August Stock Risers-2026

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Between the Family Reunion and some College Elite Camps some 2026 prospects managed to make a positive impression on me in the usually quiet month of August. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Janessa Horowitz, Mount Carmel, 2026, Forward </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":757184,"width":"320px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2023/09/362-Janessa-Horwitz.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-757184" style="width:320px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I started following Janessa after seeing her at the Prep Girls Hoops VA showcase last year. She has the size to play center or power forward to go along with a nice touch around the basket. She has good footwork and can step out and knock down three-pointers. She's a good rebounder and a vocal and active defender. She should have a strong high school season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='433841' first='Alexandra' last='Vandiver'], St. Mary's, 2026, Forward</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I was impressed with Alexandra's defense as that's where my focus was during the Family Reunion event. She held up really well on switches onto smaller, faster players and did a solid job with her primary on ball assignment. She's a good team defender and did some work on the boards. Offensively she is a stud. Her shot is wet from all over the court and she quickly moves the ball with good passes when necessary. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='569064' first='Samantha' last='Eller'], St. John's College, 2026, Guard</strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Samantha was great at the two college elite camps where I saw her. She's an excellent passer and ball handler that can turn it on and get buckets when she needs to. She's a very athletic player with a strong motor. At the Mt. Saint Mary's camp she was recognized as the top defensive player. The WCAC should be aware. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='692222' first='Kiersten' last='Rurka'], Mount Carmel, 2026, Guard </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I saw Kiersten at the Family Reunion and the Lewis League Elite 8. It looks like the change of scenery and new school will be good for her. She's a shot maker and very fun player to watch. She has deep range and a lot of confidence. If defenders close out on her she is quick and crafty enough to get around them and show off her mid-range package. She should have a nice role at Mt. Carmel. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='620749' first='McKenzie' last='Fitzgerald'], Forest Park, 2026, Guard </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McKenzie is a ball of energy and intensity, especially on defense. She's very disruptive on the ball and in passing lanes. On offense she's starting to put things together and is growing into a floor general. She should have a bigger role this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->