In addition to being an all-state soccer player, Eliza Barger Eliza Barger 5'10" | PF/C Harrison | 2026 State AR is a phenomenal basketball star. She played well during her junior year, but I think she may have to start thinking about which sport she wants to play in college with a big senior season.

One of Barger’s most impressive performances last season was in December, where she pulled down 21 boards and put up 11 points. She is a double-double machine who is nearly impossible to keep off the glass.

She can score well, especially in the paint, but I think Barger is strongest on defense. She had 5 steals in a late season matchup against Russellville, as well as 6 swipes against Gentry in November.

Eliza Barger Eliza Barger 5'10" | PF/C Harrison | 2026 State AR has already established herself as one of the top defensive players in the state, so go ahead and keep up with her.

I have mentioned a long time ago that soccer players make great basketball defenders, and the same goes for Eliza Barger Eliza Barger 5'10" | PF/C Harrison | 2026 State AR . Barger is a lockdown defender for the Lady Goblins, and it was not hard to put her in the top 50 in the 2026 class.

Barger has had some impressive statlines this season. In late November, Barger recorded 6 steals versus Gentry, to go along with 10 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 block. Against an out-of-state school on the fifth of December, she had her best game of the season, putting up 11 points and pulling down 21 rebounds! Most recently, Barger had another productive performance with 13 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 5 steals.

Barger can do a bit of everything on defense. She reads the passing lanes well, she fronts the opposing post player to steal the entry pass, and she pressures poor ball-handlers into turning the ball over. Once she gets the ball, she can take it up the floor herself, leading to offensive opportunities for herself and her teammates.

Barger can take it on the fastbreak, going coast-to-coast, either finishing herself or dishing to an open teammate. In the half-court setting, she is best when used in the pick-n-roll. She can sets screens well, but she rolls to the basket and can score in the lane with either hand. Barger also cuts well, being particularly deadly off the ball off an inbounds pass.

Eliza Barger Eliza Barger 5'10" | PF/C Harrison | 2026 State AR will continue to expand her offensive game, but right now, she is one of the best defenders in the 5A classification. Keep an eye out for this junior.