Portage County Hoopers
Throughout this off-season, the Prep Girls Hoops staff will be taking a close look at some of the top underclassmen across all of Ohio’s 88 counties. Portage County is named for the portage – or path where items are regularly…
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Continue ReadingThroughout this off-season, the Prep Girls Hoops staff will be taking a close look at some of the top underclassmen across all of Ohio’s 88 counties.
Portage County is named for the portage – or path where items are regularly carried between bodies of water – between the Cuyahoga River and the Tuscarawas River. Kent State University and Hiram College are both located in Portage County – along with the old Aurora Train Station. Portage County is also home to a number of outstanding basketball players – including one of the top-ranked 2021’s in the country.
Let’s take a look at a number of talented underclassmen from Portage County.
Basketball fans everywhere enjoy watching Shyanne Sellers compete at such a high level. (Photo Credit: Akron Beacon Journal)Shyanne Sellers – 6’2 Guard – Aurora – Class of 2021
There aren’t too many things that Shyanne Sellers struggles with on a basketball court. Sellers has a quick release and outstanding range on her jumper. She is a tremendous leaper who uses that athleticism to make pull-up jumpers or finish around the rim. She has a nice post-up game that she utilizes against solid defenders. A good rebounder on both ends, Sellers is also a very active defender off of the ball. When you watch her play, it’s no surprise to know that she is one of the top players in the country for the Class of 2021.
Maria Sziva – 5’8 Forward – Field – Class of 2020
Sziva was an All-Ohioan this year for Field. A true “slasher” – Maria does a lot of the little things right. She gets offensive rebounds and loose balls, makes her lay-ups and racks up a number of deflections. She finishes well at the rim with both hands and does a nice job of playing through contact from larger defenders – as she uses her body to protect the ball.
Grace Mills is one of the top players in the PTC. (Photo Credit: Record Courier)Grace Mills – 5’7 Guard – Garfield – Class of 2021
After two years at Garfield, Mills is already a 2-time All-Ohio selection who is closing in on 1000 career points. Grace is a prototypical 2-guard who can score the ball at will. She is dynamic in the mid-range, with as pure of a pull-up jumper as you find in the high school game. Grace’s athleticism benefits her in transition, where she is extremely fun to watch in the open court.
Jenna Smith – 6’0 Post – Garfield – Class of 2022
In an era when back-to-the-basket post players are becoming less common by the day, Smith has the potential to be an elite post-up kid. That’s not to say that she can’t score off of the bounce or step out and make mid-range jumpers – because she can, but Jenna has the frame and skill-set to be a 20 PPG-12 RPG kid by the time she leaves Garfield.
Avery Robinson – 5’10 Forward – Ravenna – Class of 2020
Robinson is a good 3-point shooter from everywhere behind the arc. She has a quick release and solid range. Avery has great court vision and creates a number of scoring opportunities for her teammates, using her long frame to make passes over the defense.
Rachel Neer – 5’6 Wing – Southeast – Class of 2021
Rachel was a key contributor this year for the district champions from Southeast. Her best attribute is the level of effort that she gives. She is a tweener – who doesn’t possess true ball-handling or shooting skills like a top guard – but she can defend top guards on the other teams. Neer keeps possessions alive and gets every 50/50 ball for her team. She is at her best when she is attacking the rim and putting pressure on defenses.
Haylee Kachner – 5’8 Guard – Waterloo – Class of 2020
Simply put, Kachner can score the basketball. A strong and athletic off-guard, she is a streaky shooter from 3, who also has a nice 1-dribble attack game after she makes a few jumpers. Haylee is a good rebounder – who scores a number of her points from offensive stick backs.