The 2026 PGH Louisiana Expo All-Freshman First Team

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The future of Louisiana girls basketball arrived early at the 2026 Prep Girls Hoops Louisiana Expo.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Throughout the event, members of the 2030 class competed with confidence, toughness and a level of skill well beyond their years. These young prospects did not back down from the moment. They attacked the basket, created opportunities for teammates, defended with energy and showed that the next generation is ready to make some serious noise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After several impressive performances, five rising standouts earned places on the <strong>2026 PGH Louisiana Expo All-Freshman First Team</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">All-Freshman First Team</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1781261' first='Sofia' last='Liana Johnson'] | 2030 | PG/SG | Mandeville</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1894032' first='Kyleigh' last='Cutno'] | 2030 | PG | Dutchtown</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1896693' first='Dailen' last='Westley'] | 2030 | School not listed</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1279352' first='Sydney' last='Beleau'] | 2030 | SF/Combo Guard | Benton</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1817859' first='Khaileigh' last='Jenkins-Smith'] | 2030 | Combo Guard/PG | School not listed</strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson and Cutno brought size, control and playmaking ability to the backcourt. Beleau provided versatility and the ability to influence the action from multiple positions, while Westley competed with the energy and confidence needed to earn recognition in a talented field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jenkins-Smith also displayed the guard skills and competitive upside that make her an exciting prospect to follow. Her public Prep Girls Hoops profile confirms that she is a 5-foot-6 combo guard and point guard in the 2030 class, although a school is not currently listed. <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/khaileigh-jenkins-smith/">Prep Girls Hoops player profile</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What made this group special was its fearlessness. These athletes were willing to challenge defenders, make plays in traffic, pressure the basketball and compete on every possession. They did not perform like players waiting for their turn—they played like prospects ready to establish their names right now.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The <strong>All-Freshman First Team</strong> represents the leading edge of an exciting 2030 class. Each selection displayed a combination of talent, confidence and competitive fire that separated her during the Louisiana Expo.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Congratulations to <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1781261' first='Sofia' last='Liana Johnson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1894032' first='Kyleigh' last='Cutno'], [player_tooltip player_id='1896693' first='Dailen' last='Westley'], [player_tooltip player_id='1279352' first='Sydney' last='Beleau'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1817859' first='Khaileigh' last='Jenkins-Smith']</strong> on earning <strong>2026 PGH Louisiana Expo All-Freshman First Team honors</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Remember these names. Their journeys are only beginning, but the future of Louisiana girls basketball is already looking extremely bright.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Subscribe today and stay connected—the future of Louisiana girls basketball is already taking shape!</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Did you miss my most recent article?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2026/08/the-2026-prep-girls-hoops-louisiana-all-expo-third-team/">The 2026 Prep Girls Hoops Louisiana All-Expo Third Team | Prep Girls Hoops</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2026/08/the-2026-prep-girls-hoops-louisiana-all-expo-second-team/">The 2026 Prep Girls Hoops Louisiana All-Expo Second Team | Prep Girls Hoops</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2026/08/the-2026-prep-girls-hoops-louisiana-all-expo-first-team/">The 2026 Prep Girls Hoops Louisiana All-Expo First Team | Prep Girls Hoops</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2026/08/the-2026-pgh-louisiana-expo-all-defensive-second-team-selection/">The 2026 PGH Louisiana Expo All-Defensive Second Team Selection | Prep Girls Hoops</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2026/08/the-2026-pgh-louisiana-expo-all-freshman-second-team/">The 2026 PGH Louisiana Expo All-Freshman Second Team | Prep Girls Hoops</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Follow me on Instagram or X: @CoachLathan</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1781261"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","fullHeight":true,"anchor":"acf-block-6a8ddc4418967"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1781261' first='Sofia' last='Liana Johnson'] does not play like a freshman—she plays like an elite guard who already understands how to control a game. The 5-foot-8 Mandeville prospect arrived at the Louisiana Expo with confidence, poise and an advanced skill set, showing exactly why she is one of the most exciting players in the 2030 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson showcased tight ball control, impressive court vision and a strong understanding of when to score and when to create for others. She delivered accurate passes, recognized plays as they developed and kept the offense flowing without forcing the action. When scoring opportunities opened, she attacked driving lanes, finished through traffic and confidently knocked down perimeter shots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What separated Johnson was her ability to take over important moments. She communicated, competed aggressively and consistently made her presence felt on both ends of the floor. Her shot selection, three-level scoring ability and overall basketball IQ looked far beyond her age.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Johnson has the size, skill, toughness and confidence to become a special player. She is not waiting for the future—she is already making her presence known. Remember the name [player_tooltip player_id='1781261' first='Sofia' last='Liana Johnson'] because this young guard is only getting started.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1817859"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a8ddc4418a5b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Where do you begin with [player_tooltip player_id='1817859' first='Khaileigh' last='Jenkins-Smith']? Although she is only a freshman, she already possesses a college-ready frame, an advanced skill set and the versatility to impact a team immediately. At the Louisiana Expo, Jenkins-Smith looked like the type of player who could step into almost any lineup and make it better from the opening possession.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jenkins-Smith was a workhorse and an enforcer throughout the event. She embraced physical matchups, battled for rebounds and loose balls, and handled the dirty work that often determines who wins. Her toughness immediately stood out, but her performance showed that she brings much more than strength and effort.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Offensively, Jenkins-Smith displayed the ability to score from inside and outside. She handled the basketball confidently, created opportunities for her teammates and remained active after giving up the ball. She could initiate the offense, deliver an accurate pass and then establish position inside to become a scoring option. Her ability to play with or without the ball made her extremely difficult to contain.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jenkins-Smith was everywhere—scoring, facilitating, rebounding, defending and providing a physical presence. She found different ways to influence nearly every possession and consistently gave her team whatever it needed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jenkins-Smith is a true Swiss Army knife: skilled, powerful, relentless and capable of filling almost any role on the floor. There was very little she could not do at the Louisiana Expo, making her one of the event's most exciting young prospects to watch.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1279352"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a8ddc4418af6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1279352' first='Sydney' last='Beleau'] delivered a complete performance at the Louisiana Expo. The 5-foot-8 Benton prospect contributed all over the floor, but she was especially impressive in the paint. Her strength, physicality and polished footwork allowed her to compete against talented players without backing down.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beleau consistently established good position, boxed out and attacked the glass with purpose. She secured tough rebounds, created second-chance opportunities and converted strong putbacks around the rim. Defensively, she protected the paint, battled through contact and used her quick hands to create steals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her impact extended beyond scoring. Beleau communicated with her teammates, directed traffic and brought consistent energy to every possession. She displayed the versatility to score, rebound, defend and create opportunities for others.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Beleau plays with toughness, leadership and a nonstop motor. She can control the paint, dominate the glass, make defensive plays and set the tone with her voice. [player_tooltip player_id='1279352' first='Sydney' last='Beleau'] is always a joy to watch, and her future looks brighter with every performance.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1896693"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a8ddc4418b8d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1896693' first='Dailen' last='Westley'] may stand at 5-foot-2, but she played much bigger than her size at the Louisiana Expo. Her speed, quickness and nonstop energy made her one of the most exciting freshmen in attendance. Every time Westley stepped onto the floor, she had the potential to provide an immediate spark.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, Westley was a straight-up pickpocket. Her quick hands allowed her to pressure ball handlers, jump passing lanes and create turnovers with ease. Once she came away with the basketball, she immediately turned defense into offense—either finishing the play herself or finding an open teammate for an easy bucket.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Westley also displayed excellent ball control and the ability to handle pressure. She played fast without constantly losing control, pushed the tempo and showed the awareness needed to make the correct play in transition. Her impact was not limited to defense, either. She confidently knocked down shots and forced defenders to respect her as a scoring threat.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Westley brings speed, energy and playmaking ability that can completely change the momentum of a game. She is developing into an exciting floor general with the confidence to make plays on both ends. Keep an eye on [player_tooltip player_id='1896693' first='Dailen' last='Westley']—the upcoming season could be the beginning of a major rise.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1894032"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a8ddc4418c2f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1894032' first='Kyleigh' last='Cutno'] showed exactly why she was recognized as one of the Louisiana Expo's top performers. The 5-foot-7 point guard took some time to find her rhythm, but once she settled into the action, her confidence grew and her complete game began to take over.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cutno attacked the basket under control and used her athleticism to finish strongly at the rim. She knocked down shots from beyond the arc, showed a comfortable pull-up game in the midrange and gave defenders problems with her ability to score at all three levels. As the event continued, she became more aggressive and consistently made her presence felt.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What impressed me most was how Cutno adjusted to the speed and physicality of the competition. She protected the basketball, competed with high energy and remained poised against bigger and older players. Instead of becoming frustrated by her slower start, she stayed composed, continued competing and finished the day playing her best basketball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cutno closed the Louisiana Expo with a statement. She has the size, skill, athleticism and confidence to become a major name in the 2030 class. Her future is extremely bright, and this performance was only the beginning.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->