Final First Impression: Class of '26 Guards Ready to Cook

The first live period is approaching, where athletes will showcase their talents in front of college coaches and scouts. Fresh off a high school season and weeks of getting settled in with new and familiar faces on their respective travel ball programs, this is the last “first” for the Class of 2026. With experience on their side, they're ready to COOK under the bright lights and focused eyes this live period.    [player_tooltip player_id='752545' first='Jamila' last='Ray'] is a flash on the court. Her ability to dribble at full speed and still be faster than the person guarding her is impressive. The PG is quick and shifty, excelling at getting her opponents off balance to create easier shots—whether it's a pull-up jumper, where she elevates quickly and smoothly, or using her off foot or hand to throw off defenders' timing at the rim. It's all impressive and fun to watch her play.     [player_tooltip player_id='243908' first='Ciara' last='Hayes'] is not the player you want to give any space to—she forces teams to stay attached to her whether she's on the strong side or weak side, as she excels at getting her shot off quickly. Her ability to get open off of off-ball screens or use ball screens to create her shot makes her a scoring sensation who can light up the scoreboard in a hurry.     [player_tooltip player_id='221610' first='Karolina' last='Ramirez'] has a swagger to her game and a confidence when the ball is in her hands because she knows that if she doesn't get her shot off, she'll find her open teammates or draw help defense to create opportunities for others. She's also very vocal on the floor—a pure leader who's constantly motivating her teammates and keeping everyone engaged.     [player_tooltip player_id='514601' first='Talia' last='Busser'] is a sniper—once she catches the ball, it's already leaving her hand if you're not there to contest. She can shoot well beyond the three-point line, so if you go under any screen, she'll make you pay. Defensively, she makes every hustle play—if there's a loose ball, she's going for it. Don't let her size fool you—she doesn't mind using her strong frame to box out taller defenders so her teammates can secure the rebound. Combine all of that with her high basketball IQ, and you've got a player who can make an impact anytime she's on the floor.     [player_tooltip player_id='428888' first='Zebrielle' last='Canaday'] is a defensive pest—she stays in your hip pocket the entire game, end to end. She's one of the fastest and quickest players you'll see. If you're not protecting the ball, before you even realize she's there, she's going the other way with it. She's also a great break starter and isn't afraid to draw contact at the rim, either finishing through it for an and-one or getting to the free-throw line and putting your team in foul trouble.     [player_tooltip player_id='515087' first='Kellisia' last='Grant'] is a slashing guard who finishes extremely well around the rim. She handles the ball with control, plays low and strong, and has an explosive first step. Once she gets downhill, she's hard to stop, having perfected the skill of attacking in a straight line. Grant also has a quick and perfectly timed pull-up jumper to counter defenders who try to overplay her.     [player_tooltip player_id='514527' first='Arianna' last='Walker'] does it all on the floor—she can pass, play defense, knock down open shots, and rebound. Walker is the ultimate utility player, capable of playing and guarding positions 1 through 5. A lot of what she brings doesn't show up on the stat sheet, but she makes everything easier for her teammates by doing the little things. She's the glue that holds it all together. When you watch her games, you can't help but be impressed by her versatility and impact on the court.     [player_tooltip player_id='1219023' first='Sanai' last='Forrester-Jhagroo'] has the ability to run the point and get her team's system flowing, but she can also play off the ball and create her own shot. Sanai is a zone killer—whether she's the primary ball handler or spotting up off the ball, she can shoot teams out of a zone. Defensively, she has a knack for jumping passing lanes and creating turnovers when the offense least expects it. Sanai plays with a slick, crafty style that keeps defenders guessing and forces defenses to stay disciplined every time she's on the floor.

The first live period is approaching, where athletes will showcase their talents in front of college coaches and scouts. Fresh off a high school season and weeks of getting settled in with new and familiar faces on their respective travel ball programs, this is the last “first” for the Class of 2026. With experience on their side, they're ready to COOK under the bright lights and focused eyes this live period.