2026 Shamrock Classic Top 17U Perimeter Standouts

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 17U programs in attendance, including WVT 17U Rise Harrington and [program_tooltip program_id='999574' first='Indiana' last='Basketball Club'] S40 Select. 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.   WVT 17U Rise Harrington   West Virginia 17U Rise Harrington is a team that should be on everyone's radar heading into the spring and summer. This group brings together a talented mix of players from across the state, including Lawrence North, Pike, North Central, Fishers, Crispus Attucks, and Carmel, giving them a strong and well-balanced roster at every position.   Although this was their first tournament playing together, the team showed impressive chemistry and composure throughout the weekend. They did a great job of adjusting on the fly, finding ways to make things work in their favor despite limited time together. Their ability to compete, share the ball, and play with confidence stood out, especially for a group still building familiarity.   As they continue to develop and build more cohesion, West Virginia 17U Rise Harrington has the potential to be a very dangerous team on the circuit. With their combination of talent, depth, and upside, this is a group college coaches and programs will want to keep a close eye on moving forward.    Ari Harrington is one of those players you have to be aware of at all times on the offensive end because of what she brings to the floor. She plays with a high level of aggression when attacking the rim and does a great job of finishing through contact. Along with her ability to get downhill, she can also shoot the ball very well from the perimeter, making her a tough matchup at the shooting guard position.   What stands out most is her ability to put pressure on the defense in multiple ways. Whether it's scoring off the dribble or knocking down shots, she consistently finds ways to be effective. Her scoring ability and confidence make her a key offensive piece and a player defenses must game plan for.     Every time I watch Jayla play, she brings an exciting level of energy to the court. One thing that really stands out and something college coaches are quickly going to recognize is her ability to catch fire from the perimeter and consistently knock down shots. When she gets going, she can change the momentum of a game in a hurry.   Beyond her scoring, Jayla also brings strong defensive energy, which adds to her overall impact and makes her even more fun to watch. She competes on both ends of the floor and plays with a motor that doesn't go unnoticed.   She is an underrated 2027 guard who is poised to make a lot of noise this spring and summer. Recently, she picked up her first collegiate offer from the Minnesota North College–Vermilion women's basketball program, and it likely won't be her last.    [program_tooltip program_id='999574' first='Indiana' last='Basketball Club'] S40 Select   [program_tooltip program_id='999574' first='Indiana' last='Basketball Club'] S40 Select is a very talented team that brings a unique combination of size, length, and versatility across the roster. What stands out most about this group is the variety of ways they can score the basketball. With multiple players capable of contributing offensively, they can stretch the floor, attack the rim, and finish through contact, making them a tough matchup for any opponent. Their size also allows them to control the paint, rebound at a high level, and create second-chance opportunities.   This was the first tournament this group has played together, but they showed promising signs of growth and potential throughout the weekend. Despite still learning how to play with one another, they did a great job of adjusting on the fly and finding ways to be effective. You can see the chemistry starting to build with each game, especially in how they move the ball and trust one another in different situations.   Defensively, their length and effort give them the ability to disrupt opposing offenses, contest shots, and create turnovers that lead to easy scoring opportunities. As they continue to develop better communication and cohesion on that end of the floor, they have the tools to become even more impactful.   Overall, [program_tooltip program_id='999574' first='Indiana' last='Basketball Club'] S40 Select is a team with a high ceiling. As they continue to grow together, build chemistry, and settle into defined roles, they have the potential to be a very dangerous team on the circuit this spring and summer.    [player_tooltip player_id='1137311' first='Aniya' last='Doughty'] is a strong, competitive guard with a clear desire to win, and that mindset is going to draw a lot of college attention. She has the ability to play both the point guard and shooting guard positions, which speaks to her versatility and understanding of the game. Being able to handle those responsibilities isn't easy, but she manages it well and continues to show growth in both roles.   What stands out most is her ability to make plays when her team needs it. Whether she's getting downhill and finishing at the rim or pulling up for a jump shot, Aniya has the confidence and skill set to create her own offense. She plays with control, but also knows when to be aggressive and attack the defense.   As she continues to develop and gain more exposure, her combination of toughness, versatility, and playmaking ability will make her a player college programs keep a close eye on.     [player_tooltip player_id='751096' first='Lily' last='Burns'] continues to improve her game each time she steps on the floor, and this spring and summer is shaping up to be the period where she truly makes a name for herself. Her steady development and work ethic are evident, and she is starting to put everything together at a high level.   What immediately stands out is her size and length, which she uses effectively on both ends of the floor. Offensively, she is particularly intriguing because of her versatility. Lily has the ability to handle the basketball and push in transition, where she can finish or create for others. She shoots the ball well on the move and can be a threat in the open floor, making her a difficult matchup for opposing defenses.   She also has the capability to slide into the point guard position at times, showing her feel for the game and ability to make decisions with the ball in her hands. That level of versatility adds value and allows her to impact the game in multiple ways.   As she continues to gain confidence and experience, [player_tooltip player_id='751096' first='Lily' last='Burns'] is a player college coaches will want to track closely. Her combination of size, skill, and developing playmaking ability gives her a strong foundation for continued success this spring and summer.     [player_tooltip player_id='751079' first='Ja'Nyiah' last='Rogers'] may not always get the attention she deserves, but she is one of the most underrated point guards in her class. She has a strong feel for the game, plays with confidence, and consistently makes the right decisions with the basketball in her hands. Her ability to control the pace and run a team stands out, especially as a true floor general.   Being part of the [program_tooltip program_id='999574' first='Indiana' last='Basketball Club'] 17U team will only help elevate her exposure. With the level of talent around her and the competition they are facing, this is the type of stage where players can really make a name for themselves. Ja'Nyiah has the opportunity to showcase her skills in front of more college coaches, and her playmaking ability, leadership, and poise should continue to stand out.   As she continues to compete and perform at a high level this spring and summer, collegiate opportunities will start to follow. She is a guard that can quietly impact winning in multiple ways, and once more coaches take notice, her recruitment should continue to pick up.     [player_tooltip player_id='751048' first='Carly' last='Holmes'] is another guard who is starting to turn heads and is a name people are going to become more familiar with. As part of the talented 2027 class at Franklin Central, she brings a competitive edge and a steady presence to the backcourt.   What stands out in her game is her ability to slash to the basket with purpose and make smart decisions once she gets there. She doesn't force the action, instead playing under control and reading the defense well, whether that's finishing at the rim or kicking out to open teammates. That kind of poise is valuable, especially for a young guard.   This spring and summer will be important for Carly, as she has the opportunity to gain the exposure needed to elevate her game and visibility. With continued development and strong play against top competition, she is a guard whose name will continue to rise as she progresses through the 2027 class.

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.