2026 Shamrock Classic Top 17U Recruiting Targets

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, [program_tooltip program_id='999574' first='Indiana' last='Basketball Club'] S40 Select, WV Thunder S40 (Perry) 16U and [program_tooltip program_id='712574' first='Indy' last='Magic'] 17U Scott E40. 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.    [player_tooltip player_id='751034' first='Alanna' last='Anthony'] is part of a talented 2027 class in the state and at Fishers High School, where she continues to establish herself as a player to watch. She stands out on both ends of the floor with her decision-making, effort, and the way she plays the game with a high level of aggression and competitiveness.   What really stands out is how hard she plays. Alanna consistently competes on every possession, and that intensity translates into her overall impact on the game. Offensively, she has shown noticeable improvement, especially in her ability to knock down shots from the perimeter with more consistency. As her confidence continues to grow, she becomes even more dangerous as a scoring threat.   She also does a great job of getting to the free-throw line by staying aggressive and putting pressure on the defense. Her ability to handle the basketball allows her to create opportunities for herself and keep the offense moving in the right direction.   As she continues to develop and gain experience, [player_tooltip player_id='751034' first='Alanna' last='Anthony'] is a guard whose growth and competitiveness will keep her on the radar as she progresses through the 2027 class.    [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.    Taylee Fishers is another player from the Shamrock Classic who I feel doesn't get the attention she deserves, but being part of a talented [program_tooltip program_id='999574' first='Indiana' last='Basketball Club'] 17U S40 team gives her the platform to showcase her abilities. She competes hard and continues to make an impact within her role on a talented roster.   What stands out in her game is her ability to get downhill and put pressure on the defense. She does a good job of attacking the basket and forcing defenders to make decisions, which creates scoring opportunities for both herself and her teammates. Her aggressiveness and willingness to attack help set the tone offensively.   As she continues to compete this spring and summer, Taylee has the opportunity to gain more recognition and show that she can be a consistent contributor against high-level competition.    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='999409' first='Keilah' last='Mitchell'] had what I believe was her best high school season to date, performing at a consistently high level throughout the year. What I really appreciate about her game is her willingness to do the little things that help her team win. She plays with a team-first mindset and impacts the game in a variety of ways that don't always show up in the stat sheet.   She is extremely aggressive with the basketball and does a great job of attacking the rim. Keilah consistently puts pressure on the defense, getting downhill and finishing through contact. Her ability to stay assertive while still making smart decisions makes her a tough matchup for opponents.   What stands out most is her competitiveness and desire to win. She brings a strong motor every time she steps on the floor and plays with a level of intensity that sets the tone for her team. That type of mindset, combined with her aggressive play style, makes her an impactful player and one that continues to stand out.     [player_tooltip player_id='992360' first='Kendra' last='Ash'] is a player who is going to continue to gain a lot of attention. Watching her this weekend, it was clear how valuable she is to her team, as it was difficult for her coach to take her off the floor because of the impact she brings on both ends of the game.   Offensively, she does a great job of creating space and putting herself in position to score. She has a good feel for the game and consistently looks for opportunities to be effective, whether that's getting to her spots or making the right read. Her ability to generate offense makes her a reliable option within her team's system.   Defensively, she competes and contributes in multiple ways, helping her team stay connected and competitive throughout games. That two-way impact is what makes her stand out even more.   As she continues to perform at a high level, [player_tooltip player_id='992360' first='Kendra' last='Ash'] is a player that college coaches are going to start paying close attention to.    [program_tooltip program_id='712574' first='Indy' last='Magic'] 17U Scott E40   [program_tooltip program_id='712574' first='Indy' last='Magic'] has a very talented 17U team that can really score the basketball and brings strong size across the roster. Their ability to put points on the board in a variety of ways makes them a difficult matchup, especially when they get into a rhythm offensively.   This group was fun to watch throughout the weekend, as they consistently competed and showed toughness in each game. Their size allows them to be effective around the rim and on the glass, while their skill level helps them stretch the floor and create scoring opportunities.   As they continue to grow together and build chemistry, [program_tooltip program_id='712574' first='Indy' last='Magic'] has the potential to be a dangerous team moving forward, especially with the way they can score and compete on a consistent basis.    [player_tooltip player_id='890884' first='McKenzi' last='Rutland'] continues to stand out with her consistent play and impact on the floor. As she heads into her senior year, this spring and summer will be important, and she is already beginning to generate attention through her performance at the Shamrock Classic.   She recently picked up an offer from Mount St. Joseph University, and it's clear she is a player who will continue to draw interest from college programs. McKenzi has the ability to score both inside and outside, making her a versatile offensive threat. Her skill set allows her to operate effectively in multiple areas on the floor, whether she is finishing around the rim or stepping out and knocking down shots.   What also stands out is her ability to see the floor and make plays for her teammates. She understands how to read the defense and make the right decision, which adds another layer to her game.   As she continues to perform at a high level, [player_tooltip player_id='890884' first='McKenzi' last='Rutland'] is a player whose recruitment will continue to grow, and she is someone college coaches will want to keep a close eye on moving forward.

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.