Juniors, Are You Ready?

USE CODE "tinnon30" FOR 30% OFF THE FIRST PURCHASE OF ANY SUBSCRIPTION   Back when I was in high school (trust me, it wasn't that long ago), at each pep rally, all students would get into their prospective sections according to their grades. The cheerleaders would yell through the mega phone “ Seniors, seniors, are you ready?” The class would yell back ready! So I am here yelling out behind the keyboard “Juniors, juniors are you ready?” Ready!   From top to bottom, this class is exciting. Currently right now, there is a lot of hype around this class. For one, they are battle tested. Secondly, I think what most don't realize is that a lot of these girls were thrown into the fire early. It used to be that when you were a freshman just coming in, you either played 9th grade basketball or played on the JV team. That's not the case anymore now. For whatever the reason may be and of course there is speculation, there are a lot of girls coming in their first year getting the nod to play early. This 2026 class was one of the classes that saw a heavy influx of girls getting early court time. Now I will say this, a lot of girls truly did get to see the court early based on their talent. I will give you that. The girls in this class are talented and just keep getting better and better.   Back when I was in high school, you had to wait your turn sort of. So when you were a junior, this was your coming out party. You were hyped! Couldn't tell you anything. Seniors, well, that's another story. But junior year, yeah you knew it was your time to shine. Fast forward to today, it's now these young ladies time to shine. They have had a heckuva high school career thus far. A heckuva travel ball season leading up to this point. Offers if they aren't already, are going to be pouring in soon. These girls are now the princesses of the schools (not queens yet, those are the seniors), but will be looked upon to carry a heavy load for their ball clubs. So, back to my cheerleading squad “Juniors, juniors, are you ready?” You better be.   Check out some young ladies who have had an outstanding travel ball summer and are looking to have a breakthrough junior season. I'll answer the question, they are ready!   [player_tooltip player_id='513237' first='Ava' last='Jarrett'] (5'7/Jr./G/ Lipscomb Academy)- Big time talent who can hoop. A determined individual who plays the game with poise and passion. A 3 level scoring threat, this girl truly has game. She can put it on the floor and pull up, knock down from the arc from the catch and shoot motion, defend, rebound, get steals. You name it, she does it. Had a great summer where she grew every time she stepped onto the floor. A tough competitor who grinds all the time. Look for her to have a coming out party and help set the tone for what should be an exciting season for the Lady Mustangs.   [player_tooltip player_id='816630' first='Cecilie' last='Brandimore'] (6'3/Jr./C/ Franklin)- Think Cameron Brink. Not because of the hair, but this girl has similar skill sets as her. This is going to be her year as she isn't a sleeper no more. This kid can play. She can knock down shots from multiple spots inside the arc. She blocks shots, grabs boards, just an enforcer on both ends of the floor. Gets up and down the floor in transition real well and finishes. Schools are already starting to offer, but this year will be her year to take a hold of. One of Williamson County's best players. A solid kid with tremendous upside.   [player_tooltip player_id='816583' first='Kendall' last='Jones'] (5'7/Jr./G/ Briarcrest)- Speed. That's something you can't teach. This versatile athlete is blessed with that and so much more. When this kid kicks it into high gear, she is hard to handle. Can knock it down from multiple spots on the floor, but when she puts the ball down utilizing her quick first step, good luck stopping her. I love the fact she never gives up on plays. She can defend with the best of them, but will also chase down someone to block their shot. She plays with relentless energy and will be the tone setter for her ball club coming into this year. A solid kid who folks will need to keep an eye on.   A.C. Shirley (6'1/Jr./G/ MTCS)- Dual sport athlete who is a tough competitor. She is a bucket filler and hits the bottom of the net more ways than won. Has a quick release, which when she is spotted up on the arc, it's lights out. However, if you try to run her off the line, she will take to the paint and finish against contact. I will say this kid is a determined individual who grinds each and every possession. She is a heady ball player who understands the ebbs and flow of the game. When her team's backs are against the wall, she digs in even more to elevate their play. She is a solid leader who is a tough opponent to handle. Had a tremendous EYBL season and will look to carry that momentum into the school year. Looking for size and someone who can shoot the heck out of the ball, look no further than this young lady.   [player_tooltip player_id='513285' first='Reese' last='Shirley'] (5'9/Jr./G/ Columbia Academy)- I will say this young lady's stock is rising. She was named MVP of the NE2k Independent league this past summer. Talk about a well deserved accomplishment. This kid is a go-getter. A versatile three level scoring threat who plays tough on both ends of the floor. A fearless leader who isn't afraid to get down and do the dirty work. Loose balls, rebounds, guard whoever, bigs/ smaller guards, this kid just loves to compete and she will do whatever it takes to help her ball club prevail. This year is going to be her year. Her game keeps getting better every time the ball tips off. Look for her to carry that same energy and momentum from this travel ball season into the school year and spark the Lady Dogs program towards a nice run come postseason. Reese is a solid kid with tremendous upside.

USE CODE "tinnon30" FOR 30% OFF THE FIRST PURCHASE OF ANY SUBSCRIPTION