USJN Gateway Challenge: Top 2026 Players
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With the next Division-I live period nearing (May 21-22), I have decided to take a look some of the top Class of 2026 players who stood at this weekend’s USJN Gateway Challenge. These are players college coaches should add to…
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Continue ReadingWith the next Division-I live period nearing (May 21-22), I have decided to take a look some of the top Class of 2026 players who stood at this weekend’s USJN Gateway Challenge. These are players college coaches should add to their recruiting boards, and who they need to watch not only next weekend but in July as well.
Kate Rubel Kate Rubel 6'0" | SG Cape Notre Dame | 2026 State MO Ι 6’0″ Ι SF Ι SEMO Sizzle: Has the highly sought-after attack mentality on both ends of the court. Crafty and finds the rim at will as she fields a variety of moves. Clean pull-up jumper off the dribble. Off-the-charts athleticism to track down ball handlers and has the hops to swat shots out of the gym. Remarkable in transition and is quite the no-look pass artist. Effortless glass cleaner and is a vocal leader.
Addison Bjorn Addison Bjorn 6'2" | SG Park Hill South | 2026 State MO Ι 6’1″ Ι CG Ι Della Lamb: Top-notch, three-level scorer who is unpredictable with the rock in her hands. Knack for attacking the basket but can score just as easily shooting the ball. Creates for herself extremely well in all areas of the court to score. Next-level court vision, handle and poise. Very athletic and flies around the court. Excellent use of her length for deflections and steals.
Brie Rubel Brie Rubel 5'9" | PG Cape Notre Dame | 2026 State MO Ι 5’8″ Ι PG Ι SEMO Sizzle: True runner of the show with her pinpoint passes and next-level court vision. Exceptional shooter from 3-point and mid range. Quick and controlled attack of the rim as she bursts past defenders. Reads defenses extremely well. Nonstop pest on defense who always swipes for and hustles after the ball. Always makes the right play and is relentless rebounding the ball.
Ava Miles Ava Miles 6'0" | SG Staley | 2026 State MO Ι 6’0″ Ι SG Ι Della Lamb: Diverse threat offensively as she can make opposing defenders look silly inside due to her fine-tuned moves. Nice shooting the ball and has a smooth fadeaway. Fast-break score waiting to happen with her ability to come up with the ball and quickness driving down the court. Passes with ease, especially well in transition and plays at a noticeably fast rate.
Nevaeh Lucious Nevaeh Lucious 6'3" | PF Cape Notre Dame | 2026 State MO Ι 6’2″ Ι P Ι SEMO Sizzle: Smooth yet fierce presence around the rim. Nice quick spin in order to brush off defenders for open trips down the lane. Powers through most double teams. Uses heigth and length extremely well. Guards outside of the painted area and usually gets her hands on inbound passes. Gets to the free-throw line often and makes most of her attempts.
Mary Grant Mary Grant 5'8" | SG Bishop Miege | 2026 State KS Ι 5’8″ Ι CG Ι Della Lamb: Exceptional shooter who creates many shots for herself to be dangerous from beyond the arc and in the perimeter. Has nice body control when getting around defenders and finishing at the rim. Comes up with rebounds despite her size by positioning well. Does a fine job keeping the offense moving with her ability to get the ball off quickly.
Ava Vanecek Ava Vanecek 5'9" | SG Webster Groves | 2026 State MO Ι 5’8″ Ι SG Ι Bradley Beal Elite: Nice outside shot and dribble drive to be a threat. Quick trigger shooting after the catch. Excellent in transition as she pushes well and is a deep threat with her ability to get down court quickly. Nice job of mirroring whoever she guards and is very opportunistic for takeaways. Nice job reading and predicting when to go for a block.