"The Incredibles: Fearless Shooter, Big Energy, and a Game That Won’t Quit"

Jessa Mae Varpness

@jessa_varp5

IG: @jessa_varp5

4’9”, 75 lb., Class of 2034

Donelson Christian Academy, TN

Nickname: Jessa Buberry - she is the sweetest you'll get and she has so much style on the court

Jessa is a sharp-shooting guard with ball-handling skills far beyond her years. She sees the floor like a seasoned playmaker and thrives in both shooting guard and point guard roles. Her three-point shot is already a weapon, and she combines it with elite control of the ball, quick hands on defense, and a natural ability to lift up her teammates. Whether she’s creating steals, dropping dimes, or raining deep shots, she brings an energy that makes her team better every time she steps on the floor.

Her resume is already impressive, helping her 3rd-grade AAU team to a state championship and a third-place finish at the AAU World Championship. She’s made 49 three-pointers before even reaching the 4th grade, and her shooting range, leadership, and finishing ability have been her biggest improvements over the past year. She’s instinctive defensively, often reading passing lanes and creating extra possessions for her team. This offseason, she’s focused on improving her shooting form, tightening her right-hand ball handling, and adding more finishing moves in the paint.

A coach can always count on her to attack the rim, get low on defense, and keep her eyes up for open teammates. She set personal AAU goals to use her right hand more and help her team win big, and she delivered, hitting both marks with a state title and a strong showing on the national stage. Even when playing up against older, stronger competition, whether facing skilled 5th-grade teams as a 3rd grader or competing in a 6th-grade division, Jessa maintained her composure and played her game. That same maturity showed this summer when she came home from Goodpasture’s basketball camp with the prize ball, proving she can perform in any setting. Next season, she’s locked in on her goal of hitting 1,000 in-game threes before 6th grade and is especially excited to have her oldest sister coaching her AAU team.

Her faith is one of the biggest parts of her life and her game. Even at her young age, she plays with the purpose of honoring God in everything she does on the court. She loves reading the Bible and learning more about Jesus, knowing He gives her the strength, joy, and peace to keep playing hard no matter what. For her, it’s not just about scoring or winning but about using her talent to bring glory to God and showing His love through the way she treats her teammates, plays the game, and handles every moment. The best coaching advice she’s ever received reflects that heart, “Don’t just play for who’s watching you, play for the Lord.”

What fires her up the most is when the team’s energy is soaring, chants, cheers, and bench support light a spark in her game. Even in tough moments, like last weekend when she was fouled on a three-pointer near the buzzer in a game-winning situation and the ref didn’t call it, she just kept playing. Her dad told her after the game that she was fouled, but she simply replied, “The ref didn’t call it, so it wasn’t a foul.” That mindset, getting back up, playing harder, and never stopping, defines who she is as a competitor.

Off the court, Jessa loves doing math assignments, baking, dancing, riding her bike, playing board games, and spending time with her 10 siblings. She’s especially excited for the upcoming season, knowing that one of those siblings will be her coach, making the game even more special. With a mix of competitive fire, strong faith, and a love for the game, she’s building a foundation now that will serve her for many years to come.

I assess that Jessa’s combination of shooting touch, ball control, and defensive instincts makes her a difference-maker in games right now. Her energy lifts her teammates, and her ability to score from deep at such a young age is a rare advantage that keeps her team in any contest. The fact that she already understands team play and court vision at this level sets her apart from many players her age.

Over the next couple of years, expect Jessa to grow into an even more complete guard. As her form continues to evolve and her right-hand handling improves, her scoring versatility will expand, and her defensive presence will only get stronger. With her positive mindset, family support, and work ethic, she’s on track to be a leader and key playmaker on every team she plays for in the near future. Get this young star locked in as one to watch for years to come, knowing she hasn't scratched the surface of the sky-high potential that will continue to unfold right before our eyes.