They Got Next-26s Junior Season Loading

USE CODE "tinnon30" FOR 30% OFF THE FIRST PURCHASE OF ANY SUBSCRIPTION   The 2026 class junior season is loading and they got next. You might ask what I mean in regard to what they got next? Well, let me tell you. See, junior year should be your coming out party. You should have earned an ample amount of minutes to be on the floor. You should be settled in as far as knowing the system of your coach (unless you got a new one). You are now looked upon as one of the leaders of the club because technically you are a vet now. The list goes on, but you get what I am putting out there. Junior year is an important year going into your high school season.   All across the state, the 2026 class has some special individuals who know how to play ball. Yes they have all the intangibles such as shooting, passing, ball handling, ect. What really comes to mind when I think about this class is their mental toughness and how they have been able to handle adversity through the years. A lot of these girls who suit up for teams in this class have been doing so for awhile now. So this isn't their first rodeo. Maybe they were thrown in as freshman or played significant minutes their sophomore year. Either way, a lot of these girls have a great feel for the game, understand the nuances of the game, have adjusted to the speed and so forth.   The title is “They Got Next” because this year, I expect this junior class to be the headliners and lead their club towards their goals. Whether it's Cookeville or Murfreesboro, I expect a junior kid to help lead the charge as their basketball team tries to capture that number one spot. Is it in them? You better believe it. This 2026 class is one of the most hard working classes that has come through the state. That may be an overstatement, but I am sticking to it. My point is this, these juniors are primed and ready to do whatever it takes to get their team over the hump and into state contention. They have worked hard, they are smart, and they are some pretty good athletes.   Here are some young ladies who will look to help their team ascend to the next level. They got next and you better believe they are ready.   [player_tooltip player_id='513243' first='Bella' last='Shepherd'] (5'6/Jr./G/ Lipscomb Academy)- Versatile scoring threat who knows how to get a bucket. From all 3 levels, she can put it on the floor, come off screens, spot up, finish around the rim, whatever. The ball finds the bottom of the net at a consistent clip. She's a heady ball player who is very team oriented. Whatever the team needs, she goes out and does that. She can defend, rebound, make timely assists, ect. This kid seems to grow each and every year. After the travel ball season, she comes back with more tools in her arsenal. Look for her to help propel the Lady Mustangs over the hump and gain the attention of coaches along the way. Solid kid with tremendous upside.   Lily Espelet (6'0/Jr./F/Page)- Diana Taurasi in the making (maybe, but she has the build like her.) This kid can score it inside and out. She's tough. Takes advantage of mismatches. Can go through you, around you, or just shoot it in your face. She's an all around player who contributes in every statistical category. Doesn't matter if it's on the offensive end or defensive end, this kid is going to bring it every possession. Another solid kid who is on an upwards trajectory.   [player_tooltip player_id='816597' first='Taylor' last='Dolente'] (5'10/Jr./SG/Upperman)- A kid who is like a walking “double-double.” She has a knack for being around the ball. Yes she can put it in the hole from multiple spots on the floor, but her ability to gain rebounds to start transition breaks or keep a possession alive is pretty impressive. This kid has had a ton of success early in her career and she has had to fight for it. Growth for sure, she seems to get better every time she steps onto the floor. She passes all the eye tests plus she is a leader, great communicator, and a hard working individual. A solid prospect who will be big time for the Lady Bees this upcoming season.   [player_tooltip player_id='899857' first='Ilianis' last='Rodriguez'] (5'5/Jr./PG/ Cleveland)- Most improved. Well, if there was such an award she would be one of them. This kid has grown tremendously in so many ways. For starters, she is confident. Isn't afraid to get down and do the little things. Defensively, she is going to sit down and guard, dive after loose balls, take chargers, ect. Offensively, she can score it from multiple spots, run the offensive set with poise and efficiency, hit her teammates in the hands for timely assists, and she just competes. She's a fearless leader who isn't afraid of big time moments. This kid continues to get better. Solid kid who is making a name for herself.   Sicily “Bud” Robinson (5'5/Jr./PG/ Clarksville Academy)- Tough, hard-nosed kid who gets after it. She has the heart of a champion and does whatever it takes to help her team be victorious. A shifty guard who can pull it from 3 or get past a defender to get a paint touch and finish. Has good court vision and can drop dimes at a moment's notice. She will lock up on the defensive end, creating chaos the full length of the floor. She's a gym rat, who just wants to get better and competes. She doesn't run away from smoke. This kid wants the ball in big moments and she isn't afraid to get after it. A solid prospect who is always ready to get after it and hoop.

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