2026 Under-the-Radar Guards: Rising Stock in the AAU Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The players listed have dedicated significant effort during the offseason and leading into the AAU season, resulting in clear improvements to their game. Based on this remarkable progress and the start of the AAU season, I expect these athletes to have standout senior years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["879252"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68374013543fe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='879252' first='Katelynn' last='Jenkins'], an <strong>elite three-point shooter</strong>, has consistently defied expectations, especially those stemming from her height. While some may have counted her out, Katelynn has diligently focused on expanding her offensive repertoire. She has been meticulously working on her <strong>off-the-dribble moves</strong> and significantly enhancing her <strong>speed with the ball skills</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This dedication has clearly paid off, as [player_tooltip player_id='879252' first='Katelynn' last='Jenkins'] is now looking like a <strong>totally different player</strong>. Her improved ball-handling and increased quickness complement her already sharp shooting, making her a much more versatile and formidable offensive threat. With these advancements, I anticipate a <strong>huge season</strong> from her in the upcoming year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["880821"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6837401354497"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kamria Holmes has consistently proven to be a <strong>tremendous player</strong>, yet it often feels as though media outlets overlook her due to her small-town origins. Despite this, she remains <strong>one of the most consistent point guards in Louisiana</strong>, a fact evidenced by her exceptional court presence. Kamria stands out with her <strong>swift moves</strong> and an <strong>amazing ability to fake defenders out at any given second</strong>, making her a formidable offensive threat. Her consistent high-level play, regardless of the spotlight, speaks volumes about her talent and dedication.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["874363"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6837401354511"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='874363' first='Joy' last='Fisher'] has been undeniably<strong> putting Louisiana on notice </strong>with her exceptional talent. Her <strong>high-level shot-creating skills</strong> are a highlight, allowing her to generate offense in seemingly impossible situations. What truly sets her apart is her remarkable ability to consistently hit <strong>circus shots</strong> during the AAU season, showcasing both her touch and creativity around the basket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">She is undoubtedly a player you <strong>need to have on your radar</strong> for both the remainder of the AAU circuit and the upcoming high school season. Her unique offensive flair and clutch shot-making make her a dynamic and exciting prospect to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["489572"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-683740135458f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='489572' first='Nia' last='Darby'] stands out as one of the <strong>most physical on-ball defending guards in the state</strong>. Her aggressive approach on defense is unmatched, allowing her to <strong>flat-out bully other guards</strong> and disrupt their offensive rhythm. This tenacious defensive playmaking directly correlates with her overall impact on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Looking ahead to the upcoming high school season, Nia is poised to <strong>spread the stat sheet</strong> with her multifaceted skill set. Her dominant defensive presence, combined with her evolving offensive game, suggests she'll be a force to be reckoned with, influencing outcomes across all statistical categories.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["489575"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6837401354608"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='489575' first='Jarissa' last='Davis'] is a prolific <strong>volume scorer</strong> who has been consistently <strong>shredding defenses</strong> throughout her AAU season. I predict that with her amazing scoring mentality and the graduation of many teammates, she will average at least 19 points per game this upcoming season. Her exceptional shiftiness and fast-paced decision-making make her one of the most complete and elusive guards on the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->