2026 class: Coaches can’t go wrong (Part 2)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2026 class has a lot of talent in the state of Tennessee. The top players have yet to commit to a program. There's even more talent outside of the top 30.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This class is filled with solid guard play, size, and skill on the perimeter and in the front court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's part two of notable prospects college coaches can't go wrong with recruiting:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2236641' first='Kaden' last='Matthews'], Smyrna: The 6-foot-6 senior is one of the more athletic wings in the class. Matthews is really good in transition as he likes to finish with force with his head above the rim. He smiles at the rim each time he's in the air. Matthews can be a solid wing at the next level. The right program, with patience, can help him develop into a fringe starter. Worse case scenario is Matthews being a rotational piece for a good program. Either way, he's going to be on the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2477732' first='Kobe' last='Jackson'], Brainerd: Jackson has good size at 6-1. He likes to attack the basket. Jackson likes to get downhill and can finish through contact. The senior can make shots from the perimeter. Jackson is a reliable ball handler, ultimate competitor, and a pest on defense. He plays hard on every possession. Jackson has attributes that a coach can't teach.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2817446' first='Charlie' last='Taubenheim'], Oak Ridge: Taubenheim helped himself this spring and summer with solid play for [program_tooltip program_id='2393604' first='Tennessee' last='Impact']. Going to elite camps allowed coaches to get eyes on him in person. The 6-6 forward has put himself in good position to get recruited. He's shown he can score near the rim and from the perimeter. Taubenheim has shown his ability to rebound. He just needs a solid senior season at Oak Ridge. Taubenheim is going places.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1923548' first='Jackson' last='McCutcheon'], Brentwood: The Bruins are going to be so good in 2025 and one of the teams to watch for in 4A. McCutcheon is one of the reasons Brentwood will win a lot of games this upcoming season. The 5-9 point guard is an efficient specimen from the perimeter. He's a safe bet with the basketball in his hands because of two things: He knows how to get to his spots, and he's sees the floor well enough to find open teammates. McCutcheon is a grinder on the defensive end, not allowing anything cheap. He's an all-district caliber player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2351063' first='Turner' last='Clayton'], Walker Valley: Clayton has everything college programs typically want in a point guard: size, poise, patience, and efficiency. At 6-3, Clayton does a great job of getting to his spots. He's shifty enough to get past defenders. Clayton has a good shot release. He finishes well around the rim. Clayton is also active and alert on the defensive end. He's a sleeper in this class that could be a steal for a program looking for solid guard play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->