Starting a Program? Who You Like From The ’26 Class?

Starting a Program? Who You Like From The &#8217;26 Class?

Brandon Tinnon May 3, 2024 @ 11:26 AM

Out of the 2026 class, if you were starting a team, who would you choose from? Me, that's a loaded question. The depth or pool of talent in the class is so great to choose from. I'm talking about some big-time hoopers who can play on both ends of the floor. You have those who specialize in things, but at the same time, from top to bottom, this class just has all around talent.   Let's take a look at the PGs. These are some shifty girls who can get to the rim with ease. Strong floor general who can command an offense, while doing what they do best and that is scoring the rock.Natlaya Hodge from Bearden, [player_tooltip player_id='513227' first='Meeyah' last='Green'] from Knox Webb, [player_tooltip player_id='593347' first='Chelby' last='Jordan'] fro Dyersburg, and [player_tooltip player_id='513236' first='Robynn' last='Thompson'] from Melrose lead the class. However, don't sleep on guards such as the dynamic duo [player_tooltip player_id='513232' first='Nya' last='Burns'] and [player_tooltip player_id='513230' first='Maliyah' last='Glaspar'] from Gatlinburg-Pittman, [player_tooltip player_id='513239' first='Michelle' last='Shields'] from Elizabathon, and [player_tooltip player_id='816583' first='Kendall' last='Jones'] from Briarcrest. Talk about show stoppers, these girls are great two-way players who compete. Now, go deeper in the class you have [player_tooltip player_id='509171' first='Tiara' last='Spencer'] from Lebanon, [player_tooltip player_id='514119' first='Merli' last='Routh'] from CPA, [player_tooltip player_id='514123' first='Nori' last='Jamison'] from Ensworth, and [player_tooltip player_id='782176' first='Abi' last='Alexander'] from Cannon Co. See how hard the list can be. All these girls bring value and we are just talking about the PG spot.   If we look at the shooting guards, the girls who can fire it up at a consistent clip, smh, talk about tough. These girls bring it nightly and are the leading catalyst for their ball clubs. They are depended on to put the ball in the hole. [player_tooltip player_id='636390' first='Andrea' last='Flores'] from David Crockett, AC Shirley from MTCS, [player_tooltip player_id='513234' first='Curneshia' last='Taylor'] from MBA, [player_tooltip player_id='513275' first='Lily' last='Morrow'] from CPA, [player_tooltip player_id='513243' first='Bella' last='Shepherd'] from Lipscomb Academy, [player_tooltip player_id='514120' first='Natalie' last='Barnes'] from Coffee Co., and [player_tooltip player_id='816585' first='KJ' last='McNealy'] from Farragut are some bucket fillers. Double digit scoring threats that scorch the nets. They are the leaders in this class, but just over their shoulders, [player_tooltip player_id='513237' first='Ava' last='Jarrett'] from Brentwood is bringing it. [player_tooltip player_id='513241' first='Amaya' last='Nash'] from Oakland is there. [player_tooltip player_id='816597' first='Taylor' last='Dolente'] from Upperman is on fire. [player_tooltip player_id='496297' first='Allie' last='Gillies'] plays a big game. [player_tooltip player_id='514124' first='Zoey' last='Nicholas'] from Pickett Co. I mean these girls are cold and they too are right there at the top. The list obviously goes on, but I have only mentioned guards and just thinking about it, they are all studs in my opinion.   Let's take a look at the forwards. This goes for both small and power, the 3 and 4 positions. [player_tooltip player_id='513228' first='Kimora' last='Fields'] from Bradley Central [player_tooltip player_id='513229' first='Faye' last='Williams'] from Bartlett, [player_tooltip player_id='636395' first='Aaliyah' last='Story'] from David Crockett, [player_tooltip player_id='513245' first='Natavia' last='Alber'] from Northview Academy, and Lily Espelet from Page lead the way as forwards are mentioned. Big strong girls who can battle down low, will occasionally step out and attack from the wing, but make their money scoring the rock. Not only are they solid offensively, but compete on the defensive end as well. [player_tooltip player_id='513242' first='Brilee' last='Price'] from Peabody, [player_tooltip player_id='889915' first='Gwen' last='Carroll'] from Alcoa, are just a few names who will spark interest. Girls who get it done from the arc, but can slice through the opposition and attack gaps. Look, the talent is deep and this is just a few names I mentioned that could be a solid foundation for a successful program.   Lastly, the bigs. The girls in the trenches. The center position. Man, these young ladies do work.. Talk about being physical, these girls put their bodies on the line every single time they step on the floor. Katye Madison Bjornstad from PCA, [player_tooltip player_id='513231' first='Anna' last='Williams'] from Brentwood, [player_tooltip player_id='636393' first='Ava' last='Jones'] from Hutchison are just a few names that come to mind who duke it out in the paint. Scoring it, defending the rim, they battle the opposition giving it their all. Girls like [player_tooltip player_id='816653' first='Kaliah' last='Crawford'] from Rockvale and [player_tooltip player_id='816630' first='Cecilie' last='Brandimore'] are right there as well, creeping up the charts, increasing their stock as being a physical presence on the floor. Trust me, there are a lot of girls I didn't mention, but just the names above plus those I didn't mention, you see our state is rich with talent.   So there you have it. Who do you like? Where would you start when building a program? See how loaded the actual two-part question is? All I can say is this, the ‘26 class is very talented and deep. From X factors to role players who do their job well, the ‘26 class is very special. They are battle tested and will continue to grow. These kids are young and for the next two years, they will be bringing an exciting brand of basketball throughout the state. Take in the action because a ton of these girls will be hooping at the next level when it's all said and done.

Out of the 2026 class, if you were starting a team, who would you choose from? Me, that's a loaded question. The depth or pool of talent in the class is so great to choose from. I'm talking about some big-time hoopers who can play on both ends of the floor. You have those who specialize in things, but at the same time, from top to bottom, this class just has all around talent.