Gateway Challenge: Class of 2026 Forwards
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Prep Girls Hoops takes a look at some the top Class of 2026 forwards from last weekend’s USJN Gateway Challenge in St Louis. These young ladies have different skill sets, but they are all productive players and they have very…
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Continue ReadingPrep Girls Hoops takes a look at some the top Class of 2026 forwards from last weekend’s USJN Gateway Challenge in St Louis. These young ladies have different skill sets, but they are all productive players and they have very bright futures when they reach the high school ranks next season.
Cora Smith Cora Smith 6'0" | SF Rock Bridge | 2026 State MO (Mo Phenom 15U Bell): The 6’0″ forward is a versatile Stretch 4 with excellent 3-point range and a high basketball IQ. She’s very good in the pick and pop with her shooting ability, but she can also put the ball on the floor to make a play. She is a good passer who makes good decisions and is constantly in the right spots on offense to keep the offense flowing.
Jayla McClinton
Jayla
McClinton
6'2" | PF
Raytown South | 2026
State
MO
(Della Lamb 3SSB 15U): A 6’1″ post player who has the size and versatile skill set to cause many problems to opposing defenders. She can play the power game in the low post with her ability to finish. She also has a nice finesse game with a beautiful reverse pivot and turnaround jumper that reminds me of Hall of Famer Jack Sikma. She can also handle the ball and make a play when she needs to.
Jayda Porter
Jayda
Porter
6'4" | C
Rock Bridge | 2026
State
MO
(Mo Phenom 15U-Bell): The 6’2″ forward is such a force in the middle that she draws constant double and triple teams inside. She establishes great position in the post and gives a nice target to throw the ball inside to. Her drop step is very effective and she will pass out of those double teams. She is also an active rebounder who gets out of her area and will challenge shots with her height and length.
Ava Miles
Ava
Miles
6'0" | SG
Staley | 2026
State
MO
(Della Lamb 3SSB 15U): A 6’0″ small forward who is a matchup problem with her height, length and ability to excel at any spot on the floor. She’s very good on the back line of the defense where could steal passes into the post with her length. She’s also a confident ball handler who can drive and knock down the 3-pointer to stretch the defense. She’s a prime talent who can play virtually all five positions on the floor.
Nevaeh Lucious Nevaeh Lucious 6'3" | PF Cape Notre Dame | 2026 State MO (SEMO Sizzle 14U): A 6’2″ post player who displayed the skills to be a dominant player inside as her team won a pool championship. She has excellent post moves and good footwork and she can finish with both hands around the basket. She stays active inside and doesn’t let herself get planted to one spot, which makes her more difficult to defend.
Taylor Osburn (Della Lamb 14U Adidas): A long and athletic 6’0″ forward who has a pretty nice skill set for a player with her height. She’s a very good rebounder with her length and activity around the basket. She’s also very mobile with her ability to run the court.
Brooke Blankenship Brooke Blankenship 6'1" | PF St. Pius X | 2026 State MO (St Louis Phenom 14U-Tez): A 5’11″ post player who plays a very physical game inside. The young lefty enjoys the contact, whether she’s battling inside for post position or the pursuit for rebounds. She has good hands to catch the ball in traffic and she can finish well when she’s able to get to her dominant left hand.
Claire Mueller Claire Mueller 6'2" | C Nerinx Hall | 2026 State MO (Missouri Mavericks 15U): A 6’2″ post player who is a developmental player with excellent size inside. She keeps it simple when she catches the ball inside and it’s very effective. She seals well and she keeps the ball high on the catch and will finish with the drop step off the glass.