Team Previews- Massillon Washington

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Massillon Washington Lady Tigers return for the 2026-27 season after finishing 15-8 winning the District Final in 2025-26 defeating Avon in the state tournament. The Lady Tigers graduate their second leading scorer but feel confident they can replace the production with a stronger, more experienced, and deeper collective group this year. The Lady Tigers enter another season with a gauntlet of a schedule facing many of the top programs across all regions of Division II in Ohio. Due to their recent success and elite program reputation, they have been invited to compete in multiple of Ohio's best in-season tournaments including the Classic in the Country Challenge and the Chet Mason Invitational this season. Despite the difficulty of their schedule, they believe they can compete with the best as it will only better prepare them for the state tournament! In this article, I will evaluate and talk about the players to watch and a couple key sleepers for the 2026-27 Massillon Washington Lady Tigers!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players to Watch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1202179"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1999929,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af38234ca385"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A pure scoring machine that led the Lady Tigers as a sophomore last year with 26.9 points per game returns for her junior year. [player_tooltip player_id='1202179' first='Delaney' last='Pierce'] impacts winning in multiple ways! She can score from deep as well as get to the basket and finish with ease. Love her high motor and willingness to go into and through contact on basket drives. This junior plays the game with a great controlled pace. Defensively, she loves to get steals and run out for easy transition baskets. Pierce once again will be the engine that drives this fast paced Tiger's team that wants to run and score! She holds offers from DI Akron and DII Ashland and Malone. <em>(featured picture)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1803065"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af38234ca3f1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This junior combo guard led her team in 3P% at 31% proving to be a pure sniper from deep! She also has great size at 5-8 and uses it to get her shot off over the defenders closeouts. [player_tooltip player_id='1803065' first='Rylee' last='Adams'] competes very hard on the defensive end playing with active feet and high hands on contests and closeouts. I like her high motor and leadership she plays with on both ends. This multi-sport junior is looking to have a big year for the Lady Tigers!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1879116"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1999942,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af38234ca457"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Williams is a skilled senior combo guard who plays with the right amount of passion and competitiveness to be great! She impresses me with her ball handling versus pressure and her ability to create separation from her defender off the dribble. Really high motor and basketball IQ! Fully capable of taking over and impacting the game on both ends with elite scoring, rebounding, and defense. [player_tooltip player_id='1879116' first='Kynslie' last='E Williams'] is coming off a great summer and is looking to bring that level of work and grit back to the Lady Tigers for her senior year!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1235783"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af38234ca4ab"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the best young shooters in the state of Ohio! [player_tooltip player_id='1235783' first='Mia' last='Page'] is ready to put together another impactful year for the Lady Tigers. Her release is lightning fast and she holds a consistent form. Absolutely no hesitation to fire when she's open! Defensively, she talks well and is an impactful leader for her age. Mia had a great fall season for the Buket League being named an All-Star. Mia's play on both ends affects winning and is the reason why she's already grabbing the attention of multiple college programs!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1235967"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1999952,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af38234ca50d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A transfer from Massillon Jackson, [player_tooltip player_id='1235967' first='Amiya' last='Ryba'] is looking to bring her skillset and motor to the Lady Tiger's program! Ryba is a quick and active athlete who plays with a lot of heart and grit on both ends. She's an impactful defender who wants to make winning plays and impact that end of the floor. I'm looking forward to seeing how this junior helps elevate this Tiger's team this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sleepers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1999949"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1999951,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af38234ca570"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A sophomore combo guard who is looking to gain experience and be a contributor in her role for the Lady Tigers. Her skillset of shooting and ballhandling should greatly benefit her team. [player_tooltip player_id='1999949' first='Lucia' last='Herrera'] is looking forward to being an impactful player on both ends who help contribute to this deep Tigers squad this season and in the future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1965949"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1999964,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af38234ca5d0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A freshman PG looking to bring the energy off the bench for the Lady Tigers. She is learning the game and gaining a greater knowledge and feel for how to be impactful on the floor. Look for energy and hustle out of [player_tooltip player_id='1965949' first='Layla' last='Phaphouvaninh'] this season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1999968"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af38234ca622"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This freshman offers size and skill that should be recognized and considered for the Lady Tiger's depth. Being a skilled 6 footer greatly helps add versatility to the floor and that's exactly what you get with [player_tooltip player_id='1999968' first='Cori' last='Hose']. She is looking to bring her size to the defensive end being a catalyst on the glass and providing hustle and heart to the Tigers!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Quote from Coach Pierce</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“This will be my most athletic &amp; skillful group, with a lot of talent and speed. Playing fast won't be a problem with this team. If we believe in each other on the defensive end we could be good.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Games to Watch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>SAT 1/2 vs Lutheran East</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>SAT 1/16 vs Anthony Wayne (Classic in the Country Challenge)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>SAT 1/23 vs Gilmour Academy (Chet Mason Invitational)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>MON 2/8 vs Archbishop Hoban</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->