Skill Specialist: C/O 2026 Ball Handlers To See In July

In July, coaches are looking for players who fit their program's style of play—whether it's a run-and-gun system, a half-court system built on motion offense, or an inside-out approach. Programs need specific players to match their system, and here we want to showcase those with unique skill sets. This feature highlights some of the elite ball handlers to watch in July.    [player_tooltip player_id='1041872' first='Leiyah' last='Bain'] always had the ball on a string her ability to change her pace when handling the ball added with her quick first step makes her hard to stay in front of, she has the ability to help her team get through the press as well as force teams to be more disciplined on defense     (Cover photo) [player_tooltip player_id='1218142' first='Za'myria' last='King'] is one of the most creative and shifty ball handlers in the state have ability to hang dribble and change directions with fluidity and speed and being able to stop on a dime just as quick as she takes her first step freezes defenders and she can rise up just as quick. for her shot making her an unpredictable player to guard that excels at creating her own shots     [player_tooltip player_id='933334' first='Shelby' last='Gaines'] has tight handles and she dribbles low with the ball with a strong base, she uses her handles to get more north and south instead of east and West using productive dribbles but still can put you in a highlight mix as she is creative with few dribbles to get to the rim and throwing off defenders fro help defense and shot blockers with her ability to make split second decisions out of the dribble     [player_tooltip player_id='428887' first='Kayden' last='Gause'] She can double-tap dribble the ball like no other—her body can be going one way while she manipulates the ball the other, constantly keeping defenders off balance. She does it all while playing lower than her matchup, with a strong sense of when her defender is overplaying. She immediately changes direction and pulls up for a shot, often drawing fouls because the defender is out of position, resulting in plenty of and-1 opportunities.     [player_tooltip player_id='514572' first='Laila' last='Allen'] is the perfect mix of speed and grace. Allen has the ability to fit through small gaps in the defense with her quick switch from short, controlled dribbles to long, extended dribbles that cover more ground in an instant. When you think you have her in front of you and make the mistake of relaxing, she has already blown by you. She also has the ability to use a smooth hesitation or stutter step to freeze defenders who close out too fast. Her ability to use her speed to blow by defenders while still maintaining control of the ball makes it difficult to disrupt her game.     [player_tooltip player_id='514563' first='Jakenzye' last='McBride'] is a shifty guard who plays low to the ground and can change direction in a split second. She freezes defenders with her hesitation move and uses her speed and ball-handling to get to her spots, consistently getting her floater or runner off over taller defenders. In transition, she puts defenders on their heels with her quickness and creativity, effortlessly moving from one side of the floor to the other.

In July, coaches are looking for players who fit their program's style of play—whether it's a run-and-gun system, a half-court system built on motion offense, or an inside-out approach. Programs need specific players to match their system, and here we want to showcase those with unique skill sets. This feature highlights some of the elite ball handlers to watch in July.