Southern Illinois Top Post players

Southern Illinois is home to some very formidable inside players this year. I am not sure that any of them are true ”5’s”, but there are clearly talented ”4’s”. This group can all get position deep in the post and finish, but most lack the ideal size of a college post player. They do have the size and ability to play the 4 and stretch defenses with their shooting and abilities in the face up game. <ul> <li><strong>Anna Hall </strong>is a 5’11 2020 forward from Civic Memorial. Anna is very strong and tough in the paint. She knows how to establish position and hold it. Anna has been a 4 year starter for CM. She has been a go to scorer since her sophomore year. Anna has really developed her face up game to be able to beat girls off the dribble and hit the open 3. I expect to see her have a huge senior year as the Lady Eagles look to advance to Redbird Arena.</li> <li><strong>Megan Hallemann </strong>is a 6’4 2020 post from Greenville. Megan has long arms and can get her shot off against almost any defender. She has a good touch and expanding range that forces bigs to come out and guard her. Megan needs to add strength in both her legs and upper body to maximize her potential.</li> <li><strong>Tyanna Lovelace </strong>is a 6’0 2021 post from O’Fallon. Tyanna is a very strong post player that finishes well in the lane. She has deceptive athletic ability which allows her to run the floor well for easy chances. She is a beast on the boards and can use either hand in the lane effectively.</li> <li><strong>Ellie Eichenlaub </strong>is a 6’0 2020 post from Freeburg. Ellie is a long left handed player that was just short of a double double last year. She has a nice shot out to about 15 feet. She moves well and does a good job on the boards. Ellie is also a good passer from the post and is effective playing with other post players. She has a perfect score of 36 on the ACT so she is a college is a college coaches dream.</li> <li><strong>Kristyn Mitchell </strong>is a 6’0 2020 post from Collinsville. Kristyn has always been comfortable shooting the 3 and it has been an excellent weapon for her. With a big frame she has always had what it takes to be very successful in the paint too. Kristyn has worked hard on that part of her game and is now a threat at all 3 levels. She can finish with either hand inside and is much improved off the dribble. This summer Kristyn showed the ability to catch at the high post and turn off either shoulder to get to the basket. This gives her a new dimension that she can exploit.</li> <li><strong>Taylor Kesner </strong>is a 5’11 2021 post from Highland. Taylor has really emerged over the last year as a force in the paint. She is strong and agile which allows her to get excellent position in the paint. Taylor is an excellent shot putter and you can see those skills translate on the basketball court. Once she gets the ball Taylor can finish with either hand. I look forward to tracking her junior year playing for Coach Hamilton.</li> <li><strong>Jeniah Thompson </strong>is a 5’10 2020 forward from Carterville. Jeniah is certainly not a true post player but she is so good inside the lane that she is hard to leave off this list. She is a double/double machine averaging 14.6 points and 9.7 rebounds per game as a junior. Jeniah is very strong and athletic. She puts her head down and goes hard on drives to basket. Jeniah uses her strength and ability to get shots off in the lane against taller players. She reminds me of a Charles Barkley type player that excels despite not having traditional size for her position. Jeniah is an SIU commit.</li> </ul>