Next Up: Ten 8th Graders That Coaches Should Know

The top DMV high schools want to stay on the top, others on the brink are looking that one player that will push them over the top.  Then you have a few programs that linger around the bottom that need one or two pieces to make them relevant.  Here are ten to target in the 2023 class.

Those who have been paying attention should know the name Qadence Samuels even if they haven’t actually seen her play yet.  At 6’2″ she is a very agile and athletic wing with a very good skill level.  She can handle the ball and shoot like a guard also she rebounds and finishes well against posts.  She will be a welcome addition for whichever school she chooses to play for next season.

Simone Lewis has been playing up a grade for as long as I’ve been watching her play and has been dominating.  Now that all of her teammates have entered high school she should have a pretty easy year as she will be varsity ready entering high school.  There’s an old saying amongst coaches that you can’t teach height.

6’3″ Jaedyn Cook will be one of only a handful of true post player available and should be a target for every program in the area.   Everyone needs a shooter and everyone needs an Abigail Cooch on their team.  It’s a luxury to have player that can knock down shots and stretch the floor, it’s a must to have a good point guard, Abby brings both in one package.

Zakiya Stephenson is one of the best point guard prospects in her class.  She is an excellent defender and is a leader on the court.   A great passer that sees the floor well.

Jadyn Donovan has a college frame already as a middle schooler and has a great presence on the floor.  She uses her body well to shield defenders and is a player that can possibly turn a bubble team into a final four team and a final four team into a championship team.

Kymora Johnson may be the most prepared point guard in the class at this time as her school is a seasoned high school program and her time playing with older players.  She good size and the skill to be effective at the next level.

One of the more physical prospects in the class right now is Sophia Carlise.  She is a strong 6 footer that can finish with either hand at the basket.  Having another year to develop before entering into high school will allow her to fine tune her skill.  If she continues to grow and expands her range from the basket she will be dangerous for high school opponents of any grade.

Kennedi Rooks is a combo guard that’s great at attacking the basket and finishing after contact.  She draws fouls easily with her aggressiveness and I can see her creating a lot of free throw opportunities for herself going against active defenders in high school.

Rounding out the set is Trinity Massenburg, she’s a long athletic forward that should make a smooth wing transition in high school.  She has the potential to be one of the top freshmen in the Baltimore region next season.