Pivotal Players From The 2026 Class On The Rise!

USE CODE "tinnon30" FOR 30% OFF THE FIRST PURCHASE OF ANY SUBSCRIPTION   In my previous article, I mentioned that this year would be the year where the class of 2026 would show out. A lot of it does depend on they are juniors now (age), but at the same time, girls in this class really can go. When talking with various coaches across the state, they highlighted this class as being kids who they can depend on as well as kids who pose the biggest threat when it comes to gameplanning. You got a rival, I bet you there is a ‘26 on the squad who you guys are scouting heavily. This season is going to be an exciting one and the ‘26 class will be some of the leading catalysts leading the charge.   As I stand on the table and shout until I am blue in the face, the ‘26 class is gonna make some noise this year. It's evident in everything I have seen, read, and feel at the moment. From seeing various summer ball tournaments to scanning the internet, this is the year of this class. I had a trainer tell me that he was so impressed with the girls he was working with. I asked who year they were and he immediately said it was the 2026 class. I don't know if there is something in the water or a new leaf has turned, but the anticipation of this class breaking through for a big year is definitely at the forefront of people's minds.   You might be saying, “Brandon, they are juniors now and have been playing ball for two years on the high school level.” Yeah I get that, but there is just a buzz and excitement in the air. It's not only coming from the top talent in the class, but from those who aren't necessarily pulling in D1 offers by the boatload. I am going to sum it up by saying this, there are star players that grab the headlines. But it takes role players to make a team go. Coaches are going to game plan to stop the first option, but its the number 2,3,4 who have to step up to help their team excel. This class has the number ones in it, but they also have the 2-4 options. Those 2-4 options are solid pieces that will help win ball games.   So as we search high and low across this state, check out some players who are and will be in the top three options for coaches.    She is starting to come into her own, this old school big is here to make some noise for the VB girls basketball team. Great size and frame, she is a back to the basket wall that is hard to deal with around the blocks. She can score it over either shoulder, keep possessions alive by getting putbacks and finishing. Defensively, she deters opponents for coming into the lane, blocking shots, getting steals, and gaining rebounds. Her confidence is growing and with that her play is on the upswing. Solid kid who you need to keep tabs on.     Dual sport athlete who is very versatile. She can play the one spot and run the offense efficiently, or slide over and play off the ball, spotting up on either wing. She can knock down shots from many spots on the floor, but getting a paint touch to kick out, unleash a mid-range shot, or dump it down to a big is what she does best. Isn't afraid to go toe-to-toe on the defensive end as well. Solid kid who will continue to grow throughout the season.     Solid big who people underestimate her speed and quickness. She can space the floor, knocking down shots from the perimeter. Has great court awareness, where she finds space in open areas to make dump passes and kick out passes easier for drivers to attempt. Love her ability to knock down the mid-range jumpers and short corners shot, but will also put it on the floor and go past her opponents. She defends! Sitting down and guarding an opponent in the open floor, battling down low. She gains rebounds and blocks shots. This kid has grown over the years and the maturation process is blossoming even more. Solid two-way option who is pretty tough to deal with.     Heady ball player who has some shiftiness in her game. For starters, this kid is tough. A multi-level scoring threat who plays with poise and a lot of confidence. She sees the floor well, making full length of the court passes in transition, leading her teammates to easy shot attempts. She can break down an opponent and have them playing on their heels as she blows past them to get an easy layup or kick it out for a three. This kid grinds on D, keeping opponents in front, while baiting them to turn the ball over. A great two-way player who will be tearing up the private school division just like she did in the public school division last year. A hidden gem in my opinion.     Don't let the smile fool you, this kid is a fierce competitor. Blessed with good size and some speed, this kid is going to go at you. Will be looked upon as the go-to player this year and she is primed and ready to take on that role. A kid who can work the perimeter or do work inside the arc. Has a knack for being around the ball, she gets steals where she jumps gaps, pokes balls away, and of course she rebounds. Solid kid who is on the come up and will be a leading catalyst for her Northpoint squad.     Solid two-way guard who is an absolute hustler. On the defensive end, this is where she makes her money. She is a pest, someone who creates turnover opportunities by creating havoc. The full length of the floor, this kid is grinding it out, getting steals on either side of the floor. She has the defensive acumen to be a true juggernaut on this side of the game, making it tough for opponents to operate. Then add her scoring ability to fill it up from multiple spots on the floor, she is one tough cookie. This year, she will be looked upon heavily to lead SHS. Based on her past body of work, she is primed and ready for the opportunity. Solid kid who is about to have a breakout year.

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