2029 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='896936' first='Lania' last='Jackson'] continues to emerge as one of the more exciting guards to watch within the IBC program. The shooting guard plays with confidence, pace, and the ability to impact the game offensively in multiple ways. What immediately stands out about Jackson is her ability to create scoring opportunities while remaining under control.   Jackson does a great job knocking down perimeter shots and stretching the floor for her team. She can attack defenders off the bounce, finish around the basket, and make smart reads when defenses collapse. Her ability to score from different areas of the floor makes her difficult to defend consistently.   Defensively, Jackson competes hard and brings energy throughout the game. She understands how to pressure the basketball and create disruption in passing lanes. With her offensive upside and growing all-around game, Jackson is a player college coaches should absolutely continue monitoring closely.     [player_tooltip player_id='1263945' first='Kristina' last='Hollowell'] is a very intriguing prospect because of her versatility and toughness on the floor. The [program_tooltip program_id='1002297' first='IGB' last=''] 15U GUAA wing has the size and physicality to compete inside while also possessing the skill set to play on the perimeter. That combination makes her a matchup problem for opposing teams.   Hollowell plays with strength and does not shy away from physical basketball. She rebounds at a high level, battles for position inside, and finishes through contact around the rim. At the same time, she has the ability to step out and make plays facing the basket which gives her tremendous flexibility offensively.   What makes Hollowell valuable is her willingness to do whatever her team needs to win. Players who can defend multiple positions and impact the game in different ways are always attractive to college programs. She continues proving she belongs on the radar of coaches at the next level.     [player_tooltip player_id='1820231' first='Malia' last='Moore'] is a player who continues to impress because of how effective she is at both the three and four positions. Her versatility allows her team to move her around the floor while still getting production on both ends of the court. She brings toughness, effort, and a strong understanding of the game every time she plays.   Moore does a great job attacking mismatches and using her size to create opportunities offensively. She can score around the basket, rebound consistently, and also step away from the paint when needed. Her ability to defend multiple positions is another major strength in her game.   One thing that stands out about Moore is her motor. She competes hard every possession and consistently impacts winning through hustle plays and physicality. College coaches should keep a close eye on her development because players with her versatility are extremely valuable.     [player_tooltip player_id='1259868' first='Lorigrace' last='Rockwood'] brings toughness and physicality to the guard position every time she steps onto the floor. The [program_tooltip program_id='1002297' first='IGB' last=''] 16U GUAA guard plays with strength, confidence, and a competitive edge that allows her to stand out in big moments.   Rockwood does an excellent job handling pressure and staying composed offensively. She can attack downhill, finish through contact, and create opportunities for teammates. Defensively, she embraces physical play and makes opposing guards work for everything they get.   What makes Rockwood such an important player is her ability to bring intensity while still making smart basketball decisions. Guards who can defend, compete physically, and control the tempo are always valuable to college coaches. She continues to show why she deserves more attention moving forward.     [player_tooltip player_id='1263942' first='Malyiah' last='Evans'] is quickly becoming one of the more talked-about guards within the IBC 16U 3SSB program. Based on the level of play she continues to display, it would not be surprising to see her move up in the rankings in the near future. She plays with confidence, skill, and an aggressive mentality that allows her to impact games in a major way.   Evans is very effective creating offense both for herself and her teammates. She attacks defenders with quickness, handles the basketball well, and consistently puts pressure on opposing defenses. Her ability to score while also facilitating makes her dangerous every time she touches the ball.   Defensively, Evans competes hard and brings energy throughout the game. She plays with a high motor and understands how to create momentum-changing plays. As her game continues to develop, her stock will likely continue to rise. College coaches should already have her on their contact list because she has tremendous upside.     [player_tooltip player_id='1361101' first='Grayce' last='Renn'] is a guard who plays with confidence and continues to make a strong impression every time she takes the floor. The [program_tooltip program_id='1002297' first='IGB' last=''] 15U GUAA standout has a calm approach to the game while still playing aggressively when opportunities present themselves.   Renn does a solid job controlling the pace offensively and making smart decisions with the basketball. She can knock down shots, attack openings in the defense, and make plays for teammates. Her ability to stay poised under pressure is something that consistently stands out.   Defensively, Renn competes hard and brings strong effort on every possession. She understands positioning well and plays with toughness despite facing high-level competition. Guards who play with confidence and consistency are always important pieces for successful teams, and Renn continues to prove she is one of those players college coaches should be paying attention to.

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.