Class of 2026 Hoopers, You Need to Know!

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The class of 2026 isn't ready for graduation for another 3 years, but here's a list of Sophomore hoopers you got to know for this upcoming season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='641196' first='Mataya' last='Messer']</strong> - St. Mary - 5'11 - Mataya is flat out talented! If you've read any of my previous articles, you'll known I put a big emphasis on having a top tier player that can play the 3 spot. I find this position to be so versatile that they can in retrospect guard the 1-5. Mataya is the ideal player for this role. She's long, athletic, physical and can play inside and out. I believe she'll be a walking double-double this year. She's a 3-level scorer that is only going to excel her game playing against the best of the best in a steep Class AA. This is a player that doesn't get talked about enough and is truly going to shine bright this coming season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='482103' first='Anna' last='Lyles']</strong> - [program_tooltip program_id='712656' first='Mandan' last=''] - 5'8 - Anna is an elite combo guard that I think has all the tools to play at a high level. She's quick, decisive and has great pace on the court. She's an above average scorer that can do it at all 3 levels. The thing that really separates her from the rest of combo guards is she's got great balance and lateral quickness on defense. She's got a nice low stance and quick hands. Anna possesses a basketball IQ that really makes her something special to watch. I expect great things from her as she'll surely have a breakout season that you have to watch this year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='415685' first='Taylor' last='Zimmerman']</strong> - Kidder County - 5'6 - Taylor is shifty, quick and a tough matchup defensively. She's skilled in all the ways a point guard should be and really had a coming out season last year. She's got great court vision and awareness and will be looked too in leading the Wolves to another state championship run. Taylor has a bag on offense that I haven't seen for many Class B players. She's got a sweet looking step back jumper and a crossover that shifts defenders off. A true talent that you can't leave open. If you haven't seen her play yet you're truly missing out! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='493728' first='Emma' last='Jones']</strong> - Glenburn - 5'11 - Emma is long, athletic and knows how to use her big frame in the post. She's a daunting thought to go up against offensively as she's a true defensive anchor in the post. A tough player that's hard to move. Communicates well defensively and I think a player that if we had Defensive All-State teams would be considered from here on out. She's got a great sense for the game and plays the passing lanes like a veteran. A true play maker that is going to make some noise in the next 3 years of high school. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='379352' first='Laela' last='Eisenschenk']</strong> - Kindred - 5'8 - Laela was a part of that 25-0 dominant Kindred squad that took the state by storm. She's a player that knows how to win and has great size for being a guard. A quick, decisive player that can guard 1-3 and play at both ends of the court. I don't think we've seen the best of Laela yet and I'm pretty excited as Kindred will be taking on steeper competition in a nice Class A Region 1 format. I think this hooper is a real dark horse that you're going to want to add to your scouting boards when going up against the Vikings this coming season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->