One Month In: Unheralded Standouts

During the first month of this high school season, we saw new prospects and ones who have not been in the spotlight as much as some of their peers. They have significantly contributed to their team's early success and notoriety. In this article, we look at some of the under-the-radar prospects.    [player_tooltip player_id='346856' first='Sy'monique' last='Simon'] is one of the top ballers in the 2025 class. She has played in numerous big games, and she is a fierce competitor on the basketball court. Furthermore, Simon has skill and has a natural feel for the game. She does what it takes to win. Simon is a two-way player who always takes the challenge of defending the opposing team's top player. Elite players are going to be elite, but Simon makes them earn every thing they get. Simon can also score when she needs to, but she is a selfless player who cares more about the win. She recently scored 20 against [program_tooltip program_id='712489' first='DME' last=''] to go along with an outstanding defensive effort in that game. She doesn't have to score 20 a night, however, to leave her mark on a game. On her left is [player_tooltip player_id='243900' first='Kali' last='Barrett'], on her right is [player_tooltip player_id='811751' first='Madi' last='Mignery'], and she has a hosting other elite players on her team. Simon in unheralded, but she is equally as important as the aforementioned prospects on her team- a team that should make it all the way to Lakeland.     [player_tooltip player_id='844873' first='Sara' last='Dagba'] is another unheralded player who has answered the bell this first month of the season. Dagba is a versatile player who can play on the perimeter or play with her back to the basket. She is a reliable ball handler, rebounder, and scorer. She does not lead in any statistical category on her team, but you will find her name a near the top of the team's scoring list, rebounding list, and assist list. Dagba is that workhorse player who gives effort on both ends of the floor and is a competitor. She defends well with quick and active hands and plays the passing lanes well. She will be a player to continue to watch throughout this basketball season.     [player_tooltip player_id='1111909' first='Breanna' last='Hartley'] had an impressive outing and if someone played her role on her talented team, it's Hartley. She runs the floor well and is always around the ball getting rebounds, steals, etc. Hartley plays at the freethrow line during some of the offensive sets and her ability to shoot, drive, or distribute the ball to an open teammate is impressive. Hartley also rebounds well and can handle the ball well enough to lead the break after the rebound. She can also take it to the rim and score through physical contact.     [player_tooltip player_id='873458' first='Avery' last='Michels'] has been consistent and reliable throughout this season. Every time you look, Michels has scored a few points (8.6 ppg) grabbed a few rebounds, dished a few assists., and made a contribution that may not show up in the stat sheets. When her main teammate went down with an injury, it was apparent (from afar) that the young Sophomore was providing leadership on the floor. One month in, Michels has been solid and consistently good.     [player_tooltip player_id='933334' first='Shelby' last='Gaines'] has been a standout one month into the season with her consistent play on both ends of the court. Gaines leads her teams in points (15.5) and rebounds (8.5 per game from the guard position). The young guard also leads the team in assists and steals. Gaines was impressive this past summer in AAU, she shined at the Prep Girl Expo, and she has continued to excel on the court. With her skillset and ability to play on offense and defense , her performance has been no surprise. We will continue to watch Gaines throughout this basketball season. Eliteness is “Gaining” a new player.     [player_tooltip player_id='768731' first='Roslyn' last='Weston'] has played very well this first month of the season. She has really shown an ability to score the ball from all levels on the floor: she can shoot the three, score in transition, and get to the basket and score consistently. Some of her finishes are crafty and difficult. Through 9 games, the budding Junior is averaging 16.1 points per game and ranks 41st in the class of 2026s. Defensively, she is a high IQ player who sets up steals and shoots the gap with great anticipation. She has active hands and feet and plays the passing lanes very well. Weston is just getting started and looking to see her continue to grow. She was definitely one of the standouts for the first month and will be one of the biggest stock risers in the 2026 class.

During the first month of this high school season, we saw new prospects and ones who have not been in the spotlight as much as some of their peers. They have significantly contributed to their team's early success and notoriety. In this article, we look at some of the under-the-radar prospects.