2026 Basketball Rankings: Rising Stars to Watch

When I think about the ‘26 class, I think about how impactful this class was or has been. Not just this year, but throughout their entire high school career, this class has been one of the most proven ones since day one. Mind you, this class has also been the one to show up clutch in big-time moments. State tournaments. Times when a bucket is needed. Let's just call it clutch moment's and coaches have gone to girls in this class time and time again. I will also this about this class, I don't know everyone personally, but those whom I do, they are some gym rats. Girls who are in the lab working on their game, not because they are supposed to, but because it's expected of themselves. I could go on and on, but understand this class is legit, and it's not just me saying it, look at the accolades that have backed them up.   As you all know, the 2026 rankings just dropped. 450 and still counting, but it was a hard 450 because there are so many young ladies that can sway things this way or that way. The conversations had, questions asked, the research put in, so much went into finding the right spots. Did we get it right? Maybe not. Just know that this class is legit and, just like any given night, you never know who is going to step up.   Check out some stock risers from the 2026 class.    Lawd, you know she had a heck of a season. Every time you looked up, she was scoring 20+ points. She was a 3-level scoring threat who was out there killing it. Not only was she putting the ball in the basket, but it was how she was doing it along the way. Steals, outlets into transition, being creative in the open floor, this kid was a monster and had a tremendous year. Look for her to continue on this trajectory this summer and into her senior season.     I'm telling you all right now, she is special. Consistent kid who can do all things. We can go ahead and use the term Swiss Army knife because whatever the Lady Eagles' coaching staff needed, she did. Known for her scoring, it was her rebounding and defense that put them over the top. Normally, teams try to lessen the load of their best player, nah, not this young lady. She guarded the best, did her best, because she wanted to be the best on the floor. When you looked at the box score after the game, her impact was felt throughout. Solid talent that plays consistently in all four quarters.     I don't know this young lady personally, but I do know she is on the rise. She has the size, can dominate the inside, knock it down from the arc as well, but add her ability to what she does on the defensive end, and when she doesn't have the ball in her hands, that's what makes her special. I have always said she was the Cameron Brink of Tennessee basketball, and I meant it. This kid is a hard worker whose presence is felt throughout. She brings the energy and effort nightly, no matter who the opponent is. I'll say this: this summer is going to be very important for her. She will have her breakthrough moment for sure, I'm calling it now. Super talented kid who is humble as can be.     Well, all you have to do is look at the season her high school had to realize the important role she played. She freed up so much for other people, and of course, did work herself on the interior. She brought the physicality, battled, was superb on both ends of the floor, and her performance throughout the tournament was like a myth that just kept growing and growing. Cara brought it this year and did even more down the stretch. She did her role and played it well. She is a solid two-way player who will be back hard at work this summer because she and her teammates know there is some unfinished business to attend to. Solid ball player who has arrived as one of the top bigs in the state.     I think this young lady is about to become a problem. She was already tough on the DII-A level. Then she transfers and becomes a solid focal point at the DII-AA level. From what I have seen so far this summer, she is about to explode because she is playing with such confidence. This kid can get to the rim, but it's her downtown threat that scares people. You can't leave her open or loose her because if she gets a look of any type, the ball is going in. I will say this too, she is a solid passer that can hit tight windows, people don't give her credit for that. So, taking her body of work and adding what will be a solid summer season, this kid is going to be hard to deal with next high school season. You already know how Father Ryan plays. Add in the circuit, training, and the work she is already going so far this travel ball season, something special is brewing on Franklin Rd.. for sure.

When I think about the ‘26 class, I think about how impactful this class was or has been. Not just this year, but throughout their entire high school career, this class has been one of the most proven ones since day one. Mind you, this class has also been the one to show up clutch in big-time moments. State tournaments. Times when a bucket is needed. Let's just call it clutch moment's and coaches have gone to girls in this class time and time again. I will also this about this class, I don't know everyone personally, but those whom I do, they are some gym rats. Girls who are in the lab working on their game, not because they are supposed to, but because it's expected of themselves. I could go on and on, but understand this class is legit, and it's not just me saying it, look at the accolades that have backed them up.