Matriarch Classic Middle School Player Watch

The Matriarch Classic featured some really good team play and individual standouts. This article will shed some light on some players that haven’t played any high school basketball but surely could have an impact in the years to come. Let’s look at some players that caught my eye.

Hadlie Goodson | Combo Guard | Woodz Elite/Buffalo Island Central High School | 2026

I love watching players that ooze with confidence. Hadlie wasn’t afraid to step up when the moment got big and make plays for her team. She has a quick handle that allows her to get by her defender, she could finish at the rim, she shot the ball well from the three-point line, and could defend.

Maddie Mannion | Wing | Central AR Warriors/AR Shockers/Vilonia High School | 2026

Maddie is a name that has been buzzing around the Central Arkansas area for a couple of years now. This tournament was the first time I was able to see her play live and I was impressed. She has a skill set that allows her to play multiple positions. It doesn’t matter if you need an interior player or perimeter player, Maddie can adjust and be effective. She can attack off the bounce, make shots multiple ways, finish in traffic, and grab rebounds.

Maggie Tyrone | Wing | AR Shockers/Mt. View | 2027

Good size with good length. Maggie’s size and matching skill set make her an intriguing player because when you combine a solid a solid skill set with her length, you have something to work with. Then to find out she was playing up 2 grade levels was even more impressive. She has the potential to be a really good on-ball defender, she can get to the rim off the bounce, is effective off the catch, rebounds the ball, and can make plays for herself or others.

Ashlyn Cossey | Forward | AR Shocker/Concord | 2026

Ashlyn is another player that can play multiple positions. She’s not a post player but more of a hybrid that can play inside and out. She’s effective out of the three post positions (low, mid post, and high post). Ashlyn can grab the defensive rebound and then initiate the fast break. When in transition she can go all the way to the rim or shoot the mid-range pull-up. In the half-court Ashlyn has the skill to create off the dribble for the three.

Ke’Asia Pearson | Forward | AR Lady Blaze/Nevada County | 2026

Ke‘Asia did a lot of the little things that won’t get recognition like those that put up a lot of points. While she may not have scored a lot of points for her team, her effort and energy was much needed. Ke’Asia is an athlete that's going to bring the defensive presence that is needed. She had the strength and physicality to defend the low block and the foot speed and quickness to defend some perimeter players. She also blocked shots, rebounded the ball, and could attack off the dribble from the high post area.

Brea Bailey | Forward | AR Lady Blaze/Gordon | 2026

Brea is an athletic forward that has the length to be able to defend multiple positions. She really displayed her athleticism on offensive, specifically in transition. She really gets out on the break and finishes at the rim. Brea can attack off the bounce from the high post area, finish through contact, hit the mid-range pull-up jumper and she has a soft touch around the rim that allows her to finish many put backs.

Shakayla McCarrell | Post/Forward | South AR Lady Hoopsters/Dumas. 2026

If you match up against Shakayla you better be ready because she is going all out from the opening tip to the final buzzer. You have to keep a body on her when the shot because she giving full effort on the offensive glass. Her athleticism allows her to get in position for the offensive rebound and her soft touch gives her the ability to finish in traffic. Shakayla also plays with a good pace and takes what the defense gives her.