Coach Speak: ETA Thunder ’26 Player Previews with Coach Kidd

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='713260' first='ETA' last='Thunder'] '26 was one of the better travel teams in the south in the age group. With a great group of talent, they seemed to be highly competitive in nearly every situation I say then in. For this edition of "Coach Speak" I caught up with Coach Micheal Kidd regarding his players as they enter into their sophomore seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is what he said:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Elishia Byrd","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12121","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Heritage HS","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"[program_tooltip program_id='713260' first='ETA' last='Thunder'] '26","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Elishia Byrd is a straight snipper, shoots the 3 at a very high percentage, handles the ball very well, underrated passer that finds her team mates in the crowd. She's a high IQ player that has a team team first mentality, she's a scrappy defender and does not back down to anyone.rnrnElishia was coming off shoulder surgery her freshman year and was just getting back into it late in the season, She's a multi-sport athlete that knows how to work hard and what it takes to be successful. Her sophomore years has a potential tor be a big year for her and can help Heritage to a long post season.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-652a0184e399e"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["513244"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='513244' first='Aleyah' last='Smyth'] is a straight baller, She plays long, athletic, fast, and with intensity. Smyth can come in and play any spot on the court, tough defender, she handles the ball very well, attacks the rim, and gets to the paint with ease.  Fantasic midrange shooter, rebounds like a big, unselfish with the ball, she has a bag full of shift ballhanding moves that help her get into scoring position, and a high level finisher at the rim.rnrnSmyth battled injuries her freshman year, she's coming back bigger, stronger, and hungry to help her team. Heritage returns a lot of experience and talent this year from a deep run last season, Smyth looks to have potential to have a break out season for the Lady Mountaineers.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-652a0184e3a14"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='899905' first='Issy' last='Kidd']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'6u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12123","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"William Blount","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Heritage HS","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='899905' first='Issy' last='Kidd'] is a young point guard but has great court vision, tight handles, she pushes the ball very wellrnand looks to take advantage of the defense during transition. Kidd is as hard-nosed as they come, playing tough and physical as she is battling on the court, diving on balls, tying up the ball, getting in passing lanes, winning the 50/50 balls, whatever it takes to help her team. Kidd is a capable scorer but does not force it, she plays unselfish looking to get everyone involved and trying to find the best shot for the team.rnrnAs a freshman she was able to give valuable minutes as her coaches started trusting her more to handle pressure and setting up the offense, Kidd worked hard over the summer to come into her sophomore year and help the Lady Govs have a successful season.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-652a0184e3aad"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='900761' first='Katelyn' last='Husband']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12120","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"William Blount HS","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"[program_tooltip program_id='713260' first='ETA' last='Thunder'] '26","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='900761' first='Katelyn' last='Husband'] is not your traditional center; she can bang in the paint, but is deadly from beyond the arc. Possessing height, length, and athleticism, Husband is an elite shooter with great touch and a lighting quick release. Husband is also an elite shot blocker with her height, long wing span, and great timing. Husband is a multi-sport athlete drawing a lot of attention for her success on the volley ball court, but don't sleep on her on the basketball court. Katelyn is looking to be a big contributor towards William Blount's success during 2023-24 season.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-652a0184e3b43"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["515458"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='515458' first='Zoee' last='Harrison'] is a bucket. Twitchy, possesses great speed, quickness, great ball handling, attacks the rim, and has a great touch. Harrison gets a lot of attention for her ability to score, but don't overlook her work on the defensive sideu002du002dshe can straight clamp down her opponent. Harrison works hard year round to be a complete player. Harrison was handed the keys to the car last year as a freshman being trusted to run Maryville's offense and get everyone in the right spot. Harrison did not blink; she was ready and turned a lot of heads!. Look for Maryville to take another step to go deeper in post season as Harrison is in her second year in the system.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-652a0184e3b9c"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='816605' first='Ainsley' last='King']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12122","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Meigs County HS","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"[program_tooltip program_id='713260' first='ETA' last='Thunder'] '26","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='816605' first='Ainsley' last='King'] is a game changer. Gritty, Super tough kid who plays hard, physical, fast, and under control. King is a beast in the paint with foot work well beyond her years with a soft touch, She's an elite rebounder, uses her body very well to create space and eat up paint. On offense she plays off two feet, crafty scorer that can score at all levels. King can take you in the paint and then step out and splash the 3 at a high rate, giving defenses a fit on who to match up with her.rnrnKing can guard multiple spots on the court being a tough defender, poking the ball away, getting into passing lanes, being stingy with defensive rebounds, with her size and length King can take over the game defensively. King has a high ceiling and has potential to be a name that is listed among the state's best. Meigs County looks to compete in a strong division with King being a major contributor this year.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-652a0184e3c2b"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jenna Buchard","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12120","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Rhea County HS","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"[program_tooltip program_id='713260' first='ETA' last='Thunder'] '26","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='816600' first='Jenna' last='Burchard'] is a force on the court, with her 6'0 frame, long reach, and athleticism she can impact the game in so many ways. Burchard possesses a soft touch around the rim, finishing high out of reach of the defender, her quick release and moves in the paint prove to be very difficult for defense to figure her out. Burchard is also a threat to pull the defender out of the paint and knock down the 3 ball, her midrange shot is a lost art as she's a straight bucket from 15ft out. Burchard is not only an offensive threat but she a tough defender, protecting the paint, guarding off the dribble, or throwing the ball in the third row with her shot blocking ability. Burchard looks to be a major contributor to Rhea County's success this season.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-652a0184e3cba"} /-->