2026 class: Coaches can’t go wrong (Part 4)

<!-- 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 four of notable prospects college coaches can't go wrong with recruiting:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2136958' first='Jayden' last='Barton'], Gatlinburg-Pittman: Let's not leave Barton out of the conversation as one of the best guards in the class. He's 6-foot-3, which is good size for the next level. Barton stands out because of anticipation on defense, nice shooting touch, and passing ability. He runs the floor well and knows how to finish at the rim. Barton should be on a program's radar, right?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He should be after averaging 15.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 2.1 steals per game last season for Sevier County.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> [player_tooltip player_id='1580073' first='BJ' last='Bradford'], Hamilton Heights: My first time seeing Bradford was when he played for [program_tooltip program_id='2915399' first='Team' last='Mookie'] 17U over the summer. He's another talented point guard in the class. Bradford has the ability to get downhill, either in transition or half-court. He can make shots from the perimeter. Bradford has smooth ball handles. He can make the right reads. Bradford has talent. A college program could use his services.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1946924' first='Chris' last='Johnson'], Nolensville: Let's go ahead and pencil Johnson in as a college basketball player. The 6-7 forward does everything. He rebounds the basketball well. Johnson has great touch around the rim. He plays defense; he alters shots near the rim. Johnson can play around the perimeter and make short jumpers. He's one of the most versatile players in the class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2281187' first='Jaiden' last='Pugh'], Cane Ridge: Pugh will need to be huge for Cane Ridge in 2025 after the Ravens graduated Adam Clark and Avyion McCleton. The 6-1 guard averaged in double figures last season (14.9 points per game) while shooting 46 percent from the field. Pugh is trustworthy with the basketball in his hands and reliable for each contest. His effort will always be there. The 2025 season could be one where Pugh is one of the best guards in Class 4A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1947455' first='Peyton' last='Applegate'], Providence Christian Academy: Applegate is a 6-7 machine on the perimeter and in the post. He can stretch the floor thanks to his shooting. Applegate is the perfect running mate to utilize in pick-and-roll action. He's a good rim runner. Applegate has good court vision as well. He can fit passes in tight windows. People shouldn't sleep on Applegate this upcoming season in Division II-A. There are plenty of programs in the state of Tennessee that could use a 6-7 forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->