Class 4A: Which players will have to carry a huge load in 2026?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There will be players across the state this upcoming season with huge responsibilities for their respective teams. Being productive on both ends will result in success if the most important players step up and deliver.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>TSSAA Division I Class 4A will have a long list of guys that will have to play well on a nightly basis to give their teams a chance to win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are 5 prospects with huge responsibilities ahead in 2026:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2291144' first='Cassius' last='Vaughn'], Southwind: Vaughn will have to lead the Jaguars in scoring and be the vocal leader for a program that lost 6 key players from last season's team that won 24 games. The 5-foot-8 point guard averaged 7.4 points per game last season in a reserve role. Vaughn will be a starter this upcoming season and his production will have to double. He's a fierce competitor. Vaughn is always in attack mode. He will need to average close to 20 points per game in order for Southwind to be competitive and win games that they aren't suppose to win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2754640' first='Zach' last='Davis'], Walker Valley: Davis knows what it's like to play on the final day of the season. Davis played a huge part in helping the Mustangs finish as the Class 4A state runner-up. Well, the program lost key players from last season's team. Davis will need to step up and lead the way offensively. He's shifty enough to get past defenders. Davis is a reliable shooter. He's a trustworthy ball handler and decision maker. Davis isn't afraid to attack the rim and run into contact. He has to be a vocal leader in 2026. His presence and production will go along way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2775639' first='Kale' last='Martin'], Siegel: I highly think [player_tooltip player_id='2775639' first='Kale' last='Martin'] wants this program to have a better season than it did last season. The 6-0 guard loves to attack the rim. Whether it's in the half court or transition, Martin will always attack the rim. He can make shots from the perimeter. Martin should be a double-digit scorer for the Stars and be an All-District player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2885732' first='Brendan' last='Murphy'], Bearden: Murphy is a 6-2 guard that can shoot the basketball at a high clip. He's patient on the offensive end, moves well without the basketball, and takes what the defense gives him. It's hard for a defender to force Murphy into a bad shot. He's a smart basketball player that has a great feel for the game. The Bulldogs will lean on Murphy's experience after he contributed to a Final Four finish last season. Murphy has the tools to play at the next level. He will be one of the most productive guards in Class 4A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2684683' first='Samuel' last='Plourde'], Beech: Plourde can have a breakout season for the Buccaneers. The basketball will come his way a lot this upcoming season. His experience and leadership will be important for a program that won 29 games last season. In order for Beech to be competitive, Plourde has to play well. He has to be a double-digit scorer on a nightly basis. Plourde will need to crash the boards. He will need to play with high energy. Plourde just needs to set the tone and hopefully his teammates will come along for the ride.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->