Navy commit Shia Francis Shia Francis 6'2" Houston Stratford | 2026 TX continues to demonstrate that he is a D1 prospect through his athletic abilities on both ends of the court. During the game against Houston Legacy Sports and Science, he consistently contributed to the offense by showcasing his downhill scoring ability. Defensively, he displayed strong perimeter defense and effectively blocked some shots at the rim. I am confident that Shia will make a seamless transition to the next level at the Navy Academy next college season.

In his second season at Second Baptist, Shia has showcased great athleticism and ability to score efficiently in key situations under pressure. Francis uses great leaping ability and strength to finish through contact at the rim and can shoot off the dribble if he is left the slightest bit of open room. He is explosive off the dribble and also can function as a lob threat if the backdoor cut is open. His physical defense on the perimeter sets the tone for his team and continues to produce turnovers at a high level. Shia continues to impress on the big stages of high school basketball.

Shia Francis Shia Francis 6'2" Houston Stratford | 2026 TX showcased his exceptional skills during the Rucker on Wood event, effortlessly dominating the Rucker on Wood. His opponents struggled to contain his scoring prowess, as he effortlessly sank shots from various locations on the court. His athleticism and imposing frame set him apart, allowing him to finish strong even with contact. Additionally, his shooting touch was evident when he made shots off the dribble and catch. Shia’s commitment to the Navy Midshipman is evident in his performance.

Shia was a man amongst boys on Saturday, using his strength and athleticism to dominate opposing teams en route to leading his Texas Takeover Rise squad to a 2-0 record. In his first game, Shia scored 14 points, doing the majority of his damage in the first half with 10 points, while collecting multiple rebounds and steals. Shia is a coast-to-coast type of guard who turns defensive rebounds and steals into crowd-pleasing dunks and lob throwdowns. Far from just a ball bully, Francis plays with controlled power and pace, allowing him to rise above the rim while using his body to fluidly attack the paint and finish at the rim in the half court as well.

Shia is one of the bounciest 2026 athletes I have watched in the city of Houston, and he has improved his game a lot since last summer with Texas Takeover. He continues to fly high above the rim on both sides of the ball, soaring up for blocks on defense and getting himself open to the rim on offense. Francis knows when to cut and when to shoot, as well as playing physical defense with his matchup at all times. He is a major hustle player and is willing to sacrifice himself for those loose balls and energy plays needed to help his team win. Shia also has transferred from Stratford to Second Baptist for this upcoming season.

  Shia Francis Shia Francis 6'2" Houston Stratford | 2026 TX was the most valuable player in the 2026 class at Rucker on Wood and for good reason. He played with the best effort out of all the players I watched in the 2026 class. Offensively he finished opportunities at the rim at an elite level with his ability to get past defenders due to his strong physical tools and athleticism. He also created opportunities for himself in the mid range area as well off the dribble. With the ball in hands he plays with tremendous pace not forcing anything offensively and letting the offense play organically. Defensively he competed at a high level with his great ball pressure on opposing players. He was also blocking shots reading opposing players well in transition especially. When he made mistakes he always made it up with winning plays that switched the momentum of the game.