Class of 2026: Top Players

In my first year as a scout this summer, I witnessed a wider range of talent from the Show-Me State and Midwest. This allowed me to delve deeper and really evaluate each individual class, and I think I was most impressed by Missouri's current eighth graders. It's truly a shame MSHSAA doesn't allow them to play in high school because these ballers I've listed below are instant impact players. 5’11" SF <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kate-rubel/">[player_tooltip player_id="317336" first="Kate" last="Rubel"]</a> – AAU Team: SEMO Sizzle Unstoppable scorer on all three levels as she possesses the highly sought after attack mentality. Knack for attacking the basket with her wide variety of fine-tuned moves and slashing ability. Beautiful jumper as she can pull up from anywhere at any moment. Head-turning passer who delivers no-look dimes in mid air thanks to her unique body control. Handles and pushes the ball with finesse. The unofficial queen of blocking shots due to her hops and off-the-charts athleticism. All gas, no brakes at all times to fill the stat sheet. 5’11" PG <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/addison-bjorn/">[player_tooltip player_id="317337" first="Addison" last="Bjorn"]</a> – AAU Team: Della Lamb Plays with unbelievable body control and vision to be one of the top overall talents in the Show-Me State. Smooth pull-up jumper and is able to free herself up with either a side step or step back. Effortless dribble drive and can score in such a variety of ways that makes her unpredictable. Is often triple teamed inside but still has the ability to get buckets by beating defenders with one move and then leaping for the score. Has mastered using her length in every aspect. Runs the show with poise and excellent court vision. 5’11" SF <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/ava-miles/">[player_tooltip player_id="317343" first="Ava" last="Miles"]</a> – AAU Team: Della Lamb One of the most dynamic scorers in her class as there's no shortage of ways for her to produce points in and around the paint. Deadly crossover along with a swift spin move. Extremely creative with the ball as she scores at will but also makes defenses look silly by driving, drawing a ton of attention and tossing it to an open player for a score. Very athletic and plays with a lot of awareness as she can snatch the ball away in a heartbeat and take it to the rim. Simply flies around the court to make play after play and is unselfish. 5’8" PG <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/brie-rubel/">[player_tooltip player_id="317351" first="Brie" last="Rubel"]</a> – AAU Team: SEMO Sizzle Definition of a pest on defense as she's always smothering ball handlers, swiping the ball away or picking off passes. Creates a lot of fast-break opportunities. Fights for the ball nonstop and loves going to the ground. Remarkably smooth shooter as she usually swishes or banks from both 3-point and mid range. Great burst to drive and is precise with her finishes. Incredible floater. Runs the show with top-notch ball handling. Can crossover and stop on a dime to beat defenders. Always makes the right pass and creates for her teammates. 6’2" C <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/nevaeh-lucious/">[player_tooltip player_id="317348" first="Nevaeh" last="Lucious"]</a> –  AAU Team: SEMO Sizzle Imposing force due to her height and frame, but her positioning, footwork and strength makes her a double-double waiting to happen. Boxes out extremely well to clean the glass and have multiple putback opportunities. Aggressive when attacking the basket but can also dial it back for a clean finish. Draws plenty of fouls and makes a respectable amount of her free throws. Covers a lot of ground because of her length and long strides. Defends well in transition and makes blocks on fast-break opportunities. 5’5" CG <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/peyton-olufson/">[player_tooltip player_id="302756" first="Peyton" last="Olufson"]</a> – AAU Team: Knights Basketball Academy Full-court play waiting to happen as she can take it coast-to-coast or track down a ball carrier for a swat. Deadeye shooter from beyond the arc who can also stop on a dime off the dribble to pull-up in the mid range. Does a phenomenal job of moving without the ball to get open looks. Lethal euro step that can freeze defenders. Student of the game with a high basketball IQ and plays with control and confidence. Always looking to make the right play and finding the best shot instead of forcing it.