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Shifting Gears- Ready For Tourney Time

Shifting Gears- Ready For Tourney Time
Brandon Tinnon
Brandon Tinnon February 12, 2026 @ 09:50 AM
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In this article:

Ryann Hughes
Ryann Hughes 5'8" | 2027
TN
Ava Zenner
Ava Zenner 5'8" | PG | 2028
TN
Laila Downs Darden
Laila Downs Darden 5'11" | SG/CG | 2027
TN
KJ McNealy
KJ McNealy 6'0" | SG | 2026
TN
Zoey Nicholas
Zoey Nicholas 5'9" | SG | 2026
TN
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><br>USE CODE "tinnon30" FOR 30% OFF THE FIRST PURCHASE OF ANY SUBSCRIPTION.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's go time across Tennessee. Tournament play is here or is just around the corner. In Division II, teams have already gotten after it on the postseason front. In the public school sector, teams are down to the last couple of games, and then it is “Go” time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>During this time of year, games are tight. You have to value each possession, minimize mistakes, hunt for great shots, and defend. To have a chance to win a game during this time of year, a team must execute, communicate, and be on the same page for all 32 minutes. Mistakes can hinder progress, but it takes all 5 players on the floor to play their roles to a T.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This past week, we have had some dazzling performances from kids throughout the state. As we enter tournament season (or already in it for some schools), keep your eyes on these players because they are just revving up to go the distance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["822483"],"_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-698df6b8700d6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">She is making a claim for being one of the best guards in the state. Yes, she is already at the top of her class, but she is putting everyone on notice that she belongs in the conversation with other dynamic guards. She scored 33 points against CA, but it was how she did it that was remarkable. Her defense did the talking; she commanded the offense, and she exploited various areas of the floor. Her ability to change speeds, attack downhill, and finish with contact is second to none. She is a tough competitor who focuses on the task at hand and gets after it. Look for her to be a big component of the Lady Panthers success this postseason. Collegiate coaches will surely be beating down her doors here soon.<br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["818131"],"_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-698df6b87014c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">40 points, 18 rebounds. A very impressive stat line for a Miss Tennessee nominee. This young lady has grown her game in so many ways over the course of the season. She was already a multi-level scoring threat, dominating areas both inside and out. Now, its her passing ability that has been on the uptick, as she can whisk the ball through windows, allowing her teammates to finish. She has always been a defensive stopper, slowing down the opposition. Now that tourney time is around the corner, look for her to shift her game to an even higher gear.<br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["816585"],"_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-698df6b870199"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Grand Canyon signee has always been about putting the ball in the bucket. She does that really well. What I love about her game is her attitude and willingness to do the dirty work. I am talking about rebounds, people, and she set the record for the most rebounds in a game with 23 the other night. Sometimes, kids take this stat for granted, but legendary Coach Pat Summitt emphasized it. KJ is a versatile kid who can do it all. She will be a key component for her club down the stretch. Look for her to lead the charge and be the one who maximizes everything she has to help her team win.<br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1039546"],"_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-698df6b8701de"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This product of southern Middle Tennessee is putting together a solid body of work as her team nears the tournament. She is a tough competitor who uses her strength and speed to create chaos. She scored 34 points and grabbed double-digit rebounds as she helped her team to a victory. Performances like these are the norm, as she has become the leader of this club. She is flying under the radar, but I guarantee she's about to be spotted by collegiate coaches here soon. A solid kid who is about to have a breakthrough.<br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["514124"],"_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-698df6b870223"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">So many adjectives could describe her style of play, but she is truly a gamer. A kid who shines bright when the lights come on. She is a tough outing and teams struggle to contain her. It doesn't matter whether she is scoring or facilitating the rock; her presence is a threat wherever she is. Look for her to be the leading catalyst for PC. The team is consistently tough during the tournament, and when Zoey is on the floor, it makes them even tougher.<br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->


USE CODE "tinnon30" FOR 30% OFF THE FIRST PURCHASE OF ANY SUBSCRIPTION.

Ava Zenner

Ava Zenner

TN
PG
HEIGHT 5'8"
POS PG
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Ava
Zenner PG
Class
2028
Height
5'8"
HS
Franklin Road Academy
|
TN
Shifting Gears- Ready For Tourney Time
She is making a claim for being one of the best guards in the state. Yes, she is...
Written by Brandon Tinnon
Read more at PrepGirlsHoops.com
Prep Girls Hoops

Ava Zenner

Instagram Twitter
State: Tennessee
School: Franklin Road Academy
Club: Kentucky Premier
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Laila Downs Darden

Laila Downs Darden

TN
SG/CG
HEIGHT 5'11"
POS SG/CG
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Laila
Downs Darden SG/CG
Class
2027
Height
5'11"
HS
McEwen
|
TN
Shifting Gears- Ready For Tourney Time
40 points, 18 rebounds. A very impressive stat line for a Miss Tennessee nominee. This young lady has...
Written by Brandon Tinnon
Read more at PrepGirlsHoops.com
Prep Girls Hoops

Laila Downs Darden

Twitter
State: Tennessee
School: McEwen
Club: Tennessee Flight
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Grand Canyon
KJ McNealy

KJ McNealy

TN
SG
HEIGHT 6'0"
POS SG
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
KJ
McNealy SG
Class
2026
Height
6'0"
HS
Farragut
|
TN
Shifting Gears- Ready For Tourney Time
The Grand Canyon signee has always been about putting the ball in the bucket. She does that really...
Written by Brandon Tinnon
Grand Canyon
Read more at PrepGirlsHoops.com
Prep Girls Hoops

KJ McNealy

State: Tennessee
School: Farragut
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Ryann Hughes

Ryann Hughes

TN
HEIGHT 5'8"
POS N/A
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Ryann
Hughes
Class
2027
Height
5'8"
HS
Lawrence County
|
TN
Shifting Gears- Ready For Tourney Time
This product of southern Middle Tennessee is putting together a solid body of work as her team nears...
Written by Brandon Tinnon
Read more at PrepGirlsHoops.com
Prep Girls Hoops

Ryann Hughes

Instagram
State: Tennessee
School: Lawrence County
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Tennessee Tech
Zoey Nicholas

Zoey Nicholas

TN
SG
HEIGHT 5'9"
POS SG
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Zoey
Nicholas SG
Class
2026
Height
5'9"
HS
Pickett Co.
|
TN
Shifting Gears- Ready For Tourney Time
So many adjectives could describe her style of play, but she is truly a gamer. A kid who...
Written by Brandon Tinnon
Tennessee Tech
Read more at PrepGirlsHoops.com
Prep Girls Hoops

Zoey Nicholas

Instagram Twitter
State: Tennessee
School: Pickett Co.
Club: Kentucky Premier
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Prep Girls Hoops

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