Incoming Freshmen You Need to Know

Summer, travel, or AAU basketball is in full swing. Teams and players all over the country will be playing and putting their skills and abilities on display. I really look forward to this time of year because I get to see a number of players from all over the state. In this article, I will discuss a few players that you need to know in the class of 2026. Let’s take a look. <strong>Jakayla Walker | Guard | Dardenelle | 2026</strong> Jakayla showed that she could make plays for her team when she handled the ball and pushed in transition. She could attack off the catch in the half-court and finish with her left hand vs contact. <strong>Kaylee Ward | Post | Shock 2025 Diaz/Mansfield | 2026</strong> Kaylee stands nearly 6’3 with long arms. She uses her length well on defense for steals and deflections. She gets to her help spots and stays alert to what’s going on around her, she doesn’t just ball-watch on defense. Offensively she scores around the basket and handles the ball. <strong>Hadlie Goodson | Combo Guard | Woodz Elite/Buffalo Island Central High School | 2026</strong> Hadlie has a calmness about her game that allows her to be successful. She’s not afraid of the moment and can make plays down the stretch for her team. She has a quick crossover that allows her to shift her defender to create space to get to the rim. Hadlie can also shoot the three-ball, finish in a variety of ways with good footwork, and is a solid on-ball defender. <strong>Maddie Mannion | Wing | Central AR Warriors/AR Shockers/Vilonia High School | 2026</strong> I saw Maddie at the Matriarch Classic this spring and was very impressed with her potential and skill set. She can play multiple positions, handle the rock, get to the rim off the bounce, make perimeter shots, and be effective out of the high post. With her size and skills, she will be an asset to the Vilonia high school team next basketball season. <strong>Ashlyn Cossey | Forward | AR Shockers/Concord High School | 2026</strong> Ashlyn can play the forward position or on the low block. Her skill set allows her to push the ball after securing the defensive rebound and make plays in transition. She can shoot the mid-range jumper and the three-ball and she is a solid defender.