2026 GUAA | Run 4 the Roses
Brookeslee Colvin (#11) and Finley Parcher of Northwest Blazers UAA - 2027: two reasons why their team is one of the best in 17U club basketball
A Massive Event Running the Gamut!!
July 18, 2026
Held at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky, the combination of the Girls Under Armour Association Session II (GUAA/UA Rise) and Run 4 the Roses Classic/Run 4 the Roses Championship (referred to as Roses below) was at a size almost beyond belief. To break it down further, Roses was actually two events running July 9-11 (Classic) and July 12-14 (Championship) with about 2200 teams (some staying for both sessions thus counted twice) participating. Divisions ranged from 17u/2027 down to 11u/2033. Over 1000 college coaches attended for at least 1 day with some schools sending more than one coach. Colleges attending ranged from the top of NCAA Division 1 through Division 2 and Division 3 plus NAIA schools and junior colleges. On peak days as many as 84 courts were running when GUAA and its developmental companion UA Rise were present.
The GUAA itself and UA Rise ran only from July 10-13, 2026. GUAA ran in four divisions 17u/2027 – 26 teams, 16u/2028 – 26 teams, 15u/2029 – 26 teams and 14u/2030 – 24 team. Roses was presented by Ohio Basketball and GUAA/UA Rise by Select Events. This was the first year GUAA and Roses were held simultaneously. In 2023, GUAA had a stop in Louisville separate from the Roses event.
Something for everyone
The combination of GUAA and Roses had something for everyone to see. The GUAA Session II had its elite teams with nationally ranked players tailing down into non-D1 players. Roses too had talent but lots of players who were just there to have an enjoyable, competitive club basketball experience. It was refreshing to speak to realistic parents who understood that their daughters most likely would not be going to college on a basketball scholarship. They were in Louisville to enjoy a major club basketball experience and maybe take in the other attractions (on site theme park with rides) and whatever else the city of Louisville might have to for these young people and their families to explore.
Well run event but…
Attending July 9 (Roses only operating) and July 10-11 (both Roses and GUAA operating), it was amazing how games (yes, some courts were behind) came off in an orderly manner with one pair of teams quickly clearing benches to make way for the next. While college coaches were more concentrated on the GUAA courts, the Roses courts had plenty of college observers. One trick I have learned is to look (usually having on an identifying jersey) at what level of college was watching and that usually told you the level of the players on court.
On July 9, I spent much of my time at what I refer to as “the puppy bowl.” These were often courts numbered in the 50s-70s with players in 2029 classes and young playing. College coaches were few in attendance with scouts looking for young talent more likely to be there besides families of participating players.
The two downsides of this event were missing rosters in the younger age groups. Sadly, too many middle school coaches do not submit a roster not realizing their players are already being viewed as prospects from grade seven (now 2032 class) and up. The second was the biggest complaint of most in the facility, namely little to no internet access. Given the time/security check, one did not want to spend maybe 20 minutes going back outside to get internet service. What I did after day 1 (July 9 – not sure what was there) was plan my day in advance writing down game options for each time slot.
Colleges taking back offers
With the coming of NCAA five-year eligibility, I am hearing reports of offers of scholarships to 2027 prospects being withdrawn as graduated 2026 players decide to come back for a fifth year of participation. What the five-year plan will effectively do is take away approximately 15% (will vary from year to year) of available scholarships as those in college decide to stay passed the traditional four years of college underclass life. Due to the ever-present threats of lawsuits, the NCAA appears to have decided to retroactively include the 2026 class rather than starting five-year eligibility with the 2027 college seniors. Needless to say, this puts the 2027 high school seniors in a terrible bind as college eligibility clock starts by the time you turn 19. I look for a downslide in talent with borderline Power 4 prospects slipping into the mid-majors and cycling down. If so, this will result in a better level of player below the Power 4 and sadly, a significant chunk of prospects no longer getting a Division1 scholarship.
My most fascinating game from two days at the event..
Ambush Hooks 2028 – 57, FBC West Coast 16U Pro 16 – 52
It is rare that one gets to see a team with multiple future Power 4 players while in middle school versus a team of mostly physically developed rising juniors of a lesser D1 level and lower levels. My guess is the entire FBC starting lineup consists of future D1 players (see below). Prior to the game, one of the FBC parents told me that they generally beat similar-aged teams but struggled during this club season versus older, more physically developed players (be they be less talented long term) similar to Ambush (players discussed in general player section below). This back-and-forth game went according to that scouting report with FBC’s young kids showing advanced skills but struggled with their opponent’s ability to hurt them inside. In the end, the game may have been decided by a ‘correctible error” call in the last 30 seconds. FBC was about to get the ball down one when the table and refs decided Ambush should have been awarded foul shots on an earlier foul. The Ambush player made both and FBC lost composure by turning the ball over down three. They never recovered.
Maliyah Murray (#30) and Flo Borchardt of FBC West Coast 16U Pro 16 are two very talented players gaining college attention even before entering high school [note: Maliyah refused to smile as they just lost a close game!]
FBC West Coast 16U Pro 16 three featured players:
Flo Borchardt, 6-1, small forward, 2030 (Sherwood High School, Oregon)
Besides strong perimeter stroke and mobility, she plays hard on defense; on track to be a high major prospect.
Cayla Murray, 5-7, point guard, 2030 (Aquinas High School, California)
Quick guard with good handles; can shoot the three; at times could move the ball more quickly; cousin to Maliyah Murray; on track to be a major D1 prospect.
Maliyah Murray, 6-0, small forward, 2031 (Prodigy Prep, California) is very advanced showing above average skill and basketball IQ playing up three years. As so young, she is still developing three-point range but is a strong driver with mid-range stroke and decent handles; on track to be high major prospect.
Taking a look at a couple of the best GUAA 17u/2027 teams…
Interestingly, on July 11 (last of my three days at the Kentucky Exhibition Center), ESPN telecasted a match between two of the best GUAA 17u/2027 teams. In a contest that featured multiple Power 4 prospects, Northwest Blazers UAA – 2027 (registered out of Idaho) defeated WV Thunder UAA WV 2027 by a score of 80-60 in a game that the Blazers only led 35-27 at half. In the second half, the Blazers shot the three-ball lights out. West Virginia Thunder was without nationally ranked Ivanna Wilson Manyacks, 6-1, forward, 2027 (Bullis School, Maryland) who was with the USA U17 team in Europe. Do not be surprised if these teams are amongst the final few standing at the GUAA finals at Spooky Nook Champion Mill in Hamilton, Ohio to be held July 24-27.
A few of Northwest Blazers’ several Power 4 prospects were:
Brookeslee Colvin, 5-8, point guard, 2027 (Coeur d’Alene High School, Idaho) - a field general who runs offense at a high level, defends her assigned player well and scores within the flow of the offense (does more scoring in high school).
Cheyenne Hull, 6-0, forward, 2027 (A. C. Davis High School, Washington) – able to score in the paint or shoot the three.
Spencer Laird, 6-2, power forward, 2027 (Loyola Sacred Heart High School, Montana, verbally committed to Stanford University) – mobile player who plays in the paint but can step out on to the perimeter and hit the three.
Finley Parcher, 6-1, forward, 2027 (Lynden High School, Washington) – an above average athlete who is a three-level scorer with high motor willing to embrace physicality.
A few of West Virginia Thunder WV’s Power 4 prospects were:
Sabrina Anderson, 5-8, shooting guard, 2027 (The Potomac School, Virginia) – high IQ; can score at multiple levels generally taking appropriate shots.
Sydney Mobley, 6-2, power forward, 2027 (Big Walnut High School, Ohio, verbally committed to Ohio State) – an above average athlete who is strong and mobile; can step out on to the perimeter and be a force near the rim.
Samaya Wilkins, 6-2, power forward/center, 2027 (Purcell Marion High School, Ohio) – mobile and yet powerful in lower paint.
Per graduation class, players below are in alphabetical order with listed height, position, club team with high school (last or if known, soon to be attending) and state location of school in parenthesis.
Note that players described below as “improved” were ones this writer had seen previously some time ago. Also, players mentioned jumped out at me if only in brief moments. All are likely Division 1 at some level with the more likely Power 4 noted. Do note many quality players were missed as this was a massive event that could not be fully covered if staying the entire six days rather than just three!
2027
Haylen Ayers, 6-1, wing, Tennessee Flight UAA – 2027 (University School of Jackson, Tennessee)
Fine package of skill, size and high-level basketball IQ; high major prospect.
Tessa Bryan, 5-9, guard, Wisconsin Lakers UAA – 2027 (Waunakee High School, Wisconsin)
Showed ability to score at mid-range and attack the basket; most impressed by her continued competitiveness when team was losing decisively.
Brooklyn Eubanks, 5-10, shooting guard, Texas U UAA 2027 (Round Rock High School, Texas)
Above average athlete who showed ability to drive to the rim and shoot the three; offers from the Power 4 level and down.
Kendall Hulsman, 6-8, center, Western PA Bruins UAA – 2027 (Iroquois High School, New York)
Strongly bult low post with decent coordination for tall height; decent passer for size; still more potential despite average foot speed; getting Power 4 offers.
Claire Larrison, 5-11, wing, IGB UAA – 2027 (Greensburg Community High School)
Versatile scorer showing ability to hit the three or drive to the rim; verbally committed to Ball State.
Chynna Maxey, 6-2, forward, Example Sports UAA – 2027 (Example Academy, Illinois)
Above average athlete with good motor and baseline to basket game; hits the glass well. Currently has mid-major offers with some Power 4 interest.
Kinsley Owen, 5-7, guard, Tennessee Flight UAA – 2027 (Silverdale Baptist Academy, Tennessee)
Heady guard with decent quickness, handles and basketball IQ; showed ability to attack the rim, score at mid-range and run the offense; offers from Power 4 level and down.
Justine Walker (#8) and Nikki Parker of ATC Academy Australia: both want to play US college basketball and neither should have a shortage of offers to do so!
Nikki Parker, 6-0, small forward, ATC Academy Australia
Versatile scorer showing moves including baseline drive, in-key spin move, and the three-ball; would like to attend college in USA; Power 4 schools should be considering this prospect.
Maci Pringle, 6-1, guard, IFN UAA -2027, (Flower Mound High School, Texas)
Light on feet playing with a good motor; can attack the rim with force; crisp passer in half court and in transition; offers from Power 4 level and down.
Amisha Ramlall, 5-11, guard, Minnesota Fury UAA – 2027 (Rosemount High School, Minnesota)
Finesse player light on feet; can hit the three and pull-up jumper; verbally committed to University of Minnesota.
Amelia Sow, 6-0, guard/forward, B1CE UAA – 2027 (Fort Eire International Academy, Ontario, Canada)
High level, versatile, above average athlete who can score at multiple levels.
Jordan Speller, 5-6, point guard, FBC United UAA – 2027 (Montverde Academy, Florida)
High level, speedy lefty able to get to rim; quick off feet.
Justine Walker, 6-2, forward, ATC Academy Australia
Moves well without the ball continually trying to get open; scoring primarily in the paint; would like to attend college in USA; Power 4 schools should be considering this prospect.Mya Wilson, 6-1, wing, Minnesota Fury UAA – 2027 (Hill-Murray School, Minnesota)
Adequately athletic; willing to take contact, has ability to attack the rim on penetration; can pull up at mid-range; has Power 4 offers.
Ava Womack, 6-0, forward, IFN UAA -2027 (Lancaster High School, Texas)
Athletic lefty who likes to attack left with power; showed a nice midrange jumper; offers from Power 4 level and down.
Lailah Wright, 5-7, point guard, Western PA Bruins UAA – 2027 (South Fayette High School, Pennsylvania)
Active at both ends looking to penetrate as to scoring; above average defensive effort.
2028
Payton Caudle, 6-0, forward, Banshees UAA – 2027 (Fayetteville High School, Arkansas)
Driver; very willing to take contact on the way to the basket; also has a nice mid-range stroke; has Power 4 offers.
Syniyah Grigsby, 6-2, forward, Texas U UAA 2027 (Kingdom Collegiate Academy, Texas)
Athlete who can score in multiple ways (drive, shoot the three) and hit the glass; high level prospect; needs to be more consistently productive at times.
Ella Peper, 6-4, forward, Bay State Jaguars UAA – 2027 (Dexter Southfield School (Massachusetts)
Very mobile for a player of this height; able to get to the rim from the perimeter or shoot the three; a high major prospect who at times could hunt shots more vigorously.
Macie Reiner, 5-10, wing, Nebraska Attack UAA – 2027 (Bennington High School, Nebraska)
Appeared to be primarily driver and scorer at mid-range; can hit the three; offers currently at mid-major level.
Jordyn Scott, 5-11, small forward, Ambush Hooks (Lyman High School, South Dakota)
Mobile lefty showing scoring via drive and perimeter stroke; word in gym is having non-Power 4 D1 offers.
Adeline Seal. 6-3, forward, Banshees UAA – 2027 (Connections Academy, Texas)
Long in build; light of feet for size; has perimeter stroke; still not fully filled out physically; at times could be more aggressive hunting shots but major D1 prospect regardless.
2029
Madeline Dates (#5) and Jordan Speller of FBC United UAA - 2027: two more in a long line of nationally ranked players from the FBC United program.
Madeline Dates, 5-10, guard, FBC United UAA – 2027 (Goose Creek High School, South Carolina)
Impactful playing up two classes able to score at all levels; very high-level prospect.
Peyson O’Neill, 6-0, small forward, Ambush Hooks (Bennett County High School, South Dakota)
Decent mobility showing ability to score down low and in the mid-range; word in gym is having non-Power 4 D1 offers.
A’Sharia Simmons, 5-9, wing, Mavs Elite UAA – 2029 (Joe T. Robinson High School, Arkansas)
Poised athlete playing with power and a decent motor; appeared to be more driver than perimeter shooter; has Power 4 offers.
2030
Collins Bergenheier, 5-8, shooting guard, Minnesota Fury UAA – 2030 (Chaska Middle School East, Minnesota)
Spot up shooter able to hit the three off the pass.
Bella Bradley, 5-11, forward, Tennessee Flight UAA – 2030 (Grace Christian Academy, Tennessee)
Above average athlete who can attack the rim.
Scarlett Brown, 6-0, forward, West Central United 2030 Blue (Discovery Middle School, Minnesota)
Somewhat filled out; skilled driver in attacking the rim.
Londyn Dahl, 6-2, forward, West Central United 2030 Blue (Minnewaska Area Schools, Minnesota)
Long mobile forward with good upside; skills developing.
Taylor Haak, 5-8, guard, Northwest Blazers UAA – 2030 (Liberty Christian School, Washington)
A heady guard still needing to fill out, can hit the three.
Rianne “RiRi” Minor, 5-8, guard, FBC United We Trust UAA – 2027 (Cresset Christian Academy, North Carolina)
Athletic guard with versatile scoring ability; advanced for age impacting playing up three classes; offers from Power 4 level and down.
Harper Mortensen, 6-1, center. Minnesota Star 2030 Johnson (Parshall High School, North Dakota)
Thickly built but mobile center with good hands; willing to absorb physical play at low post.
Elin Retzlaff, 5-9, shooting guard. West Central United 2030 Blue (Hillcrest Lutheran Academy, Minnesota)
Adequately mobile, quality spot up shooter with three-point range.
Kendyl Schmitz, 6-0, small forward, Wisconsin Lakers 2030 NE (Ozaukee Middle School, Wisconsin)
Showed a nice perimeter three-point stroke, particularly off the pass.
Ehlin Youngberg, 5-11, wing, West Central United 2030 Blue (Little Falls Community Middle School, Minnesota)
Mobile lefty who showed some toughness driving and finishing.
2031
Cortlynn Dawson, 6-2, forward, Team Twin Cavinder UAA – 2030 (Howard Middle School, Texas)
Long, lean athlete who can score facing basket in key or posting down low; showed well playing up a year.
Aubree Robinson, 6-0, small forward, Charlotte Dream Elite 2031 (Hickory Ridge Middle School, North Carolina)
Athlete with mid-range game; also able to attack the basket.
Karter Scott, 5-10, guard, Kentucky Hoop Dreams 2030 (Sayre Middle School, Kentucky)
Lefty with three-point range and driving ability; showed well playing up a year.
Rylee Woodard, 6-1, forward, Wisconsin Lakers 2030 NE (Chilton Middle School, Wisconsin)
Above average, long, agile athlete with superior height able to drive to the rim from the high post; showed well playing up a year.
2032
Erin Tucker, 5-9, small forward, Mavs Elite 2031 (no school info available)
An above average athlete somewhat filled out playing up a class; decent handles; able to get to rim; good form on foul shot; overall advanced for age.