfers for the 2025-26 season.

Anden Santamaria (Spring Mills HS)- Transfer from Musselman

The defending Class AAAA State Champions are looking to defend their title in 2025-26, and with the addition of Anden Santamaria from EPAC rival Musselman, the Cardinals are definitely in the conversation to win it all come March Madness. The 6'7 senior forward has an impressive wingspan, which he uses to his advantage to block shots in the paint, and he's improved on his outside shooting this offseason. Santamaria averaged 14 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and nearly 2 blocks per game for the Applemen last year. Expect Santamaria to explode for the Cards this upcoming season.

Jaylen Deuesenberry (Fairmont Senior HS)- Transfer from Morgantown

Deuesenberry is expected to play a major role for the Polar Bears heading into the 2025-26 season. The 6'4 senior guard is extremely athletic with a 41 inch vertical, which helps him attack the basket at will. He can shoot effectively from beyond the arc. I had the chance to see Deuesenberry play at the Blue Chips Nation Hoop Summit and the Fairmont State Basketball Elite camp- he was one of the top performers in both events. Although he didn't see that much playing time at Morgantown HS last season, He will be one of the top players to watch at the Fairmont Armory this year. Remember the name.

JoJo Greene (Capital HS)- Transfer from Hurricane

Greene comes in from Hurricane HS as one of the top players in the 2026 class and will lead 2nd year Head Coach Cookie Miller and the Cougars to new heights this season. The 6'4 wing is a great all-around prospect that can drive to the basket at a high level, can shoot well from beyond the arc, and plays impressive defense. Greene is a terrific athlete on both the court and the gridiron, as he has college offers in both sports. Will be interesting to see how well he preforms come December.

De'Shad Williams (Capital HS)- Transfer from South Charleston

"Shaudy" Williams has been the Black Eagles' top guard over the past two seasons. Now, with his senior year approaching, the 6-foot prospect is poised to make a major impact for the Capital Cougars in 2025-26. Williams is one of the toughest players in the state, with his ability to drive to the basket through contact and deliver high-pressure defense. He, along with JoJo Greene, will form one of the best guard-forward duos in the state of West Virginia this season.

Grady Paynter (St. Joe's)- Transfer from Cabell Midland

After spending last season at Cabell Midland HS, Paynter returns to Huntington St. Joe's and is aiming to win a Class A State Championship for the Irish in 2025-26. The 6'3 combo guard is one of the best perimeter shooters in the state. His length is a huge asset, and his defense has shown improvement since last season. Paynter was one of the top prospects at the Blue Chips Nation Hoop Summit back in August. Expect Paynter to lead this Irish squad to Charleston in March.