Kennedy Simpson, a talented 5’6” point guard from Summer Creek High School (Class of 2026), is a dynamic floor leader whose game is built on poise, confidence, and an impressive basketball IQ. 

As the primary ball handler for her varsity squad, Kennedy has shown an ability to control the pace of the game with maturity beyond her years. 

She excels in pushing the ball in transition, finding open teammates, and creating scoring opportunities when defenses collapse. 

Offensively, her mid-range jumper and dribble penetration keep defenders guessing, while her vision and passing ability make her an effective facilitator. 

Defensively, Kennedy uses her quick hands and lateral movement to stay in front of opposing guards, creating turnovers that lead to fast-break points. 

Her vocal leadership on the court reflects her growing confidence in her role. 

As she continues to develop strength and expand her range from three-point territory, Kennedy’s upside is considerable. 

She brings energy, hustle, and an undeniable passion for the game every time she steps on the floor, making her one of the top young guards to watch in her class.

Strengths 

• Court vision excellent

• Handles under pressure

• High basketball IQ

• Quick lateral movement

Areas for Improvement 

• Three-point shooting consistency

• Upper body strength

• Shot selection discipline

• Finishing through contact

College Projection 

• Mid-major Division I

• High-level NAIA potential

• Strong JUCO possibility

Conclusion

Kennedy Simpson is a driven and intelligent point guard with strong upside as a collegiate prospect. 

Her court vision and control of the tempo are her greatest assets, allowing her to make her teammates better. 

With improvements in strength and consistent outside shooting, Kennedy could elevate her stock even higher in recruiting circles. 

Her work ethic and commitment to development suggest that she is on the right trajectory for college basketball success. 

As she matures physically and gains more varsity and AAU experience, expect her to draw attention from programs across the Division I and NAIA levels.

The Brutal Truth College Coaches Are Watching Parents Too

If you think the college recruiting process is only about your child’s talent, think again. 

As a parent, you are also on display. 

Every word you speak, every sideline comment you make, and every social media post you share is under the microscope of college coaches. 

And your behavior can make or break your child’s scholarship dreams.

Parents Are Part Of The Evaluation Process

Most parents don’t realize that college coaches don’t just recruit athletes, they recruit families. 

Coaches want players who will blend into their team culture, not athletes who come with problematic, high-maintenance parents. 

If you are seen as disruptive, dramatic, or difficult, your child’s scholarship could disappear before they even step on campus.

Sideline Behavior Speaks Volumes

Your sideline antics are noticed. 

When you yell at referees, argue with coaches, or coach your child from the bleachers, you send warning signals to college recruiters. 

They see a parent who may cause trouble in their program. 

No matter how talented your child is, coaches won’t risk inviting drama into their locker room. 

Your public behavior directly impacts your child’s chances.

Stability Over Chaos: Team-Hopping Hurts Your Child

Frequent team-switching is another red flag. 

Parents who constantly move their kids from one AAU or club team to another create a perception of instability. 

College coaches see this as a sign of potential trouble. 

They want athletes who can deal with adversity, follow instructions, and stay loyal to a program. 

If you keep jumping ship, you’re telling coaches that you—and by extension, your child, may be difficult to manage.

Social Media Is a Recruiting Battlefield

Don’t think your Facebook rants, Twitter complaints, or Instagram comments go unnoticed. 

College coaches monitor social media closely. 

Every post you make reflects your family’s values and attitude. 

Trash-talking other players, bad-mouthing coaches, or stirring controversy online can crush your child’s recruiting chances. 

One inappropriate post can wipe out years of hard work.

Social Media Do’s and Don’ts for Parents:

• Do: Celebrate your child’s progress and team successes.
• Do: Share positive, encouraging posts.
• Don’t: Criticize coaches, referees, or other players.
• Don’t: Share controversial or offensive content.

Coaches Talk to Each Other

Think you can behave badly at one tournament and it won’t follow you? Wrong. 

College coaches talk a lot. They share information about athletes and, yes, about parents. 

If you gain a bad reputation, word will spread fast. 

Your child’s name could end up on a ‘do not recruit’ list simply because of you.

How to Be a Parent Coaches Want to See

If you truly want your child to earn that scholarship offer, you must show coaches that you’re supportive, reasonable, and drama-free. Here’s how:

1. Be Positive and Encouraging

Cheer for the whole team, not just your kid. Show excitement for teammates’ successes. Coaches notice unselfish, team-first attitudes.

2. Stay Quiet on the Sidelines

Let the coaches coach. Your sideline coaching undermines the process and irritates recruiters. Be a silent supporter, not a distraction.

3. Trust the Process

Accept that your child will face challenges. Support them through tough coaching and difficult games without interfering or complaining.

4. Handle Adversity with Grace

Don’t switch teams or start drama because of minor issues. Stability is valued by recruiters. Show that your family can manage conflict maturely.

5. Keep Social Media Clean

Stay positive online. Avoid stirring controversy, attacking others, or venting frustrations in public. Your digital footprint matters more than you think.

The High Stakes of Parent Behavior

A single negative moment, whether in the stands or online, can cost your child their future. 

The stakes are that high. 

College coaches have hundreds of athletes to choose from. 

They will not risk bringing on a family that could poison team chemistry or cause problems.

The Risk of Being That Parent

No coach wants to deal with the headache of an overbearing, complaining, or disruptive parent. These behaviors are instant deal-breakers:

• Sideline coaching your kid
• Yelling at officials or coaches
• Bad-mouthing the program
• Starting conflicts with other parents
• Posting negative or aggressive content on social media

Even if your child is the best player on the court, these red flags can erase scholarship offers in seconds.

Your Child’s Scholarship Is On the Line

Parents, your behavior is part of the recruiting equation. 

Don’t be the reason your child loses an opportunity they’ve worked years for. 

Stay calm. 

Stay positive. 

Stay humble. 

Understand that coaches are not just evaluating the athlete, they are evaluating the entire package, and that includes you.

Final Thoughts: The Smart Parent Wins

The best recruiting parents are invisible. 

They cheer. 

They smile. 

They clap for the whole team. 

They shake hands with coaches and thank them. 

They post uplifting things on social media. 

They stay out of drama. That’s the behavior college coaches want to see.

Remember: You are not just the parent of an athlete. 

You are part of your child’s recruiting profile. 

Your actions, both seen and unseen, could determine whether that coveted scholarship offer comes, or disappears.

Don’t be the reason your kid doesn’t make it.

Key Takeaways

• College coaches watch parents closely.
• Your sideline and social media behavior matters.
• Problem parents kill scholarship chances.
• Positive, supportive parents improve recruiting outcomes.
• Stay humble, stay quiet, and stay helpful.

If you want your child to succeed in college athletics, start acting like the type of parent coaches want to welcome into their program.

Cara Lee Gilbert, a 2026 PG/SG from Cookeville High School (CHS) and standout player for FBC Reign, is steadily building a reputation as one of Tennessee’s top backcourt prospects. 

Standing out for her high basketball IQ, sharp perimeter shooting, and unselfish playmaking, Cara thrives in both the point guard and shooting guard roles. 

She posted an impressive weekend stat line of 12.8 points per game while shooting 45% from three-point range, a testament to her elite shot-making ability from long distance.

Beyond her offensive efficiency, Cara brings a hard-nosed defensive presence, showing grit and toughness on that end of the floor. 

She plays with purpose and energy, working hard on every possession to lock down opposing guards. 

What makes Cara unique is her balance between being a scoring threat and a pass-first guard who values team success over individual accolades. 

With a 4.3 GPA, she also represents the perfect “student-athlete” model that college coaches love to recruit.

Already holding offers from schools like Pikeville, King, Johnson, Berry, and Cumberland, Cara Lee Gilbert’s recruiting profile continues to rise. 

As she sharpens her skills and broadens her game, she has the potential to compete at the next level with great success.

Strengths 

• Elite Three-Point Shooting

• High Basketball IQ

• Tough On-Ball Defender

• Unselfish Playmaker Mentality

• Excellent Court Vision

• Strong Work Ethic

• Composed Under Pressure

• Leadership On Court

Areas to Improve 

• Improve Midrange Consistency

• Strengthen Left-Hand Finishes

• Increase Physical Strength

• Develop Isolation Scoring

• Improve Help Defense Awareness

• Enhance Speed Burst Dribble

• Create Off The Bounce

• Expand Rebounding Ability

Projected College Level 

• Strong NAIA Prospect

• Potential D2 Contributor

• High Academic Fit

• Possible D1 Interest

Conclusion Summary 

Cara Lee Gilbert is a smart, hard-working backcourt player who embodies the modern two-way guard. 

With her elite three-point shooting and relentless defense, she already plays at a level that catches the attention of college recruiters across multiple divisions. 

Her willingness to make the right pass and her understanding of team play make her a coach’s dream. 

As she continues to work on midrange consistency, left-hand finishes, and her isolation scoring ability, Cara could see opportunities to play at higher collegiate levels. 

Her academic excellence further enhances her appeal, ensuring she will be a valuable asset on and off the court.

Azariah “AZ” Lee is a highly talented 5’9” combo guard from Tennessee, representing GCA and competing on the AAU circuit with B Maze Elite. 

With a 4.0 GPA, Lee showcases discipline and dedication not only on the court but also in the classroom, an impressive sign for college recruiters seeking student-athletes who embody excellence in both academics and athletics. 

Her game is marked by a high basketball IQ, excellent decision-making, and strong leadership skills as a floor general. 

AZ handles both guard positions with poise, capable of facilitating offense as a point guard or creating her own shot as a shooting guard.

Her length and athleticism allow her to be a disruptive defender, often guarding multiple positions. 

Lee has a smooth shooting stroke from mid-range and three-point territory, with the confidence to take and make big shots. 

She thrives in transition, pushing the ball ahead and finishing through contact or dishing out smart assists. 

Despite her age, her composure under pressure is far beyond her years. 

As she continues to improve her strength, explosiveness, and ability to create separation off the dribble, AZ Lee’s ceiling remains incredibly high, making her one of the more exciting young prospects in her class.

Strengths 

• High Basketball IQ

• Versatile Combo Guard

• Smooth Shooting Stroke

• Strong Court Vision

• Excellent Defensive Instincts

• Plays With Poise

• Fast Break Finisher

• Confident Shot Maker

Areas for Improvement 

• Improve Ball Handling Tightness

• Increase Explosive First Step

• Enhance Mid Range Shot Creation

• Strengthen Physical Toughness

Projection 

• High-Major D1 Potential

• Future Power Five Prospect

• Possible All-American Candidate

• Elite Level Recruit

Conclusion Summary 

Azariah “AZ” Lee represents everything a college program desires in a young combo guard, skill, intelligence, leadership, and untapped potential. 

Her combination of length, court vision, and scoring ability make her a dangerous offensive weapon, while her defensive versatility adds great value on the other end. 

With continued physical development and refinement in ball handling and shot creation, AZ could easily elevate herself into elite national prospect status by the time she reaches the upper high school grades. 

Her academic excellence further cements her as a can’t-miss recruit. 

College coaches at the highest levels should keep close watch on her trajectory.

Makayla “MAK” French, a 5’6” shooting guard from Rouse High School (TX), continues to make major strides in her game and her recruitment journey. 

Since her previous evaluation in 2024, French has noticeably developed her all-around skill set, leading to her first official offer from Lyon College in Batesville, Arkansas. 

Interest from multiple D2 and NAIA programs further highlights her upward trajectory as a player with undeniable potential at the collegiate level.

Makayla excels as a perimeter scorer, with a reliable three-point shot that she’s confident letting fly in transition or half-court sets. 

Her basketball IQ is apparent, she’s deeply committed to film study, play design, and mastering team concepts. 

Defensively, she shows active hands and solid footwork, making her a valuable asset on both ends.

Off the court, her 3.8 GPA reflects discipline and intelligence, translating into her smart decisions in-game. 

Her growth mindset is evident as she consistently looks to improve her handling, finishing through contact, and lateral quickness. 

Competing with Texas Hoop Society CTX 16U Elite in AAU play continues to sharpen her against top talent. 

As she polishes these areas, expect Makayla French to emerge as a priority target for many college programs.

Strengths 

• Confident perimeter shooter

   

• High basketball IQ
• Disciplined on defense
• Excellent court vision
• Competitive team leader
• Moves without ball
• Strong work ethic
• Committed to improvement

Areas for Improvement 

• Enhance ball handling

   

• Improve lateral quickness
• Strengthen finishing ability
• Add midrange consistency
• Increase vertical explosiveness
• Develop stronger left hand
• Sharpen help defense positioning
• Expand pull-up jumper

College Projection 

• Solid NAIA contributor

   

• D2 rotation potential
• Possible D1 upside
• Fits competitive programs

Conclusion Summary 

Makayla “MAK” French is a motivated and focused athlete who continues to add layers to her skill set. 

With an official offer in hand and rising interest from D2 and NAIA programs, her growth is obvious and impressive. 

French’s devotion to training, film study, and leadership on and off the court makes her an asset to any team. 

As she keeps sharpening her ball-handling and inside finishing skills, her ceiling only rises. 

Her love of the game and desire to compete will undoubtedly position her for success at the next level, making her one to watch in the 2027 class.

Kimber Jewett is an exceptional young talent out of Page High School in Tennessee who is making noise on both the basketball court and the track. 

Standing at 5’10” with an impressive 4.25 weighted GPA, Kimber brings the rare combination of athleticism, work ethic, and intelligence to everything she does. 

As a multi-sport athlete, her conditioning, lateral quickness, and mental toughness have been sharpened by her time competing in track, which transfers effectively onto the basketball court.

Kimber’s presence in the paint is impossible to ignore. 

She plays with grit and toughness, showing a willingness to do the “dirty work” that doesn’t always show up on the stat sheet, boxing out, setting hard screens, battling for loose balls, and defending bigger opponents. 

On the boards, she is relentless, fighting for every rebound with intensity and purpose, often giving her team valuable second-chance opportunities. Defensively, she serves as a wall inside, using her frame and strength to contest shots and protect the rim.

While her offensive game is still developing, Kimber shows flashes of strong finishing ability around the basket and has a knack for positioning herself in scoring areas. 

Her upside is enormous, and with continued development of her perimeter skills and offensive footwork, she could become a complete two-way player. 

Coaches will also appreciate her high academic performance, which reflects her discipline and coachability. 

Kimber Jewett is certainly a prospect to keep a close eye on as she continues to grow into her game.

Strengths

• Relentless Rebounding Effort

• Defensive Paint Presence

• High Basketball IQ

• Gritty, Team-First Mentality

Areas for Improvement

• Midrange Shot Development

• Perimeter Ball Handling

• Offensive Footwork Variety

• Consistent Scoring Threat

College Projection

• Mid-Major Division I

• High-Level Division II

• Potential Division I Sleeper

• Academic Scholarship Appeal

Conclusion Summary 

Kimber Jewett is a talented and hardworking forward who checks many of the boxes that college coaches look for in a recruit. 

Her toughness, rebounding ability, and defensive presence make her an instant impact player on the floor. 

As she continues to develop her offensive skill set, particularly her shooting and footwork, her ceiling will only rise. 

Combined with her exceptional academic standing and multi-sport athleticism, Kimber has the tools to compete at the collegiate level. 

With focus and continued hard work, she projects as a strong contributor at the mid-major Division I or high-level Division II ranks in the years to come.