The Bluegrass Cardinal Classic gave high school teams and players the opportunity to play in front of college coaches in a much different way than what you typically see. Normally, college coaches chance to view players comes with their AAU teams at live events. The Bluegrass Cardinal Classic allows players to take advantage of a live period in June with their high school team rather than their AAU team. Below you can read about the 2026 players that stood out to us throughout The Bluegrass Cardinal Classic Team Event and Individual Showcase (listed alphabetically by last name).Â
Please note:Â There are a few write-ups below that were already featured on X (@riseupsports1) during the event. Also please take into account that each of us only caught one game per team for the most part, so these notes were based on performance in that specific game. Please let us know if any of the information below is incorrect and we will get it fixed as soon as possible.
Karle was looking really tough and definitely showing why she should be viewed as a top guard in the 2026 class. Can score at all 3 levels, including finishing some tough shots. Runs the floor consistently. Sees the floor well and delivered some excellent passes. Strong handles. Loved the defensive pressure as well.
Can play off the dribble and finish at the rim. Long and athletic. Impressive footwork around the basket.
-TONIA WITT (Individual Showcase)
I always walk away impressed after watching Lane play. Her ability to consistently get a step on defenders is special. Impressive outside shooting with deep range. Has a really great feel for the game overall.
Great court vision, a relentless defender, likes to get to the basket and can finish through contact. She continues to get better each time I watch her play.
-TONIA WITT (Individual Showcase)
Powell was providing a strong, physical presence inside for Assumption. She moved well without the ball and sealed strong when posting up. Showed some good post moves. Also showed the ability to extend out. Wasn’t afraid to get physical defensively and ran the floor well.
Reitzel has a high basketball IQ. She was having to play every guard position at various times throughout the event and she was impressive in each position. Handled the ball and pressure well. Great shooter. Loved that she was being aggressive and looking to score in a variety of ways. Unselfish player who gets even more excited for her teammates success than her own. Poised to have a big season.
Great shooter who was knocking them down consistently with a quick release and good range. Also doesn’t bring the ball down and has a high release on the shot. Finds gaps on the perimeter well. Smart decisions and court awareness.
Stinson was making great decisions with and without the ball on both ends of the court. Read the passing lanes and came up with steals. Strong scoring threat at all 3 levels. Crafty finishes on drives and can finish with contact. Also can knock down shots from anywhere on the floor.
Every time I watch Taylor, she comes up with some impressive steals and deflections. She just reads the offense so well defensively and really elevates to consistently get her hands on the ball. Can also elevate to get shots off over defenders and made some nice finishes around the basket.
Handles pressure well and can get downhill in a hurry, not afraid for contact around the rim and often finds herself at the free-throw line.
-TONIA WITT (Individual Showcase).
Yeast has such a smooth game and she’s a true difference maker on the court. She can really stuff a stat sheet. However, her impact goes well beyond what shows up on the stat sheet. Great feel defensively and makes great reads to get steals and deflections. Also a great feel offensively and while she can score at all 3 levels, she consistently looks to get teammates involved.
