PART 2 Drive to the Hoop Classic

Warsaw, IN- Last weekend I got the chance to evaluate some of the Midwest top young talents at the Drive to the Hoops Classic. In my previous write up, I focused on the class of 2025 whereas this write up I will focus on some of the top players from 2026-28 classes. 

 

Lola Lampley 6’01 W Blaze United 2026

 

Lampley played up in the 8th grade Elite division which was one of the most talented teams in the event. A fluid athlete who finished well at the rim with either hand was at her best in the open court. She displayed shooting range to the 3point arc and already has a “college ready” body.

 

Sydney Mobley 6’1 F Blaze United 2027 played up

 

This 6th grader “post” has a (super) scary upside. At this age most “post” use their size and athletism to overpower players, Mobley displayed the ability make multiple moves and counters which were beyond her age.  All this while playing against players who were at least two years her senior.  In short, for Sydney Mobley sky is the limit. 

 

Maria Walker 5’1 PG Showtime (MI) 2028

 

Walker is a talented combo guard that impressed with how easily she can transition between being a scorer and playmaker.  Playing in the 7th grade division she held her own and displayed “Three level scoring” ability.

 

Myah Epps 5’9 G Always100 2026  

 

Epps was a nice surprise during the weekend.  She was the catalyst to the Always 100 team. An impressive scorer who is fearless when attacking the basket. She constantly put pressure on the defenses who TRIED to stop her from not attacking in transition and in the half-court. 

 

Jayla Jackson 5’10 G 1Nation 2026

 

The first thing you notice about Jackson is her size and strength. The second thing you notice is her ball handling skills which allowed her to get into the lane at will. Over the weekend she was excellent at probing and observing the defense putting pressure on them with drives. As a big guard, Ms. Jackson had no issue with setting the table for her teammates throughout the weekend.

 

 

Emma O’Brien - 5’10 (G) Midwest Elite 2026  [played up]

Sophia Swanson - 5'2 (G) Wolverinas (MI) 2026

Stella Sakalas - 5’11 (W) Midwest elite 2026  [played up]

Kendyl Smith - 5’4 (G) Michigan Mystics 2026  [played up]

Sydney Savoury - 5’10 (W) Michigan Mystics 2027  [played up]

Kayla Hairston - 4’9 (PG) Showtime (MI) 2026

Ava Nyers - 5'10 (W/F) Michigan Basketball Academy (MI) 2026

Vaessa Wimberly - 5'4 (PG) Nike  Lady Gym Rats (IN) 

Lilly Wlilliams 6'2 (F) Michigan Mystics (Smith) 2026 

Libby Gilmore 5'7 (G) Wisconson Lakers (WI) 2026 White