PGH Top 250 Best Performers: 2021
The class of 2021 was loaded with talent at the Prep Girls Hoops Top 250 Expo this past weekend. Having this much depth in the class of 2021 is a good sign that the game is in good hands in…
Access all of Prep Girls Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe class of 2021 was loaded with talent at the Prep Girls Hoops Top 250 Expo this past weekend. Having this much depth in the class of 2021 is a good sign that the game is in good hands in the state of Indiana. I saw a lot of great performances from these ladies, and it was hard to pick between them, but certain ones stood out to me. Below, you can see the prospects in the class of 2021 that I thought really separated themselves from the rest.
Genevieve Decker, 2021, Anchor Bay H.S. (MI)
At 5’10” Decker definitely uses her size to her advantage. Blocking and altering shots that are in her area, she is always a threat when the opposing player decides to come in the paint. She is also very crafty and is good at using her dribble moves to finish around the basket. Something that really stood out to me was her ability to stop and pop for the mid-range jump shot. The mid-range has become a lost art in the game of basketball and it’s always nice to still see players use it.
Photo credit: Max PrepsAudra Emmerson, 2021, Fishers H.S.
Emmerson has a very high basketball IQ and can make the right play whenever necessary. She isn’t exactly the tallest player on the floor, but doesn’t need to be because she has a good feel for the game and can make open shots when called upon. I think the point guard position is perfect for her, since she has good handling, speed/quickness, and has a solid wingspan which will allow her to play the passing lanes and come up with steals. These are all the type of qualities that you want to see in your point guard.
Photo credit: Audra Emmerson, Twitter
Mckenzie Hudgen, 2021, Mishawaka Marian
Hudgen has great instincts when it comes to rebounding the basketball. She is unafraid to stick her nose in the crowd and outwork anyone until she secures the board. This is something that not everyone enjoys doing and it is always a coaches dream to find a player that will do the dirty work. She is also very versatile and can play a multitude of positions for her team. I think one of her best traits that goes unnoticed is her ability to play with pace and find the open teammate.
Photo credit: Scott Davidson, South Bend Tribune
Genesis Castro, 2021, Avon H.S.
Castro is an excellent shooter, especially from long-range. She was without a doubt one of the best shooters that I got to see from this past weekend. Another thing that stands out to me is her defense. She does a fantastic job in being able to read the mind of her opponents, which allows her to come up with the steal for her team. Castro also does a nice job in pushing tempo after coming up with the steal, which puts the defense on its heels.
Photo credit: Hudl
Taylor Heath, 2021, Triton Central
Heath is an amazing passer, her ability to get her teammates involved is a special thing to watch. At only 5’3″ you might not think of her as a basketball player, but this girl is for sure. She can also put the ball on the floor and get to the rim as well, which is even more impressive for her size. There really isn’t much that she can’t do, she is a very capable shooter and can play on both ends of the floor as well. Her game is pretty well rounded and that’s the unique thing about her.
Photo credit: Kris Mills, The Shelbyville News
Zakia Rasheed, 2021, Bishop Chatard
Rasheed can score from anywhere on the court, whether it be from in the paint, mid-range, or the 3-point line. She is also excellent in finishing in transition and scoring with her dominant or off- hand. One of the many things that I like is her willingness to commit on the defensive end. She knows how to use her length to play the passing lanes perfectly to steal the ball from the opposing player.
Photo credit: Zakia Rasheed, Twitter
Chloe McKnight, 2021, Bedford North Lawrence H.S.
McKnight can really shoot the lights out from behind the arc. She moves very well without the ball and her teammates are able to find her for the open shot. When you are someone who is a sniper from downtown, it’s important to find different ways to get open. This is something that McKnight has figured out and its going to make it tough for defenses to stop it. You don’t want to leave her open even if its further out from the three-point line.
Photo credit: Chloe Mcknight, Twitter