Hidden Gems In The Class of 2026

Brandon Tinnon December 5, 2023 @ 10:11 AM

The class of ‘26 to me is a class that is creating their own identity. In the last article, I spoke about how they have a little bit of everything in this class. Yes, scoring is one thing they have, but also they have girls that are within this class that can do so much more. We know the basics, scoring, rebounding, passing, but what I am talking about are the hustle plays. Going for the loose balls, diving on the floor, jumping out of bounds to make the save, bringing the energy and passion on the floor. If you can't feel it from these girls, then you aren't a basketball enthusiast.    The class of ‘26 has so many talented players, but there are some hidden gems most don't know about. What I mean by that is they may star at their prospective school and their community may know about them, however, this year is going to be their coming out party to where they take center stage. These kids will be talked about and you better believe they are going to be the showstoppers that help propel their clubs.   Here are a few hidden gems within the class of 2026.   [player_tooltip player_id='513237' first='Ava' last='Jarrett'] (5'6/G/Brentwood)- Rock the headband, this girl comes to play. Incredible handles, she can get to the cup with ease. She can pull it from the arc or unleash her quick first step to shoot it from the mid-range. Plays pressurized defense, she's going to sit down and guard and get hands on the ball. Nice prospect who is bound to have a breakout year.   Merlie Routh (5'4/PG/CPA)- A speed demon, she is a technician who works at her craft. She can score it from deep, but getting paint touches is what she is all about. Runs her offensive game plan to a T, she will exploit a defense when giving a green light. The girl is hungry and is passionate about the game. She makes the hustle plays and recovers to get in position on transition plays. She takes charges, dives on the floor, and leaves it all on the floor nightly. Hard working kid who leaves no stone unturned.   [player_tooltip player_id='514123' first='Nori' last='Jamison'] (5'5/PG/Ensworth)- The lefty is going to step into a bigger role this year. She's a three point threat, but getting to the paint, she's no stranger to that either. Heady ball player who sees the floor well. She exploits defenses, using her speed to attack gaps for a lay or to kick it to an open teammate. She's a problem on the defensive end, getting steals and deflections, great in trapping situations. Hard working kid who is going to grow tremendously this upcoming season.   [player_tooltip player_id='816609' first='Sarah' last='Brakefield'] (5'10/F/Nolensville)- This kid can do all things and she plays her part. She can score it, rebound it, and just does all the little things well. She has a knack for being in the right position at the right time. She contributes in many statistical categories nightly, and gives it all she has. Great size and length, she creates tough shot opportunities for opponents. Great communicator, this kid is going to turn some heads this season with her style of play.   [player_tooltip player_id='816600' first='Jenna' last='Burchard'] (6'0/PF/Rhea Co.)- Hard working kid who is going to grind you down. Blessed with great size, she is long, creating problems for opponents to operate. She has the ability to score the basketball on the offensive end, knocking down shots from around the blocks and the mid-range. She's a determined defender, meaning she is going to do her best to eliminate the girl in front of her. She's a big problem whose stock is going to rise as she gets more comfortable on the floor. Great prospect who is going to turn a lot of heads.   [player_tooltip player_id='816583' first='Kendall' last='Jones'] (5'5/PG/ Briarcrest)- Shift guard who can knock it down from the field at a consistent clip or get to the rim. She's a heady ball player who uses her speed to create havoc. Steals, deflections, being pest, that's what she does on the defensive end. Offensively, she attacks gaps, getting down hill to finish at the rim. Like I said, she can score the rock, exploiting defensive weaknesses along the way. With the ball in her hands, she is a major issue. A swiss army knife, this kid is going to find a way to breakdown a D. Look for this kid to continue to make big strides as she competes this upcoming season.

The class of ‘26 to me is a class that is creating their own identity. In the last article, I spoke about how they have a little bit of everything in this class. Yes, scoring is one thing they have, but also they have girls that are within this class that can do so much more. We know the basics, scoring, rebounding, passing, but what I am talking about are the hustle plays. Going for the loose balls, diving on the floor, jumping out of bounds to make the save, bringing the energy and passion on the floor. If you can't feel it from these girls, then you aren't a basketball enthusiast.