2026 Shamrock Classic Top 16U Guards Day 1

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='999574' first='Indiana' last='Basketball Club'] 16U 3SSB, [program_tooltip program_id='1002297' first='IGB' last=''] 16U GUAA, [program_tooltip program_id='1307580' first='Indy' last='One'] 16U EYCL, and WV Thunder S40 (Perry) 16U. 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='999574' first='Indiana' last='Basketball Club'] 16U 3SSB   ndiana Basketball Club 16U 3SSB is an extremely talented group, with a roster full of players who project at the Division I level. I had the opportunity to watch this team twice over the weekend and came away very impressed with the level of play, chemistry, and overall competitiveness they displayed.   What makes this group even more intriguing is that several of these young women were part of the program's 15U team and are already playing up an age level. Despite that, they showed no signs of being outmatched. In fact, they consistently competed with confidence, poise, and a strong understanding of the game against older competition.   Their ability to play fast, make reads, and execute offensively stood out right away. Defensively, they brought energy and intensity, applying pressure and forcing tough possessions. The combination of skill, athleticism, and basketball IQ across the roster makes this a very dangerous group, both now and moving forward.    Maliyah Evans continues to impress me with her consistent impact on both ends of the floor. What has really stood out recently is the added aggressiveness she's bringing to her game. She's not just playing within the flow anymore she's actively looking to make plays, assert herself offensively, and take on bigger defensive matchups. That growth shows a clear understanding of what it takes to elevate her game to the next level.   Offensively, she does a great job handling the basketball and creating opportunities for herself and her teammates. She's showing more confidence attacking the basket, making strong reads, and playing with purpose every time she touches the ball. Defensively, her size and length continue to be major assets. She uses them well to disrupt passing lanes, contest shots, and guard multiple positions effectively.   It's clear she's putting in the work and preparing herself for the next level. If she continues on this trajectory playing with this level of confidence, effort, and aggression there's no doubt she will attract more attention. She should see an increase in offers throughout the spring and summer as college programs begin to recognize the value she brings on both ends of the floor.     [player_tooltip player_id='992346' first='Ella' last='Burleson'] is doing a great job running the point for this very talented 16U 3SSB group. She plays with a lot of freedom and confidence, which allows her to truly showcase her skill set. What stands out most is her ability to balance scoring and playmaking she shoots the basketball at a high level while also being able to attack the rim effectively. That combination makes her a tough guard to defend, especially as a primary ball handler.   She continues to show growth in her decision-making and overall control of the game, which is exactly what you want out of a point guard leading a high-level team. Her ability to create her own shot while also getting her teammates involved adds a lot of value to her game.   Pendleton Heights is getting a very talented point guard who fits well with their program's future. With the recent announcement that Pendleton will be playing in the Hall of Fame Classic, Ella will have even more opportunities to compete on a big stage. She should add important depth to the guard position, especially with the graduation of [player_tooltip player_id='486495' first='Olivia' last='Jones']. As she continues to develop and perform against strong competition, she's definitely a player who should start picking up more offers throughout the spring and summer.    [program_tooltip program_id='1002297' first='IGB' last=''] 16U GUAA   The [program_tooltip program_id='1002297' first='IGB' last=''] 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 [program_tooltip program_id='1002297' first='IGB' last=''] a unique edge. They're not just built for success now, but they're developing a core that could dominate for years to come.    Harper Scaringe is quickly developing into an elite point guard, and her growth is becoming more noticeable each time she steps on the floor. What really separates her is how shifty and controlled she is with the basketball. Her handle allows her to create space, break down defenders, and keep defenses off balance. Along with that, her ability to shoot the basketball makes her even more dangerous, forcing defenders to respect her at all levels.   She thrives in transition, where her speed and decision-making really stand out. Whether she's pushing the ball herself or making the right read on the move, she consistently puts her team in position to score. Her court vision is another major strength—she does a great job of seeing plays develop and delivering the ball accurately to her teammates.   As she continues to build on these skills and gain more experience, Harper is positioning herself as a true floor general who can control the pace of the game while impacting it as both a scorer and a playmaker.     Kinsley is another elite talent in the 2030 class, joining her twin sister Harper as part of a very special group of young players. Together, they add even more depth and excitement to an already talented class.   What really stands out about Kinsley is her ability to get to the basket. She plays with a strong, physical presence that allows her to finish through contact and put pressure on defenses consistently. She doesn't shy away from attacking, and that aggressiveness makes her a tough matchup for defenders at any level.   On top of that, she's doing a great job of developing her perimeter game. Her ability to step out and knock down shots from range makes her even more dangerous offensively, as defenders have to respect both her drive and her shot. As she continues to polish her overall skill set, Kinsley is positioning herself as a well-rounded player with a very high ceiling.    [program_tooltip program_id='1307580' first='Indy' last='One'] 16U EYCL   [program_tooltip program_id='1307580' first='Indy' last='One'] is a new AAU program in Indiana, and this marks their first season. Despite being new, their 16U EYCL team already looks like a well-balanced group with a lot of talent across the roster. They have a good mix of players who understand their roles and compete at a high level.   I had the opportunity to watch them go up against a talented West Virginia team, and they held their own. What stood out was their ability to play together, stay composed, and compete on both ends of the floor. For a first-year program, they show a lot of promise and potential as they continue to grow and build their identity.    [player_tooltip player_id='999412' first='Bella' last='Ramsey'] is a talented guard who continues to show steady improvement in her overall game. One of the things that really stands out when watching her is how well she moves without the basketball. She understands spacing, timing, and how to put herself in positions to be effective within the flow of the offense.   In addition to that, she does a great job of shooting the basketball. Whether it's spotting up or getting her shot within the offense, she shows confidence and consistency from the perimeter. As she continues to develop her all-around skill set, her ability to impact the game without needing the ball in her hands will make her a valuable asset at the next level.     [player_tooltip player_id='905531' first='Piper' last='Brinley'] continues to impress with her impact on both ends of the floor. She plays with a noticeable chip on her shoulder, bringing a level of intensity and competitiveness that sets the tone for her team. Offensively, she makes smart decisions, can attack the basket effectively, and contributes in a variety of ways to keep defenses honest.   Defensively, her effort and awareness stand out—she contests shots, disrupts passing lanes, and isn't afraid to take on challenging matchups. Piper's combination of skill, competitiveness, and high-level basketball IQ allows her to make a meaningful impact every time she steps on the court. As she continues to develop, she's the type of player who can elevate not only her own game but the performance of everyone around her.    WV Thunder S40 (Perry) 16U   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.    [player_tooltip player_id='990047' first='Maddy' last='Wallace'] continues to impress me with her relentless competitiveness and her desire to win every game. What truly separates her from other guards I've seen is her ability to impact the game beyond just scoring. She contributes in ways that don't always show up on the stat sheet, whether it's making the right defensive rotations, setting up teammates, or controlling the pace of the game.   Throughout each game, Maddy demonstrates a natural ability to lead—both through vocal communication with her teammates and by leading through her actions on the court. She sets the tone with her effort, intensity, and decision-making, making those around her better. Offensively, she does a great job scoring in transition, whether attacking the rim with confidence or knocking down shots from the perimeter. Her combination of leadership, versatility, and competitive drive makes her a standout guard and a true floor general.     [player_tooltip player_id='999451' first='Chami' last='Williams'] is a player I've really enjoyed watching this season. What stands out most about her game is her ability to step up when her team needs a basket when you need someone to score, Chami is the player you want handling the ball. She plays with confidence and poise, making smart decisions every time she touches the ball.   Watching her this past weekend, it was clear how much of an impact she can have on the floor. She knows how to create scoring opportunities for herself while also involving her teammates, and she does it all with efficiency and composure. With her ability to consistently score and influence the game in multiple ways, Chami is going to draw significant attention from college coaches this year. She's the type of player who can carry a team and make a difference every time she steps on the court.

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.