2028 Prospects Make Noise on Day 1 of The Classic

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to attend the 2026 The Classic Tournament hosted in Louisville, Kentucky at the Kentucky Exposition Center. This event was one of the NCAA Live Period events, giving college coaches from all levels the chance to evaluate players in a live setting while watching some of the top talent from across the country compete at a high level.   The atmosphere throughout the weekend was outstanding, as teams from multiple states came together to compete against elite competition while players looked to showcase their skills in front of college programs. Events like this continue to be extremely important for exposure, development, and helping athletes gain recognition on a bigger stage.   There was no shortage of talent throughout the tournament, especially from the state of Indiana. Indiana basketball continues to produce high-level players year after year, and this weekend was another example of the depth and talent within the state. From guards making plays with their speed and shot-making ability to forwards controlling the paint with toughness and versatility, Indiana prospects made their presence felt throughout the event.   Over the next few articles, I will be highlighting several players from Indiana who stood out to me during the tournament and discussing the impact they made throughout the weekend.    [player_tooltip player_id='1171496' first='Gabbi' last='Harvey'] is one of those players who brings toughness, versatility, and consistency every time she steps on the floor. The IBC small forward impacts the game in multiple ways and does not rely on just scoring to make her presence felt. What stands out most about Harvey is her ability to play with energy while doing all of the little things that help teams win basketball games.   Offensively, Harvey can attack downhill, finish through contact, and knock down shots when defenses leave her open. She plays with confidence and understands how to move without the basketball which allows her to create quality opportunities within the offense. Defensively, she competes at a high level and uses her athleticism and physicality to guard multiple positions.   Harvey's versatility is what makes her such an intriguing prospect. Players who can defend, rebound, score, and bring effort possession after possession are always valuable at the next level. College coaches should absolutely have her on their radar because of the complete game she continues to develop.     [player_tooltip player_id='992346' first='Ella' last='Burleson'] is one of the purest scorers and shooters to watch in the grassroots scene. The IBC shooting guard has the ability to heat up quickly and completely change the momentum of a game with her offensive production. Her confidence and shot-making ability immediately stand out whenever she is on the floor.   Burleson does an excellent job creating space for her shot and consistently knocks down perimeter jumpers at a high level. She can score off the catch, off movement, and off the dribble which makes her difficult to defend. Beyond the scoring, she also understands how to play within the flow of the offense and makes smart decisions with the basketball.   What makes her even more dangerous is the effort she brings defensively and her willingness to compete. Burleson has the type of offensive game that college coaches are always searching for because shooters who can stretch the floor are extremely valuable in today's game. Expect her recruitment stock to continue rising.     [player_tooltip player_id='992140' first='Reagan' last='Reiff'] recently announced that she will be attending Pendleton Heights, where she will join forces with [player_tooltip player_id='750718' first='Adah' last='Hupfer'] and [player_tooltip player_id='992346' first='Ella' last='Burleson']. That move immediately creates excitement because Reiff is a player capable of making a major impact with her skill set and competitiveness.   Reiff plays with confidence and has the ability to score the basketball in a variety of ways. She can create off the dribble, attack gaps in the defense, and knock down perimeter shots. One of the biggest things that stands out about her game is how composed she remains under pressure. She does not force the action and allows the game to come naturally to her.   Defensively, Reiff competes hard and plays with toughness. She understands positioning well and consistently brings energy on both ends of the floor. With her offensive skill set and ability to impact winning, she is definitely a player that college coaches should begin paying close attention to as she enters this next chapter at Pendleton Heights.     [player_tooltip player_id='999406' first='Zyah' last='Jones'] continues to establish herself as one of the stronger interior presences to watch. The WV Thunder Harrington Rise center brings size, physicality, and a strong motor every time she steps onto the floor. She does a tremendous job controlling the paint and making life difficult for opposing teams around the basket.   Jones rebounds the basketball at a very high level and consistently gives her team second-chance opportunities on the offensive glass. Around the rim, she finishes well through traffic and uses her frame effectively to create space in the post. Defensively, she alters shots, protects the rim, and forces opponents to think twice before attacking inside.   What makes Jones stand out is her willingness to do the dirty work. She embraces physical basketball and competes hard every possession. College coaches are always searching for players who can anchor the paint, rebound consistently, and bring toughness, and Jones has shown she can provide all of those things.     Jordyn Brown is a shooting guard who continues to impress because of her scoring ability, toughness, and overall feel for the game. The Kokomo standout knows how to create offense and has the confidence to make big plays when her team needs them most.   Brown does a great job attacking defenders off the dribble and getting to her spots offensively. She can score from the perimeter, finish around the basket, and create opportunities for herself in transition. Her aggressiveness and ability to put pressure on defenses make her a difficult matchup.   One thing that really stands out about Brown is her competitive nature. She plays hard on both ends of the floor and brings energy throughout the game. Her combination of scoring ability and toughness gives her a lot of upside moving forward. College coaches should absolutely have Brown on their list of contacts because she has the tools to continue developing into a very strong next-level player.

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to attend the 2026 The Classic Tournament hosted in Louisville, Kentucky at the Kentucky Exposition Center. This event was one of the NCAA Live Period events, giving college coaches from all levels the chance to evaluate players in a live setting while watching some of the top talent from across the country compete at a high level.