Just Beneath the Surface: Five 2026s Opponents Won’t See Coming

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Five 2026s Opponents Won't See Coming</h3>   I had the chance to watch these girls put in work during the 2025 AAU season, and the growth was undeniable. Heading into the 2025–26 high school season, expect some breakout performances that will turn heads. Confidence, fundamentals, and game IQ have all leveled up in a major way. Here are five players to watch who've made big jumps since their last high school game.    Strong Guard/PF Addison is a strong left-handed shooting guard. She is a shooter with a quick release. Along with her relentless desire to put points on the board she defends aggressively. She has grown into an efficient perimeter shooter, especially from behind the arc. She consistently positions herself in the right spots and demonstrates a knack for relocating as the ball advances in the offense. This player shows a disciplined “get back” mentality on defense after a missed shot or unsuccessful rebound. She has the strength to finish through contact, drawing fouls and converting at the basket, while also displaying solid ball-handling. She's a vocal presence on the floor, often taking charge to initiate the offense and direct her teammates. Her combination of scoring ability, leadership, and defensive awareness makes her a valuable asset on both ends of the court.     Shaniya Perkins is a foul magnet, often finishing strong through contact and converting at the line. Physical and tough, she pairs that strength with a surprisingly soft touch around the basket. On the defensive end, her deceptive lateral movement allows her to disrupt plays, while her length and active hands make her a constant challenge for opponents. When she does get beat off the dribble, she recovers quickly and forces difficult shots or turnovers. She has the ability to completely take over a game, imposing her will on both ends of the floor. Known for her relentless work ethic, she consistently brings energy and effort that fuels team success. Perkins thrives in high-pressure situations and has a knack for shining brightest in the biggest moments. Her combination of toughness, skill, and competitive fire makes her one of the most dynamic players to watch.     Erynn is hands down one of the quickest and fastest basketball players on the floor, with a motor that separates her from the competition. Her speed translates seamlessly to both ends of the court, making her a defensive menace whose impact far outweighs her size. She often picks up full court translating her defense into points. Whether chasing down a long rebound or tracking a pass, she has a knack for getting to the ball first. She runs the floor with urgency, handles the ball confidently, and refuses to give up on plays. Her hustle often leads to highlight-worthy chase-down stops that energize her team. Offensively, she is an efficient spot-up shooter from behind the arc and displays excellent vision with her entry passes into the post. She also thrives at drawing defenders, creating scoring opportunities for her teammates with smart decision-making. Her ability to blend speed, toughness, and unselfish play makes her not only a threat in transition but also a key difference-maker in half-court sets. In short, Felton is the kind of player whose energy and impact can shift the momentum of a game.     Nelson is a true X's and O's point guard who not only knows the plays but also understands the deeper fundamentals of the game. She consistently makes the right pass at the right time, keeping her teammates involved and the offense flowing. A natural floor general, she is automatic when directing players into position to set up the offense. Her strong court awareness allows her to keep moving without the ball and find herself in the right spot to make an impact. Defensively, her active hands and anticipation disrupt the opposition's ability to initiate their sets. She has the ability to drive and kick with precision, delivering timely, pinpoint passes that create open looks. Beyond her skill set, Ke'Sonja plays with poise and confidence, rarely rattled by pressure situations. Her blend of leadership, vision, and control makes her the type of point guard every coach wants in their system.     Myles, currently listed at 6 feet tall on her X (https://x.com/darealtootie4) page is a versatile center who can secure a defensive rebound and immediately push the pace in transition. She excels at getting downhill, often turning defensive stops into fast-break opportunities and challenging bigger players to a foot race with or without the ball and she wins. Her instincts in the press allow her to anticipate and steal long passes from the second layer of defense. Around the rim, she finishes through contact with either hand, showing balance and control in traffic. She runs the floor hard, creating mismatches and easy scoring chances for herself and her teammates. Her unique combination of size, agility, and skill makes her a constant threat in both the half-court and transition game.