New Talent Emerges on 2026 USA Women's U18 Basketball Team

Just days after the announcement of the USA Basketball Men’s U18 National Team, the roster for the 2026 Women’s U18 National Team has been revealed. This 12-member squad showcases some of the brightest young talents from the 2026, 2027, and 2028 graduating classes. Team USA aims to secure its 12th straight gold medal at the FIBA U18 Women’s AmeriCup, scheduled for June 9-15 in Irapuato, Mexico, where they will start off their tournament against Argentina in Group B.

Among the standout athletes selected for the team is Haylen Ayers from University School of Jackson in Tennessee. A two-time Division II-A Miss Basketball winner, Ayers has earned accolades such as the 2024-25 Gatorade Tennessee Girls Basketball Player of the Year after averaging 21.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game last season. She ranks third nationally in her class, according to 247Sports.

Another notable player is Jezelle “GG” Banks, who made her mark at Ursuline Academy in Delaware before moving to St. James Performance Academy. The talented guard was honored as the Delaware Gatorade Girls Basketball Player of the Year during her first two years and posted an average of 14.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 5.4 assists in her junior season, placing her fourth in the class of 2027 rankings.

Bella Flemings of William J. Brennan High School in Texas also shines on the roster. The 6-foot guard was named the Gatorade Texas High School Girls Basketball Player of the Year and a 2026 McDonald’s All-American, boasting an impressive average of 18.9 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. She is set to continue her career at Duke University.

This year’s roster is filled with promising athletes, many of whom are on track for success at both the national and collegiate levels. As Team USA prepares for the upcoming competition, they will look to leverage the skills of these rising stars in their quest for gold.