Grassroots Wrap-Up: 2026 Impact Performers Part 1

Bobby Brown

September 5, 2023 @ 06:40 AM

In continuing my evaluation of top-impact players from this past summer, I'll review the class of 2026 highlights and recognize athletes that I believe will make significant contributions to their respective high school teams this coming season;   [player_tooltip player_id='1093349' first='Shaelyn' last='Dockery']-SG/F [program_tooltip program_id='746841' first='D.E.B.S.' last='Elite'] Pink, Wonderview H.S.-Shaelyn gives you 100% all of the time. She practices hard, plays hard, and puts in the time to make herself a better player. On offense, this 5'11" swing guard/small forward undoubtedly creates mismatches at either position. She can defend at all five spots and usually gets the most challenging assignment on the floor. Her leadership qualities are second to none. She'll be an asset to her high school team this coming season.   [player_tooltip player_id='876305' first='Drew' last='Jackson']-SG Arkansas United, Bald Knob H.S.-Drew has the potential to be a solid five-tool player. Her court awareness is elite. She can shoot the ball off the dribble, find an open spot, and catch and shoot from anywhere on the floor. Her footwork is top notch and she's an excellent defender and rebounder. Look for Drew to get quality minutes on the varsity squad this upcoming year.   [player_tooltip player_id='1196004' first='Makalyn' last='Hall']-P/F [program_tooltip program_id='746841' first='D.E.B.S.' last='Elite'] Purple, Cabot H.S.-Makalyn is a 6'0" athlete that can guard any position. She is a force in the lane. She handles the ball like a guard which makes her very hard to defend. As a sophomore this coming season, the high school coaching staff will take a long look at her for quality minutes on the varsity squad. She's got excellent leadership skills and has a great attitude on the court.   [player_tooltip player_id='549973' first='Stevie' last='Tanner']-PG/SG Swaggin Dragons, Dardanelle H.S.-This versatile athlete already has varsity experience. She's an excellent ball handler and will have a leadership role on her high school team as a sophomore. Stevie is reliable and can create on offense to score or find the open player for a higher percentage shot. Defensively she's very disciplined and understands the concept of "help" defense. She's like a coach on the floor.   Sarah Dixon-F Arkansas United, Quitman H.S.-This 5'8" sophomore is a very physical player. She's solid and puts on a clinic in rebounding. When she gets her opponent on her hip, she owns the paint! She can defend and often draws assignments against much bigger players. Due to those strengths and her ability to defend at a high level, Sarah will get a very close look from the varsity coaching staff.   [player_tooltip player_id='876333' first='Claire' last='Citty']-SG [program_tooltip program_id='712401' first='Arkansas' last='Sting'] Green, Harding Academy-Claire is slight in size with a 5'7" frame but don't let that fool you, she is strong with the ball. Her basketball IQ is the reason for her success on the court. She moves well without the ball and can get open for catch-and-shoot opportunities. Her energy flows with the game. The tougher the match, the better she plays. She's a gritty performer with a quick first step.   During this grassroots summer session, I've identified this list of young talented ladies who will contribute to their respective high school teams and fill in the gaps depleted by the 2023 graduating class. Next up, part two in the class of 2026 impact performers.   Bobby Brown

In continuing my evaluation of top-impact players from this past summer, I'll review the class of 2026 highlights and recognize athletes that I believe will make significant contributions to their respective high school teams this coming season;