Eli Sancomb
"6’5 Point Guard•Wheeling Central Catholic• Class of 2026•2024-2025 WV Gatorade Player of the Year"
Liberty
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Scout Report
When you find a 6-5 combo guard who can handle the rock and shoot from deep in small-town West Virginia, you pay attention. Eli Sancomb has been turning heads across the country from his home base in Wheeling, collecting offers from programs coast to coast.
Background
Sancomb hails from Wheeling, West Virginia, a blue-collar town along the Ohio River where basketball runs deep in the community fabric. He's spent his high school career at Central Catholic, a program that's become a pipeline for Division I talent in recent years. Playing alongside fellow Division I commits Zamir Paschal and Isaac Carr has given him invaluable experience in high-pressure situations. His AAU circuit exposure has helped him gain national recognition despite his small-market roots.
Playing Style
Sancomb operates with the versatility that modern college coaches crave in their backcourt pieces. At 6-5, he can initiate offense as a primary ball-handler or slide over to play off the ball when needed. His court vision allows him to find teammates in transition and in half-court sets, but he's equally comfortable looking for his own shot when the defense gives him openings. Defensively, his size creates mismatches against smaller guards while his lateral quickness helps him stay in front of quicker opponents. He plays with good pace and rarely forces bad decisions, showing the basketball IQ that translates well to the college level. His ability to impact winning on both ends of the floor makes him an attractive piece for coaches building their rotations.
Strengths
The combination of size and skill set makes Sancomb a tough cover for opposing defenses. His shooting range extends well beyond the three-point line, and he's shown the ability to create his own shot off the dribble when needed. What separates him from other shooters is his willingness to make the extra pass and find open teammates rather than forcing contested looks. His length bothers opposing guards on defense, and he uses his wingspan effectively to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots.
Areas to Watch
Adding strength to his frame will be crucial as he faces more physical competition at the college level. His ball-handling, while solid, could use refinement to maximize his potential as a primary initiator against high-level pressure defense. Consistency from three-point range will determine whether he becomes a role player or a featured offensive weapon.
Player Comparison
He reminds me of a young Doug McDermott in terms of basketball IQ and shooting ability, though Sancomb has better size for his position and more versatility defensively. Both players maximize their efficiency through smart shot selection and understanding their role within team concepts. The shooting touch and court awareness translate similarly between the two.
Recruitment
Sancomb made his decision early, committing to Liberty and coach Ritchie McKay's program that has made recent NCAA Tournament noise. The Flames beat out a solid mix of mid-major and low-major programs for his services, including schools like Iowa and Colorado State that represent significant steps up in competition level. His early commitment suggests he values fit and opportunity over prestige, which speaks well to his character. The timeline worked in Liberty's favor as they offered early and made him a priority recruit.
Projection
At Liberty, Sancomb projects as a multi-year starter who could develop into an all-conference caliber player by his junior and senior seasons. His skill set translates well to the college game, and playing in Conference USA will give him opportunities to showcase his abilities on a national stage. Professional basketball overseas could be in his future if he continues developing his all-around game.
Updated Apr 1, 2026 · Analysis by PrepRadar Scouting Team
Career Journey
Liberty
COLLEGE
Central Catholic
PREP SCHOOL
Offers
14
Liberty
Committed
Chose Liberty over 13 other offers
Colorado State
Miami OhioOffers sourced from 247Sports and social media monitoring.
Highlights
Social Activity
OVAC SEMI-FINAL WINNER 🌺 Saturday at the ECO Center at 4:00pm for all the OVAC marbles. Central Catholic - 81 Martins Ferry - 58 @EliSancomb11 36 pts, 12 rebs, 6 assts @max_olejasz 17 pts, 6 rebs @LukeSancomb13 13 pts, 3 asts @Nico_kusic2 9 pts, 5 rebs 5 stls LGK! 🏆
2.6.26 Highlights: Linsly @ Wheeling Central boys hoops @CCHSHoops_ remains unbeaten These 2 meet again on the 17th at Linsly LIVE on FOX9 at 6 pm. https://t.co/V3uisH6Js6 https://t.co/PS1RI5n7Yd
Ohio County winner 🥶 Central Catholic - 74 The Linsly School - 58 @EliSancomb11 37 pts, 13 rebs, 7 assts @max_olejasz 16 pts, 8 rebs @LukeSancomb13 8 pts, 2 asts @SBrodegard 8 pts, 4 rebs LGK! 🏆
Blessed to announce my commitment to Denison University!! First I would like to thank God!! I would also like to thank my parents, coaches, and friends for always supporting me! Thank you @coachhatem and @Moses_Adam_86 for giving me this opportunity!! Go Big Red!! https://t.co/LMJnvlc8Gg
Hit the road and came back with a TOUGH RT 7 dub! Play that TK! Central Catholic - 66 Monroe Central - 60 @EliSancomb11 32 pts, 15 rebs, 7 assts @NicoKusic 13 pts, 4 rebs @max_olejasz 11 pts, 6 rebs LGK! 🏆