2026 class: 5 underdogs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's talent across the state in the 2026 class. I have already mentioned prospects who could be the face of the class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now, let's talk about the underdogs in the class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tyshaun Poore</strong>, Cane Ridge: Poore is a fierce competitor. He's a good on-ball defender and reliable shot maker from the perimeter. Poore can guard both guard positions. He knows how to finish in transition. Poore, who averaged 7.9 points last season, is a two-way guard that's going to give 100 percent effort on every possession. The Ravens will compete with Hillsboro in the TSSAA Division 1 Class 4A District 11. Poore, <strong>Avyion Mccleton</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1722765' first='Adam' last='Clark']</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2281187' first='Jaiden' last='Pugh']</strong> will be good enough for it to happen.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Osby</strong> <strong>Cavin</strong>, Pope Prep: Cavin was part of a final four team last season as a fifth option. Antonio Wilkerson and Fred Bailey are gone, so Cavin will move up in importance on the roster. The 6-foot-2 guard averaged 8.0 points last season and played in all 31 games. Cavin displayed his willingness to make shots last season. He will need to do in 2024 at an efficient clip if the Knights want a shot at another final four appearance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Marrius</strong> <strong>Harris</strong>, Whitehaven: Harris will fit perfectly with this season's stacked Tigers team that features <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1852698' first='Taquez' last='Butler']</strong>, <strong>Bob</strong> <strong>Dickson</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1760994' first='Dorion' last='Bowen']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2111745' first='Cameron' last='Brown']</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2480027' first='Kenton' last='Smith'] Jr</strong>. Harris is a low maintenance guard who doesn't need a lot of shots. He's is one of the best knockdown shooters in West Tennessee. Harris could definitely be one of Whitehaven's key pieces to winning pivotal games in the postseason if a shot or two is needed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Daniel</strong> <strong>Towles</strong>, Briarcrest: The Saints had to find a replacement for center Jackson Grisham to give themselves a chance at a repeat. Towles is a 6-5 forward who's going to play alongside junior forward/playmaker <strong>Fred</strong> <strong>Smith</strong> <strong>Jr</strong>. The transfer from Arlington gives Briarcrest an athletic piece that's going to rebound and play defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jayden</strong> <strong>Mitchell</strong>, Bartlett: Panthers head coach Dion Real puts a huge emphasis on defense. Being a good defender keeps Mitchell on the floor. The 5-11 guard has the energy to defend for extended minutes. He did so in last season's 4A District 15 Tournament on Southwind's junior guard Ronald Towns Jr. in a close contest, which included Mitchell draining two big 3s to break the game open. It's going to be another year Bartlett will be one of the better teams in 4A. Mitchell will have a hand in that.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->