Summer Rankings Update: 2026 SFs

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><em>The featured images is of [player_tooltip player_id='624879' first='Julia' last='Lashley'] (2026) of Bloomington High School South and [program_tooltip program_id='715818' first='DistinXion' last=''] Champions Black 16U.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class of 2026 in Indiana has put together quite the résumé this Spring, collectively picking up a great deal of interest and offers from a variety of universities. For anyone who pays attention, it has been a strong class for some time, but now it has a chance to rival the 2016 class that included <strong>Jackie Young</strong>, <strong>Tyasha Harris</strong>, <strong>Lindsey Corsaro</strong>, and other talented ladies. 2026 is not only a talented class, but it is also a very deep class. Below is a "<em>FAST FIVE</em>" look at some quick notes on the small forward group in 2026, followed by the positional rankings for the ladies located in our new Top-75 overall for 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- It was good to see <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='419439' first='Lillian' last='Barnes']</strong> back in action at the IBCA team showcase a couple of weeks ago. She is such a tough ballplayer, well-rounded, and skilled, that she's a difficult matchup for opponents. She can use her size and physicality against smaller guards, or she can use her ball skill and shooting touch against bigger, stronger defenders. Hopefully we get to see a fully healthy version of her in July.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Homestead's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='414465' first='Gabby' last='Helsom']</strong> had a tremendously strong stretch in May and June, earning quite a few offers and even more interest because of her shooting touch. At the IBCA Top-100 Showcase, she got on such a hot stretch one game, it felt like she could have thrown up shots underhanded and they would have fallen. Her ability to bury it with range, coupled with her size and strength, give her nice mid-post to perimeter versatility.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- I was very impressed in what I saw out of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486533' first='Elle' last='McCulloch']</strong> at the IBCA team showcase. Next to <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295789' first='Avery' last='Gordon']</strong>, she will likely draw a lot of the defensive pressure for Brownsburg. At her height, with her length, she was able to get her shot away and make a high percentage throughout the event. She still needs a little strength, but she has come such a long way since last Summer, and she still has a high ceiling to continue growing towards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- Anyone who has been around the Norwell program the last 20+ years understands the value in maintaining one coach for that time. The Knights have the truest definition of program, and when players with talent come in and learn disciplined and fundamental basketball, they take off. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='732354' first='Vanessa' last='Rosswurm']</strong> looks like she could be that next star for Norwell, and her athleticism, energy, and skill would stand out on nearly any court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>- I'm not sure enough people have seen <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='624879' first='Julia' last='Lashley']</strong> at this point, so she could be one of the bigger "sleepers" right now in Indiana's 2026 class. She has good height, a wiry-strong frame, and fluid athleticism, plus she has a nice skillset and a very good understanding of the game. She acts as a point forward, handles the ball, sees teammates, and facilitates very well. Additionally, she can shoot/score it from most spots on the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/position-ranking-table {"name":"acf/position-ranking-table","data":{"class":"2026","_class":"field_65cfb7374abb9","position":"12124","_position":"field_65cfbfcb19ad6","national_rankings":"0","_national_rankings":"field_660c1d73c0e49","state":"","_state":"field_65cfb88a603fe"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-667e0048d9583"} /-->