Best of the Best ’26s (Part 3): Sophomore Seasons Loading

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In this series, we are looking ahead at the upcoming sophomore seasons for a few of the premier 2026's in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jenna Buchard","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12122","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Rhea County High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"[program_tooltip program_id='713260' first='ETA' last='Thunder']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Buchard has the potential to be a tremendous player.  Last season, she earned a starting spot on a upstate Rhea County team and played a stretch 4 position for them.  She played a similar role on her [program_tooltip program_id='713260' first='ETA' last='Thunder'] team playing besidee 5'11 [player_tooltip player_id='816605' first='Ainsley' last='King'] (either would could slide in or out of the post or perimeter).  Buchard is a u0022workout warrioru0022 and one of the hardest workers I know.  She's has the entire package of post moves.  She have range out to 3.  At this point, she simply needs to work on becoming more consistent with her skill set and how to use it in games.  I've heard college coaches talk about her already (even though she isn't listed on the Prep Girls Hoops Rankings), as they know her skill set is advanced.  She will start again for Rhea County, and likely be asked to be their primary scorer.  If Buchard can change her mindset to fit her skill set, there is no reason she can't average 15/8/2 next season and be an All-District Player.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6526b3a60ee08"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["636390"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Flores (5'10) has all the tools to be a big-time player.  At 5'10 with length and high-end athleticism, the physical attributes are there (and you can't team physical attributes!).  She's a potential D1 player who is already a high level scorer, but will look this season to find her role inside the scheme of a very talented Knox Catholic teamu002du002dand something tells me Coach Mains will help her figure it out.  This early season will be all about simplifying her game, and playing off players like [player_tooltip player_id='245355' first='Sydney' last='Mains'].  She just needs to settle in and let the offensive side of the game come to her.rnrnAgain, we are talking about a high-level, potential 3 level scorer!  But on this team, at least early on, less will likely be more.  She doesn't need to prove anythingu002du002dthose that know already know.  She simply needs to focus on impacting winning.  Deep in the season, I could see Flores scoring ability becoming extremely important as the best defenses will take away your 1st and 2nd scoring options....but if you a 3rd and 4th option....they can't take away everything.rnrnDefensively, I believe she will step in and make an immediate impact.  With her length, athleticism, and instincts she can be a game-changing, disruptive defender whether on or off the ball.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6526b3a60ee93"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["513244"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Smith (5'7, combo guard) is quick, long, and athletic.  Really takes pride on both sides of the basketball.  I believe she's at her best when attacking the rim her instincts are off the charts.  She's able to finish of one or two feet, finish with either hand, and simply has a knack for unorthodox finishes.  She's at her best attack the rim, and has some really shiftiness to her game.  She great and changing speed and tempo, plays low to the ground, and really tough to stay in front of.  She's also added the 3 ball to her game as a feet set, standstill shooter.  Look for her to be a key piece of the puzzle this year at Heritage HS.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6526b3a60eeef"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["513242"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Price (5'10) is another wing with great physical attributes.  She is lighting quick making incredibly tough when she get's out in transition, and nearly impossible to stay in front of in the half court.  She's one of the best attackers off the bounce in her class.  Once she gets her shoulders past the defenders, she's going to create something good for her team.  She's more of a two level scorer this point (rim and mid-range), but once she adds a consistent 3 ball her potential is off the charts.rnrnShe's already an elite defender as she knows how to use her unique combination of length and quickness to be both disruptive  as an on-the-ball defender and off-the-ball in passing lanes.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6526b3a60ef44"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["636534"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Butler (5'8, PG) is in a unique situation as there is a transformation of talent occurring at Grace (Knoxville).  Butler however should be right in as she brings a skill set that fits into any schemeu002du002dshe can flat out shoot it.  I've only seen her a few times, but one game she went off for 7 threes, and another she hit 4 threes.  Butler, who averaged double digits last season as a freshman, should find many more open looks as defenses can't load up on her as much as last season.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6526b3a60ef93"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["513275"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Morrow (5'10, wing) is yet another wing with great physical tools in this loaded '26 class.  Morrow though has been missed a lot of time with injuries, so she is flying under the radar a bit.  She's at her best attacking the rim, and once she gets into the paint she has a nuanced finishing package.  She has the strength to go through defenders, the length to go around, and (what I like most) the ability to play off two-feet and pivot into a variety of finishes.  She's a high-level shooter from 3, and an underrated passer.  She impacts winning on both ends as her length and athleticism allow her to be disruptive on and off the ball on D.  As long as she's health, Morrow is a D1 kid.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6526b3a60efe3"} /-->