2028 class: Which junior will have a positive impact?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>School is in.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>So let the countdown to the 2026-27 season begin.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's a good amount of talent in the 2028 class. Many of them are expected to have successful seasons. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are a handful of prospects that will have a positive impact in 2026:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='3258055' first='Eric' last='Winston'], Whitehaven: Winston is the only key starter returning to the Tigers in 2026. His role should be huge this upcoming season. Winston will need to be Whitehaven's best guard and a top 3 scorer on the roster. He's a good shooter. Winston can get into a steady rhythm without forcing shots. He's a positive asset to have on a roster. Winston has postseason experience. He was on a roster last season that went 29-9. It's Winston's time to lead the way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2610400' first='Ezra' last='Nieves'], Brentwood: Nieves has the tools to blossom into a household name in Class 4A this upcoming season. The Bruins, who will be led by senior forward [player_tooltip player_id='2376260' first='Davis' last='Cochran'], will need steady play from Nieves. He's a 6-foot-3 guard that can get past his defender and finish through contact. Nieves is a reliable shooter. He's very efficient from the mid-range area. Nieves can also make shots from 3. This season could be an All-District type of year for him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2736538' first='Cannon' last='Hudson'], Cordova: Hudson should be an All-District selection by the end of the season. Under the leadership and teaching of head coach Terrance Scales, Hudson will play the right way. He's going to play hard. Hudson is going to compete. Hudson can score at an efficient rate. He takes quality shots. As long as Hudson is healthy and remains coachable, he's going to have a productive season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2933245' first='John' last='Williams'], Lipscomb Academy: Williams is a solid guard that can light it up from different areas on the court. The 6-1 guard is very patient on offense and takes what the defense gives him. Williams can make shots off the dribble and is pretty much automatic when he's left wide open. He should have an All-Region type of season. Williams will be huge to the Mustangs' success in 2026. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2775639' first='Kale' last='Martin'], Siegel: Martin is a physical guard that will never shy away from contact. The 6-0 guard runs to the contact and sometimes, goes right through it. Martin knows how to finish at the rim. He's a reliable jump shooter. Martin plays hard on both ends of the floor. He has the makeup to be one of the best guards out of Middle Tennessee mentioned in Class 4A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2401732' first='Joseph' last='Maynard'], Upperman: Maynard is going to be a matchup problem for most teams this upcoming season. At 6-5, he can be effective at small forward, power forward and center. Maynard's ability to make shots from the perimeter and be a reliable ball handler will allow the Bees to space the floor. He should be a double-digit scorer for Upperman in 2026. Maynard should make an All-District team. Lastly, he should be competing for another Class 3A state title with [player_tooltip player_id='2133810' first='Ty' last='Cobb'] leading the way. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->