2028 class: Which junior will have a positive impact? (Part 2)

Courtney Smith August 15, 2026 @ 11:00 AM

School is in.   The summer is almost over. Before you know it, fall will be here, and the 2026-27 season will be ready to tip off.   More prospects in the 2028 class are looking to play well. More of them could have a positive outcome on their teams' success.   Here are 6 prospects that could have a positive impact this upcoming season:   [player_tooltip player_id='2635100' first='Mike' last='Holloway'], Providence Christian Academy: Holloway should see his production go up after the Lions lost a talented senior class that helped the program win back-to-back TSSAA Division II Class A state titles. The 5-foot-9 point guard should have the opportunity to showcase he's capable of leading a team in scoring. He's a fierce competitor that keeps coming on each possession. Holloway attacks the rim with force in transition. He does a great job of creating separation and getting past his defender. The 2026 season could be a great opportunity for Holloway to be one of the best guards in DII-A. The talent is there.   [player_tooltip player_id='2694838' first='Jamarion' last='Chapman'], Christian Brothers: Chapman could fly under the radar this upcoming season. At 6-0, Chapman is a reliable ball handler and is very much efficient from the mid-range area. He's very patient on offense, very unselfish, and takes quality shots. Chapman doesn't need a lot of shots to reach double digits in scoring. The basketball moves when he's on the floor. Chapman plays the right way.   [player_tooltip player_id='2693721' first='Lucas' last='Kinnard'], Franklin Road Academy: Kinnard is at his best when he's getting his teammates involved early. His shots are going to come, but he prefers to drop dimes. Kinnard is shifty and has crisp ball handles to get past defenders. He can make shots off the dribble, and he's a quick decision maker. Kinnard had a productive summer with STARS Basketball. He's setup to have a successful 2026 season.   [player_tooltip player_id='2550772' first='Travis' last='Martin'], Knoxville Catholic: Martin is a bruiser. He's a 6-3 guard that's going to wear defenders down in 2026 because of his upper body strength. Martin finishes well around the rim through contact. He's a reliable ball handler and solid decision maker. Martin is a hard worker on both ends of the floor. He displays great communication. Martin will be one of the best guards in DII-AA in 2026.   [player_tooltip player_id='3564531' first='Tyler' last='Sigmund']: Maryville: Sigmund played in 17 games last season, but will see a spike in playing time and touches in 2026. The Rebels lost a talented senior class, so Sigmund rising to the occasion will be huge for Maryville's success. He has great touch around the rim. Sigmund runs the floor well and can play with his back to the basket. His recruitment is already off to a good start after picking up his first offer from Trevecca.   [player_tooltip player_id='2283274' first='Antonio' last='McGaughey'], Bartlett: The 6-6 wing is a Panther. Bartlett was already going to be a tough out with [player_tooltip player_id='2194617' first='DJ' last='Okoth'], [player_tooltip player_id='2291122' first='Dylan' last='Jones'], [player_tooltip player_id='2979284' first='Malachi' last='Hill'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2194475' first='Braylon' last='Williams'] returning. Those 4 helped the Panthers capture their first Class 4A state title under head coach Dion Real. Adding an athletic McGaughey in the fold makes Bartlett unquestionably the heavy favorites to win it again. He will just need to be solid on both ends of the floor for the Panthers. Averaging around 10-12 points per game is very doable. McGaughey will need to crash the boards as well.

School is in.