The top players I saw this summer. Class of 2021

Over the next few days I will break down, by class, the top players I was able to see this Summer. Some of the players I was able to see with their High School teams and some with their AAU teams. I wish I could see everyone, but that is not possible! I was able to see some very good players and came away very impressed with the talent in Southern Illinois.

Clare Breden Jerseyville. Clare is a 5’5 guard that was named Honorable Mention IBCA All State after averaging 17.8 points per game at the 3A level during her freshman season. Breden showed the poise and ability to be very consistent as she was held to single digits only 3 times during the year. She solidified her reputation in the Missouri Valley conference with a 39 point effort in a double overtime game against perennial power Highland.  Clare is very quick and can get into the lane where she can finish with a variety of shots. Clare is also adept at drawing contact and getting to the line where she shot 77%. She can shoot the 3 pointer where she made 68 last year so you have to guard her everywhere. Clare has been with the Missouri Phenom this summer and has spent time with her high school coach picking out moves from other players she has studied and trying to work them into her game.

Anna McKee Father McGivney. Anna is a 5’8 guard that is long and athletic. In her freshman season McKee scored 18.4 points per game for her 1A Griffins team. McKee did most of her damage from the outside but has the ability to get to the hole and finish with either hand. By developing her range to be able to shoot comfortably a step outside the 3 point line McKee is able to get her shots even when pressured. With her frame and athleticism Anna has also been a defensive force averaging 5.4 steals per game as she seems to have a great natural anticipation for getting tips and steals. During her freshman campaign Anna was amazingly consistent during the year as she was held to single digits only one time.  Anna was with Blue Star Renken 15u during the AAU season and with her high school team in June where they focused on her running more at the 2 than last year to free her up from the ball handling responsibilities.

Tori Standefer Civic Memorial. Tori is a 5’7 Guard that was a defensive stopper for the Eagles in her freshman season. She was excellent in using her speed/agility to gather just short of 4 steals per game. Tori was often able to turn the defense into offense and get out on the break which led to her averaging 7 points per game for the Eagles. Tori was not limited to scoring in the open floor as she was a 39% shooter from 3 point range. Tori did not take a high volume of shots as she was a complimentary option on a team led by a strong 2018 class. As Coach Denney reloads the team for the 2018-19 campaign her will look for Tori to become a more consistent scorer. She has shown that ability in her career so we expect to see more drives to the basket using her athleticism and more use of that 3 point shot. As usual the Lady Eagles had an extensive summer campaign and gave Tori plenty of opportunities to find her spots to increase her contributions to the team..

Bella LaPorta Highland. Bella is a 6’0 post that has really been showing some promise and signs that she could end up being a dominant player for new coach Clint Hamilton. Bella averaged 4 points and 4.5 rebounds off the bench as a freshman while shooting 50% from the field. She is extremely strong and athletic and shows the ability to rebound and has good post moves where she can finish with either hand.. Bella comes from a very accomplished athletic family and appears to have learned a thing or two from sister Alex and brother Sam about how to compete under the basket. Coach Hamilton has a deep roster with many options available to him in the post so Bella will continue to share minutes but she is certainly showing the upside to be a much larger contributor in those minutes for Highland. Bella spent her spring/summer with the Blue Star Renken team in addition to an extensive schedule with the school team in June.

Katelynne Roberts Edwardsville. Katelynne is 6’3 post that is long and causes issues for anyone trying to score in the paint. Katelynne rebounds well and has a nice baby left handed ( weak hand) hook that she uses as one of her go to moves in the post. She has been working hard on the 15-17 foot shot and is improving and forcing opposing posts to respect her and open up the lanes for the high-low pass into her teammates. Edwardsville will need to replace their inside positions this year and Katelynne is on the radar to get her share of those minutes. Those minutes will grow as she gains strength by hitting the weights and continues to develop her game. Katelynne was on the varsity roster as a freshman and got to learn from the outstanding class of 2018 and experience the ride to the State tourney which I am sure added fuel to her fire to improve. She spent her spring/summer with the Blue Star Silvey 15u team and ended it by playing with the 17u team in Atlanta where she more than held her own.

The class of 2022 is up next.