Team Previews- Archbishop Hoban

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Archbishop Hoban Knights return for the 2026-27 season after their historical 2025-26 season last year where they went 22-4 closing out the season winning 11 straight games including huge wins in the state tournament capped off by defeating Mount Notre Dame to win the Division II State Championship! Entering the 2026-27 season, the Knights have a whole new starting lineup with three from last year now playing in college. Despite the losses, they are very confident they will still remain right at the top of Division II in Ohio. They will have another season with a very difficult and challenging schedule that includes in-season tournaments against many of the best programs in the state. The Knights have reloaded and have a roster and schedule they believe that will keep them in the running to defend their state championship! In this article, I will evaluate and talk about the players to watch and a couple key sleepers for 2026-27 Archbishop Hoban Knights!</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":["1059276"],"_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-6aecc52e9519f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This junior guard has really made a name for herself! [player_tooltip player_id='1059276' first='Milan' last='Pearson'] had an incredible summer of work with [program_tooltip program_id='712650' first='MAC' last='Basketball'] and is locked in and ready to be one of the key leaders this season for the Knights! She is a confident scorer and facilitator with the ball and makes smart plays on both ends for her team. I like her leadership and ability to demand the best from her teammates. Pearson holds a Division 2 offer from Walsh and Division 1 offers from Southern Indiana and Mercyhurst. She is continuing to receive interest from other D1 programs in the Horizon League, OVC, and Mountain West Conference as well entering her junior year. Pearson has set the bar high and looks to meet and exceed it this year with another great season with the Knights!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["972062"],"_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-6aecc52e951ed"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This explosive and skilled junior point guard really turned my head during my visit at Hoban's practice. [player_tooltip player_id='972062' first='Ella' last='Bockmore'] is extremely shifty and lighting fast. Elite ball handler and shooter! She had a great summer for [program_tooltip program_id='715874' first='Legends' last='U'] and a great fall season in the 2026 Buket League where she was named an all-star. I loved the leadership she showed on the floor during practice and her demonstration of her high basketball IQ. I'm really excited to cover this talented junior throughout the 2026-27 season for the Knights!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1803068"],"_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":1992906,"_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-6aecc52e9523c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1803068' first='Ella' last='Greer'] has a level of confidence in her game and that really impresses me. She's a smart and reliable combo guard who makes good reads and plays for her team. Greer has great height to get her shot off versus high closeouts. Like her ability to catch and fire! I was very encouraged by the junior's leadership throughout the whole practice and could really see her having a very big year for the Knights! <em>(featured picture above)</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1992907"],"_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-6aecc52e95270"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This senior forward is ready to contribute and be a big time presence defensively for the Knights. She will have to be a key rebounder and defensive archer for Hoban during her senior season. I'm intrigued to watch and follow how she fits into her role with Hoban during her senior year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1894135"],"_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-6aecc52e9529f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Here's a freshman that coaches need to get to know now! [player_tooltip player_id='1894135' first='Kamille' last='Smith'] has a number of positive attributes to her game that will help translate to winning. She's an elite ball handler and sniper for her age and stood out amongst her age group this summer. Defensively, she has an elite motor showing her hands and making the offensive player uncomfortable. I'm excited and looking forward to covering Smith's high school career and the impact she makes her freshman year for the Knights!</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":["1895232"],"_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-6aecc52e952db"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brown is hardly a sleeper now as she has been making a name for herself this offseason throughout the summer and fall! [player_tooltip player_id='1895232' first='Nevaeh' last='Brown'] is clearly rising up the rankings in her class as she continues to impress with her play on both ends. She was named an all-star of the 2026 Buket League this fall. Brown is a very skilled and talented combo guard who can bring the ball up the floor and score at will. A true standout amongst her age group at the Freshman Showcase! She will certainly be a rising star to keep an eye on during her Freshman year at Hoban! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1992908"],"_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-6aecc52e95308"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A senior that provides size and defense to the Knights. [player_tooltip player_id='1992908' first='Aleece' last='Thompson'] is a skilled forward who plays well in her role. She gives Hoban the size they need to secure rebounds and get stops in the paint. Thompson will look to bring her senior leadership and basketball IQ to the floor for the Knights being a catalyst that Hoban needs from a senior! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1992911"],"_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-6aecc52e95336"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A talented and skilled junior combo guard who will look to elevate her game to the next level this coming season. [player_tooltip player_id='1992911' first='Bella' last='Boyd'] is a fierce competitor and offensively is looking to make an impact on this Hoban team in 2026-27. Boyd can shoot it from deep as well as score at the rim. I like her motor to attack the defense when given space. She's looking to bring the right spark and depth this Knight's squad will need throughout the long season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Quote from Coach Davis</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“The returning players have big shoes to fill from last year's State Championship Team. Our independent schedule is one of the toughest in the state. I think the girls are ready for the challenge and know we have a target on our back. Our style and strategy remain unchanged as 94 feet of pressure is our culture.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Key Games to Watch</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sun 12/6 at Holy Name</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wed 1/27 vs Walsh Jesuit</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mon 2/8 at Massillon Washington</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->