In 3 games, she had 51 points, 16 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block. She is a heady ballplayer with great leadership skills. She loves the opportunity to compete, and when the ball tips off, she is the young lady who will do everything in her power to help her club win. She is solid on defense, keeping her opponent in front of her. Offensively, she is going to get buckets by attacking downhill or knocking down 3s along the arc. She is a tough opponent and a kid who is going to go at you no matter what. Cumberland is getting a solid addition to their program. One that will come in and have an impact right away.

At MTSU, senior guard from Cookeville High School, Cara Lee Gilbert Cara Lee Gilbert 5'3" | PG Cookeville | 2026 State TN , went out strong at the state tournament.

Gilbert’s play was integral in her team making it to the state finals and finishing as the 2025-2026 season’s state runners-up. At the biggest stage in girls’ high basketball in TN, Gilbert was able to be accurate from distance. In three games, she went 7-14 on her 3-pointers. In the semi-final against Bartlett High School and also in the finals against Sevier County, Gilbert made three 3-pointers in each game.

Gilbert’s success as a shooter can be equated to her lightning-quick jumper. Through these fast mechanics, her shot stays textbook.

A heady floor general playing some inspired basketball, her senior leadership was on display as she picked her spots to exploit. She stepped it up in this game as she played every minute like it would be her last. She attacked the rim, hit a few clutch 3s, and was poised from the free-throw line as she converted on her attempts. She finished the game with 24 points and 6 rebounds.

Playing in her last go round of bringing a trophy back to Cookeville, this sensational senior wouldn’t be denied. She’s been here before and knew what it would take to climb over the mountain top. She finished with 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, putting her club in position to advance. She was 10-13 from the free-throw line and knocked some clutch ones down the stretch. This heady floor general knew what her club needed, and she stepped it up to help them move on.

A feisty kid who leaves everything out there on the floor in each contest. She fights tooth and nail on both ends of the floor, giving it her all for the Lady Cavs. From running the show to knocking shots down from 3, her ability to make things happen elevates the club in more ways than one. She is a trooper, someone who doesn’t back down from competition. Look for her to come out of the gates strong as she and the rest of the squad look to go back to state and finish what they started.

I watched FBC Reign against AEBL and they took a commanding 37-10 lead. Gilbert & the entire squad is next level athletes. Cara continues to play with an outstanding motor. I loved when she drilled back to back “logo” 3’s. To all college coaches, if size is stopping you from pulling the trigger on this one, do not let it! Gilbert is lightning quick. She’s dedicated and resilient on both ends of the floor. She has a no fear mentality, and she knows exactly how to lead! I’ve stated it before, and I’ll state it again, Cara and this entire FBC Reign team is fun to watch!

Check out one of her highlights:

https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18780784/680faf96b35be51b98a23c20

Gilbert is one of my favorite guards to watch play. She’s lightning quick with a non-stop motor. She’s a savvy athlete that plays the game the right way. She knows how to draw defenders to her, and dish to open teammates. She doesn’t take bad shots, and she doesn’t force what isn’t there. Defensively, she does a great job reading passing lanes! She is a great on ball defender. Offensively, she does a good job using her body to shield taller defenders. She also knows how to get the ball high on the glass to finish. She’s explosive and attacks the rim exceptionally well. Whoever lands Cara at the next level is getting a competitor that is going to do whatever it takes to help the team win!

 She’s a special PG who can do all things. Poised with the ball in her hands, she has a great court presence where she knows what’s going on at all times. Yesterday, her team needed her to score the rock, which she did by shooting impressively from the field. She had 9 points from three and got in done on the inside by driving into the lane and finishing. She contributed on the boards as well, gaining rebounds that led to valuable possessions. This young lady has had a stellar season and a sensational postseason. Her confidence is riding high, and look for her to carry this momentum into their next contest.

Just a sharpshooter who stars in big-time moments. Dropped 20 points last night as she helped her ball club beat a talented Blackman squad. She was just too much as she was a dead-eye shooter from the arc. She was consistent on both ends of the court, slowing down transition breaks and being at the right place at the right time. Her game has grown throughout her career as she has been in pressurized situations. You can see how confident she is by the way she carries herself. She is a game-changer who competes for all 32. Solid kid who is on an upward trajectory.

Gilbert is more of a combo guard, but she still makes our list here. Gilbert is an explosive guard that is really dangerous out in space. High level scorer on all three levels. Capable of getting hot and carrying a team with a 20 point night. One of the better on the ball defenders in the class. Makes up for her size with heart and passion. She’s a fun player to watch, and will be really important to Cookeville’s success this season.