Player: Emma Montanari
Class: 2026
School: East Lincoln
Looking in the Class of 2026, Emma Montanari from East Lincoln would be a player who would be ranked high with many other big-time prospects in the state of North Carolina. The junior has had another fantastic season, filling up the stat sheet and leading the charge for the Mustangs. On the season, she is posting averages of 18.1ppg, 6.3rpg, 4.4apg, 4.7spg, and 2.1bpg, while also shooting 35 percent from three.
Lady Phenom had a chance to watch her in action not long ago at the Phenom 828 Showcase, where we had this to say:
“2026 Emma Montanari has had a strong start to the season, and shows that she is a very skilled and crafty guard on the court. Finds ways to make plays, is active on both ends and good overall offensive game.”
The 5’9 combo guard is simply a difference-maker on the court, as she impacts the game in so many facets and plays with such tremendous IQ/feel for the game. She can score inside and out, creating really well and bring such balance to the court. She finishes well off the bounce, attacks the defense well, and makes defenders pay with her ability to knock down shots. But she also is a team-player, getting other involved, being active on defense, and just making the right decisions. Which is why it is easy to see why so many schools have already offered her, and we expect that trend to continue. Montanari just added an offer from Charleston while also holding offers from Stetson, La Salle, and UNCW. But again, Montanari has proven how she can make an impact and we believe she will only continue to show that this summer and next year, with several other programs getting involved in her recruitment.