Best of the Best ’26s XI: Sophomore Season Loading
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We continue to take a look at the best and brightest 2027’s in the state as the enter their sophomore seasons. Tessa Clark HEIGHT 5'7" POS SG CLASS 2026 Tessa Clark School: Cleveland HS Club: TN Lady Grit Clark is…
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Continue ReadingWe continue to take a look at the best and brightest 2027’s in the state as the enter their sophomore seasons.
Tessa Clark
Tessa Clark
Clark is a flat-out SHOOTER. I was lucky enough to coach her during her 8th grade AAU season, and she’s the type of kid that can get hot, and got on a quick 9-0 run all by herself. When she’s open and her feet are set, it’s money. She could find a role off the bench for Cleveland as a zone busting 3pt shooter.
Maddie Kirkpatrick
Maddie Kirkpatrick
Kirkpatrick was a talented freshman last year at Central, but simply couldn’t find time on the court due to Central’s loaded roster. The problem for Kirkpatrick–all 7 in the rotation return plus a really talented freshman ( Malea Masingale Malea Masingale 5’10” | SF McMinn Central | 2027 TN ). Kirkpatrick is a solid all-around player with high level shot making skills, and is a gritty tough defender. She may not see much time on the floor, but she will continue to improve by virtue of practicing against one of the best groups in the state everyday. She will eventually have her time to shine…and has the skill set to do so.
Maddi Hayes
Maddi Hayes
Hayes was a “do-it-all” freshman for Loudon last year. She has the versatility to slide up and down the roster as a wing or post. She possesses the skill to handle the ball on the exterior, and the strength to be a finisher in the pain. Her face up game from the elbows and short corners are her money areas, but she’s worked hard at expanding her game. Look for Coach Abernathy to find creative ways to use her shot making abilities and lead Loudon in scoring.
Evelyn Eubanks
Evelyn Eubanks
Eubanks played up this past summer on the BMaze Elite 17U team, and it served her well playing against kids that were more physical and more experienced. As a 6’3 player who’s really just tapping into her potential, learning to be more physical is what she needed. She moves well in the post without the ball vs a zone, looking to find the soft spots in the high-post or short-corner. Has a really pretty mid-range shot, and is a nice passer as her size gives her elite vision. She has a terrific skill set that should allow her to turn into a stretch 5 one day. Runs the floor well leading to easy buckets. Big time defensive presence inside. Eubanks is primed for a big-time season.
Audri Patton
Audri Patton
Patton will be a high-level shot maker in the future. She saw some court time for Coffee Co last season, but expect her to a be scoring guard off the bench playing a key role as as reserve. Has a quick release, and lots of confidence–she’s the perfect player to play fill in around CC’s more well know players. She will be a high impact kid by the end of her HS career.
Curneshia Taylor Curneshia Taylor 5'10" | CG Memphis Business School | 2026 State TN
Curneshia Taylor Curneshia Taylor 5'10" | CG Memphis Business School | 2026 State TN
This kid has all the tools to be a big time player: long armed guard who has some high-level scoring to her game. When she’s in the paint, knows how to use her size to create angles for finishing.
Defensively is where she shines. Uses her length to create turnovers on the defensive end. Takes pride in locking down the other team’s best player. Special athlete who knows how to use her athleticism combined with a big-time motor to create havoc defensively.