Spring Stock-Risers: Class of 2026

Now that the Spring grassroots season is coming to a close, I wanted to take the time to circle back and highlight seven ladies in the Class of 2026 who stood out when I was able to see them. Not only that, but the attention they've been shown from colleges has significantly taken off, as has the buzz surrounding them in conversations I've had with coaches. Obviously, this isn't everyone who has played well, but these seven stood out to me for one reason or another.   .   [player_tooltip player_id='462366' first='Alivia' last='Bolinger'], 2026, 6-1 F, Concordia Lutheran H.S., [program_tooltip program_id='716173' first='Always' last='100'] Grind E40 17U - Alivia was good all Spring, but her big weekend came in Louisville in mid-May, when she shot the lights out of it throughout the second "live" period. She is long, fluidly athletic, and skilled at all three levels. I feel like when the Spring started, she had a little NAIA and Division III interest, but now she is drawing attention from some elite small colleges (D-II, D-III, & NAIA), plus some low-major Division I schools have been monitoring their games.   [player_tooltip player_id='928900' first='Ava' last='Burkle'], 2026, 5-10 F, Rossville H.S., Legacy Force Supreme Pink 17U - Coming into the Spring, a couple of Ava's grassroots teammates already had the attention of some quality small colleges. Throughout April & May, however, Ava really picked up steam with regard to her recruiting because of her play. She is a nice, long athlete who can run the floor. She has skill at all three levels, and she plays with an effortless motor. If she can continue her strong play in June & July, she will hopefully have a number of nice options.   [player_tooltip player_id='486473' first='Bailey' last='Hape'], 2026, 5-10 W, Evansville F.J. Reitz H.S., West Virginia Thunder-Perry S40 17U - Bailey is one player on this list who did come into the Spring with a little Division I attention, but that has taken off quite a bit over the past couple of weeks, as she has picked up a few low to mid-major offers. She is defined by her versatility, as she can play just about anywhere on the floor. She has touch outside, a solid handle, and she can attack the basket. She's also a good passer and a solid defender who rebounds her position well.   [player_tooltip player_id='486546' first='Kendall' last='McLaughlin'], 2026, 5-8 W/F, Homestead H.S., [program_tooltip program_id='714264' first='OPS' last=''] UA Rise 17U - Kendall is another prospect who has benefitted from her Spring play. She is on such a talented and deep high school team, that it can be difficult to find minutes at times. But this Spring, she has shown her touch outside, her toughness & physicality inside, and her all-around basketball IQ and balanced skill. Suddenly, she has the attention of some of the better Midwestern Division III schools, as well as a couple of Crossroads League (NAIA) schools.   [player_tooltip player_id='486493' first='Audra' last='Parker'], 2026, 6-1 F, Westfield H.S., [program_tooltip program_id='999574' first='Indiana' last='Basketball Club']-Crowe S40 17U - Audra has really stepped up this Spring, following a Winter in which she averaged just 3.7 points and 1.0 rebound per game. She has a strong frame, some length, and she can play on the low block, in the mid-post, and around the perimeter. She has a quick release and surprises some opponents with her accuracy. While her college interest has picked up significantly, I still think she's a bit under-recruited and could be a full-scholarship kid.   [player_tooltip player_id='1131983' first='Robyn' last='Pate'], 2026, 5-6 SG, Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory, Lady Gym Rats EYCL 17U - Robyn really came into her own during the 2024-2025 high school season as she averaged 15.3 points per game on a tough Class 3A schedule. She is a little undersized, but she is an athletic, long, slashing style of scorer. She can keep defenses honest outside as well (31% from '3' in 24-25), and I think that can become more consistent with a little more work. Look for her to have a big June & July and potentially see her interest grow.   [player_tooltip player_id='885178' first='Emery' last='Stroud'], 2026, 6-1 PF, Crawford County H.S., DistinXion Champions Gold E40 17U - This is the longest and most consistently Emery has played grassroots ball, and she has seen her collegiate interest grow quite a bit. She is extremely long, wiry, and bouncy. She is very active as well, and she can score it a little at all three levels. She has nice all-around instincts for the game, so finally playing against better competition this Spring has helped her showcase her skill/ability. With skilled size at a premium, she should continue her rise.

Now that the Spring grassroots season is coming to a close, I wanted to take the time to circle back and highlight seven ladies in the Class of 2026 who stood out when I was able to see them. Not only that, but the attention they've been shown from colleges has significantly taken off, as has the buzz surrounding them in conversations I've had with coaches. Obviously, this isn't everyone who has played well, but these seven stood out to me for one reason or another.