Making the Jump: 2026 Players Elevating Their Game

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Girls Hoops North Carolina is updating their rankings this month with the first round of updates coming to the class of 2026.  We've already discussed the new names added to the list, so it's time to address those that have been elevating their game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["622016"],"_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-6965970284a36"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='622016' first='Kira' last='Jones'] knows how to calculate her next move on offense with precision.  She can use her fakes to create some open space attacking the basket off of one move.  She relocates with speed after making the pass finding an open lane to score off the pass coming right back to her.  She has a nice shot from around the perimeter, and she doesn't mind doing some of the dirty work underneath grabbing rebounds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["691989"],"_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-6965970284a98"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='691989' first='Zoe' last='Smith'] knows how to use every bit of her height on both ends of the court.  She gets her hands in the way deflecting passes and grabbing steals knowing exactly how to push the tempo the other direction.  Her ability to block shots is sure to protect the basket.  She's quick on her feet on offense being able to get into position and score some points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["363332"],"_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-6965970284ae0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='363332' first='Jniya' last='Weaver'] is another ball handler who has a good feel for the game making the right move to get a play going.  She hits her teammates in their hands as they make their cuts to the basket.  She creates her own open lanes attacking the basket and making nice adjustments to get the ball through the hoop.  Her arsenal of moves are sure to get her opponents off their feet as she blows by them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["621997"],"_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-6965970284b23"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='621997' first='Samara' last='Jones'] is a shifty guard using her speed and change of direction moves to get to the basket scoring her points.  Her ability to knock down shots from deep makes her a threat from all over the court.  She can explode in passing lanes grabbing steals and taking it the other direction not backing down from contact.  </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->