Bullitt East Hooparama 2019 Top Performers

The Bullitt East Hooparama the first chance for us to see a lot of the top talent in the state.  This year, in particular, featured many of the top players in the state looking to start the year strong.  While it is technically a preseason scrimmage, the high level of talent creates an extremely competitive, game-like, atmosphere.  Here are some of the players who played the best at this year's Hooparama. <strong>Kendall Wingler, Meade County- </strong>The clear standout in the day's earliest scrimmage, Wingler had a chance to show off all her offensive skills.  She was able to both get to the rim and knock down shots from outside, seeming to be in complete control of the game all the while.  While the senior guard did tend to pick up her dribble a little too often, she was always able to make good passes and get herself out of difficult situations. <strong>Maddie Scherr, Ryle- </strong>While she clearly has a bevy of skills and athletic ability, what really stood out on Saturday was Scherr's basketball IQ.  She consistently made smart passes and took advantage of every hole she saw in a tough Bullitt East defense.  On the defensive end, she was incredibly active going after the ball, although this did get her into some foul trouble.  Overall though Scherr was clearly the best player on the court and showed why she is atop many preseason Miss Basketball rankings. <strong>Brie Crittendon, Ryle- </strong>Although she is often overshadowed by Scherr, Crittendon has shown that she is a great player in her own right.  She did it all for the Lady Raiders, drawing fouls, distributing, shooting well, you name it she did.  While it could be difficult for some to share an offense with a player as dominant as Scherr, Crittendon has the ability to get her own looks within the team's offense, making her all the more dangerous. <strong>Hannah McKay, Owensboro Catholic- </strong>After a quiet first half, McKay came on strong late in the game and took control.  The Lady Aces offense was by far at its most effective when it ran through the senior forward, as she was able to pick get to the basket and either score or distribute in a way that showcased her well-rounded offensive skillset. <strong>Erin Toller, Sacred Heart- </strong>Despite playing less than half the game on a minutes restriction in her return from a torn ACL, Toller showed she still has incredible skills on the offensive end.  She was able to score seemingly at will, in particular demonstrating a deadly stroke from beyond the arc.  If she can get the necessary playing time this season, Toller showed she still has the skills to be one of the top players in the state. <strong>Paige Taylor, Mercy</strong><strong>-</strong> Taylor was making plays all over the place Saturday for the Jaguars.  She shot well, rebounded, came up with steals, and made smart passes.  The senior forward had an incredible overall impact on the game.  If she can make plays like this throughout the season Taylor may emerge as a breakout player in the state and make Mercy even more difficult to beat. <strong>Taziah Jenks, Mercy- </strong>As one of the top players in the state, Jenks has plenty of skills to show off.  The one that stood out the most on Saturday was her touch inside.  While many players were able to score in the paint throughout the day, none of them made it look as easy as Jenks did.  She has a ridiculously soft touch and great timing that allowed her to convert at will around the rim.  Combined with excellent distribution skills and great defense, it was easy to see why Jenks is one of the early favorites for Miss Basketball.