Summer Circuit Stars: Class of 2026 Guards Gaining Momentum

This summer was my inaugural season traveling the club basketball circuit as a scout for Prep Girls Hoops, and it was an incredible learning experience. What was one of my biggest takeaways this summer? The power of communication. Talking to scouts, coaches, and program directors on the circuit isn't just helpful—it's essential. Opening up that dialogue can open doors for you as a recruit, whether it's gaining exposure, building relationships, or simply getting your name in the right conversations. I also learned the value of athletes being open to talking about their game. The players who embraced those conversations showed maturity, confidence, and a clear desire to grow. Along the way, I had the chance to watch and talk to several talented athletes repeatedly, giving me a deeper understanding of their games and progress and these guards from the class of 2026 embraced the power of communication and paving the way for increased coverage over the summer.    [player_tooltip player_id='621262' first='Breanne' last='Ricke'] of Wichita County made a strong impression when I watched her play this summer in Scott City. She was stepping into a leadership role, that showcased her maturity beyond her years, directing traffic, keeping her team composed, and making the smart plays that elevate those around her. What stood out most was her ability to lead by example, setting the tone on both ends of the floor. Breanne, who's older sisters were standouts for Wichita County in the past, is clearly following in her sister's footsteps, and she's carving out her own identity while upholding that same standard of excellence. She handles the ball with control, sees the floor well, and isn't afraid to take responsibility in big moments. The Ricke name is already well-known in Wichita County basketball circles, and Breanne is adding her own chapter to that legacy, one built on leadership, heart, and a high basketball IQ. Expect big things from her this upcoming season.     [player_tooltip player_id='621259' first='Layla' last='Kisner'] of Southwestern Heights was a constant presence in the circuit I traveled with this summer, giving me plenty of chances to watch her game up close, and it's no surprise that increased exposure has led to increased coverage. She's more than earned the spotlight. Kisner is one of the best I saw all summer at getting downhill and attacking the basket. She has one of the most explosive first steps I saw this summer. She plays with a fearless, aggressive mindset that sets the tone for her team, constantly putting pressure on opposing defenses. But that same mentality carries over to the other end of the floor as well. Defensively, Kisner is relentless. This aggressive and relentless mindset disrupts passing lanes, applies ball pressure, and forces turnovers that often lead to fast break opportunities. [player_tooltip player_id='621259' first='Layla' last='Kisner'] isn't just a name that got more attention this summer, she's a name you'll want to keep watching.     [player_tooltip player_id='525604' first='Hope' last='Hughes'] of Pratt was one of the players I had the privilege of watching frequently throughout the circuit this summer. Traveling with the same events gave me a front-row seat to her consistency, development, and overall impact on the floor, which is exactly why she earned more and more coverage as the season went on. And the attention? It's well deserved. Standing out with her length at the guard position, Hughes creates tough matchups for opponents. She can shoot over smaller defenders and defend multiple positions with ease. Her ball-handling is smooth and controlled, and she rarely looks rattled, even under tight defensive pressure. Whether she's setting up her teammates or creating her own shot, she plays with a calm confidence that elevates her entire squad. She has the ability to knock down shots from the perimeter, combine that with her length and poise, Hughes has all the tools to be a problem for defenses at the next level. She's not just gaining attention—she's earning it, and she's only getting started.     [player_tooltip player_id='669756' first='Kylie' last='Rhine'] of Liberal was a standout in the circuit I traveled with this summer. I had the opportunity to watch her play a lot, and the increased coverage she received was no accident; she earned every bit of it. Simply put, She can flat out play ball. She's a true dual-threat guard who can run the point with composure or shift into a scoring role with ease. She can consistently knock down shots from beyond the arc, making her one of the most reliable three-point shooters I saw all summer. Whether she was coming off a screen or spotting up, she delivered with confidence and precision. What really sets her apart, though, is how calm she stays under pressure. She doesn't get rattled, even against aggressive presses, and that poise allows her to make smart decisions and break down defenses. [player_tooltip player_id='669756' first='Kylie' last='Rhine'] is a steady, skilled presence on the court, and a player college coaches should definitely have on their radar.

This summer was my inaugural season traveling the club basketball circuit as a scout for Prep Girls Hoops, and it was an incredible learning experience. What was one of my biggest takeaways this summer? The power of communication. Talking to scouts, coaches, and program directors on the circuit isn't just helpful—it's essential. Opening up that dialogue can open doors for you as a recruit, whether it's gaining exposure, building relationships, or simply getting your name in the right conversations. I also learned the value of athletes being open to talking about their game. The players who embraced those conversations showed maturity, confidence, and a clear desire to grow. Along the way, I had the chance to watch and talk to several talented athletes repeatedly, giving me a deeper understanding of their games and progress and these guards from the class of 2026 embraced the power of communication and paving the way for increased coverage over the summer.