2026 Shamrock Classic More Top 16U Guards Day 2

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to attend the 2026 Shamrock Classic, which was hosted at both Westfield High School and Finch Creek. The event brought together a wide range of talent, featuring players from 3rd through 11th grade, with a strong concentration of junior high and high school prospects competing at a high level. Throughout the weekend, the gyms were filled with energy, competitive matchups, and a consistent display of skill, toughness, and basketball IQ.   Across all age groups, there was no shortage of talent on the floor. Multiple teams showed strong chemistry and structure, while individual players stepped up in key moments to separate themselves. The tournament also drew the attention of several college coaches, adding another level of intensity and exposure for the athletes competing. It was clear that many players embraced the opportunity to perform in front of evaluators and continued to elevate their level of play as the weekend progressed.   This write-up will focus on several of the top 16U programs in attendance, including [program_tooltip program_id='1002297' first='IGB' last=''] 16U GUAA, WV Thunder S40 (Perry), [program_tooltip program_id='1307580' first='Indy' last='One'] 16U Bays, and [program_tooltip program_id='715841' first='Indiana' last='Sirens'] 2028 - Skibinski. Each of these teams featured guards who played a major role in their team's success, whether it was through scoring, facilitating, defending, or controlling the tempo of the game.   The guard play throughout the tournament was especially impressive. From explosive scoring guards who could create their own shot, to floor generals who controlled the pace and made others around them better, this group showcased the depth of talent within the 16U division. Many of these players demonstrated the ability to impact the game in multiple ways, showing not only their skill set, but also their competitiveness and understanding of the game.   The following guards stood out as some of the top performers throughout the weekend, consistently making plays and leaving a strong impression with their overall performance.   [program_tooltip program_id='1002297' first='IGB' last=''] 16U GUAA   The  <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/[program_tooltip program_id='1002297' first='IGB' last='']-3/">[program_tooltip program_id='1002297' first='IGB' last='']</a> 16U GUAA team is arguably one of the top AAU teams in the country right now. This group is loaded with talent across the board, featuring a roster full of high-level Division I prospects who understand how to compete and play the game the right way. Their chemistry, pace, and overall feel for the game separate them from many teams at this level.   What truly makes this group special, though, is the presence of four current 8th graders who are already contributing within this elite lineup. Competing at the 16U GUAA level is no small task, and for them to not only hold their own but make an impact speaks volumes about their skill level, basketball IQ, and maturity. Being surrounded by Division I talent is only accelerating their development, pushing them to grow both physically and mentally against older, more experienced players.   This combination of elite talent and young, emerging prospects gives  <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/[program_tooltip program_id='1002297' first='IGB' last='']-3/">[program_tooltip program_id='1002297' first='IGB' last='']</a> a unique edge. They're not just built for success now, but they're developing a core that could dominate for years to come.    Bryce Webster is a player who can do just about anything on the court. Whether it's attacking the rim, pulling up for a jump shot in transition, or confidently knocking down a three with a defender right in her face, she has a complete offensive game. What makes her stand out even more is how effortless she makes it all look—she plays with a natural confidence and composure that's hard to teach.   Throughout the weekend, Bryce consistently showed her ability to take over stretches of the game. She can create her own shot at any time, and her versatility makes her extremely difficult to defend. Defenders have to respect every part of her game, which opens up even more opportunities for her to score or make plays for others.   With already one Division I offer in hand, it's clear that college coaches see her potential. Based on her performance and continued development, she should see her recruitment pick up even more heading into the spring and summer. Bryce played a key role in helping [program_tooltip program_id='1002297' first='IGB' last=''] 16U GUAA secure another Shamrock Classic Championship, and if she continues on this trajectory, her stock will only continue to rise.    WV Thunder S40 (Perry)   This West Virginia 16U team is an extremely talented group and is likely one of the best 16U squads across the Midwest. They have the size, skill, and versatility to compete at a high level and could certainly make an impact nationally. Their backcourt is particularly strong, featuring guards who can score in multiple ways—whether it's attacking the rim, shooting from distance, or creating opportunities for their teammates.   What makes this team especially unique is their potential to stay together next year as they move up to 17U. That continuity will allow them to build chemistry, further develop their skills, and compete even more effectively at a higher level. With their combination of size, scoring ability, and cohesion, this team has the potential to be a serious contender wherever they play.    This was my first time watching Addison play since her 8th grade year, and she quickly adjusted to the speed and physicality of the game. Despite being the only freshman on a very talented 16U S40 Elite team, she didn't look out of place at all. She showed confidence in her abilities and played with a level of composure that allowed her to contribute right away.   What stood out most was how comfortable she became as the weekend went on. She made solid decisions, didn't try to do too much, and let the game come to her. Competing against older, more experienced players can be a challenge, but she embraced it and held her own on both ends of the floor.   Her ability to adapt so quickly speaks to her potential and basketball IQ. Being in that environment this early will only help her development moving forward. Addison is definitely a player to keep an eye on as she continues to grow and gain more experience at this level.    [program_tooltip program_id='1307580' first='Indy' last='One'] 16U Bays   This is another talented 16U team from [program_tooltip program_id='1307580' first='Indy' last='One'] that is going to draw a lot of attention from college coaches. The level of talent across the roster really stands out, and it's not just individual ability—it's how well they compete as a group every time they step on the floor.   They play with a high motor, bring energy on both ends, and don't back down from competition. That combination of skill and toughness is exactly what college programs look for during the live periods. With multiple players capable of making an impact, this is a team that will continue to get noticed as the spring and summer go on.    I had the chance to watch Aniston and her team during the state tournament this past high school season, and now she's taking her talents to another [program_tooltip program_id='1307580' first='Indy' last='One'] 16U team. In this setting, she's been able to show more of her scoring ability, especially being in a different role than what she's used to in high school while playing alongside high-major level talent.   It was good to see her open up her game and really showcase what she can do offensively. With more opportunities to score, she looked confident attacking, finding her spots, and contributing in ways that may not always show in her high school role. Experiences like this are huge for her development, giving her the freedom to expand her game and grow as a player.   She's going to be a great addition to Jennings County next season, especially with her ability to put the ball in the basket. If she continues to build on what she showed this weekend, she'll be an even bigger offensive presence moving forward.    [program_tooltip program_id='715841' first='Indiana' last='Sirens'] 2028 - Skibinski   The 16U [program_tooltip program_id='715841' first='Indiana' last='Sirens'] are a team that can definitely compete at this level. They bring a strong mix of talent and toughness, and they don't shy away from the competition. One thing that really stands out is the presence of a couple of freshmen playing up a year. That experience is huge for their development, but it's also a big boost for the team overall.   Those younger players are not just filling spots—they're contributing and bringing a competitive edge every time they step on the floor. Their ability to keep up with older competition adds depth and energy to the roster. It also speaks to the culture of the team, trusting younger players to step into bigger roles.   As a whole, the Sirens play with confidence and compete on both ends, which allows them to match up well at this level. With that combination of youth, talent, and effort, they're a team that will continue to grow and be a problem for opponents moving forward.    Tatum is another guard who is going to gain a lot of attention this AAU season because of what she brings on both ends of the floor. She does a great job of getting to the rim, especially with her left hand, which makes her tough for defenders to contain. Once she gets downhill, she plays with confidence and finishes strong.   What really separates her, though, is her energy and competitiveness—particularly on the defensive end. She takes pride in guarding, applies pressure, and doesn't shy away from tough matchups. That motor and intensity make a big impact beyond just scoring.   For a freshman playing on a 16U team, she's showing a lot of maturity in her game. She looks comfortable competing against older players and continues to prove that she belongs at this level. As she keeps developing, she's definitely a name that more people will start to recognize.     I first saw Paige play last year at the Freshman Showcase, where she was one of the top performers in the event. She carried that momentum into a strong freshman season at Ben Davis, where she did a great job running the point guard position while also contributing as a scorer for a young team.   What stands out about Paige is her ability to control the game while still being aggressive offensively. She shows good poise with the ball, makes solid decisions, and understands how to balance getting her teammates involved with looking for her own shot. For a freshman, that's not easy to do, especially at the point guard position.   Her experience this past season, along with performances like the showcase, show that she's ahead of the curve. As she continues to develop, she's definitely a guard to keep an eye on, especially with her ability to lead and produce at a high level.

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to attend the 2026 Shamrock Classic, which was hosted at both Westfield High School and Finch Creek. The event brought together a wide range of talent, featuring players from 3rd through 11th grade, with a strong concentration of junior high and high school prospects competing at a high level. Throughout the weekend, the gyms were filled with energy, competitive matchups, and a consistent display of skill, toughness, and basketball IQ.