State Farm Holiday Classic Guards That Performed Well

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Last week I returned home to Central Illinois for the Holidays and was able to take some time to check out one of the best girls’ basketball tournaments in the state, the State Farm Holiday Classic in Bloomington/Normal. While I was able to watch most teams play in the Large School Girls Division, I was really focused on the teams from the Chicagoland area. Here are some Guards that got my attention:

Senior PG Mira Emma from Wheaton Warrenville South showcased all the abilities you could want in a team leader. Emma, an Iowa State soccer commit, is a quick, confident ball handler who can get in the lane with ease and involve her teammates. She also can knockdown shots from deep.

Senior Jada Thorpe from Chicago Simeon really showed how well she can score the ball against some very tough teams. Thorpe, a Kansas State commit, is very smooth and reliable with the ball in her hands and possesses a very smooth and consistent jump shot. She finished with 19pts against Central Illinois Powerhouse Morton Potters.

Thorpe’s Sophomore teammate from Simeon, Aneesah Morrow, is listed as a Guard, but can play any of the five spots. The 6’1’’ Morrow was coming back from a knee injury but was very strong in the lane and active on defense. Morrow was named Honorable Mention AP All-State last season.

Chicago St. Ignatius Senior Molly Gannon was my 2^nd favorite player to watch down in Bloomington/Normal. A Washington University (St. Louis) recruit, the 5’6’’ PG is a very quick and skilled ball handler with unlimited range from three-point land. Gannon was named 3^rd team IBCA All-State as a Junior and competed in the 4A COUNTRY Financial 3-pt Showdown at the state finals last season. She was named to the State Farm Holiday Classic Large School Girls All-Tournament team this past weekend.

Admittedly, I had known a little bit about Gannon before the tournament, but her Sophomore teammate, Lauren McDonald, was a pleasant surprise. The 5’9’’ Guard handles the ball well, gets in the lane with ease, and finishes strong at the rim. Plus shooter.

Freshman Whitney Dunn out of Chicago Kenwood showed great leadership abilities and maturity for an underclassman. The 5’8’’ Guard is a very talented ball handler and smooth running the point in transition.