Class of 2026 Impact Performances

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we enter the halfway point of the season, let's look at some impact players from the class of 2026. These sophomores are making a mark and adding value to their teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='876300' first='Jada' last='Maples'] | G | Earle </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jada is making a strong claim as the best sophomore in the state. The do-everything guard can play both guard spots. She scores in a variety of ways and has put up some nice numbers this year. Averaging nearly 25 points a game, Jada is showing she can score with the best of them. Jada will continue to be a force as she looks to lead her team to a deep playoff run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='876312' first='Maddie' last='Mannion'] | W | Vilonia</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Maddie is having an impressive year so far for the Vilonia Lady Eagles. A threat from behind the three-point line, Maddie has connected on 42.7% of her threes and has made an impressive 51 threes so far this year. She's averaging 11.2ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.7apg, and 1.4spg. With those numbers, you can see how big of a role she has for her Vilonia team. Her ability to shoot the three and score in other ways makes Vilonia a team to be aware of as we approach the second half of the season and into post-season play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='876275' first='Payton' last='Futch'] | PG | Jessieville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I don't have stats like some of the other players in this article, but I can tell you that Payton is killing it for Jessieville. Averaging over 25ppg, Payton's a scoring point guard who is a willing passer. She has good vision off the dribble and can deliver on-target passes. Decision-making is on point in transition and can finish in traffic with either hand. Payton has had games over 30 points and one 40-point performance. Her scoring and playmaking will be huge for Jessieville as the state tournament approaches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='876349' first='Kaylee' last='Ward'] | P | Mansfield</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6'3 post player is a handful for any defense. She exhibits good footwork on the low block with the ability to catch and execute a turn-around jumper or take the ball up strong in traffic through contact. Kaylee's size and scoring ability are a big part of what Mansfield does on offense. She also has an impact defensively with her length and shot-blocking ability. With a stat line of 16ppg, 10rpg, 5.5bpg, and 60% from the field, Kaylee's dominance has Mansfield as one of the best teams in 2A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='876305' first='Drew' last='Jackson'] | G | Bald Knob</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An all-around guard with the ability to score, rebound, and get teammates involved. Drew's contribution to her team is valuable beyond her stats. The sophomore guard is averaging 11ppg, 4.6rpg, 3.4apg, 2.8spg. An impressive stat line despite limited minutes due to her team picking up large-margin victories. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Charleen Hudson | PG | Springdale</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Charleen is a shifty point guard who can score in a variety of ways. When the ball is in her hands she can not only create for herself with her ball-handling, but she can also deliver on-target passing to her teammates. Add in her mid-range and three-point shooting and she is difficult to defend. Averaging 13.7ppg, 4.7rpg, and 2.5stls, her play has a huge impact on the success the Springdale team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->