Highland Shootout: 2020 Evaluations

Last Saturday, January 18th was the opening day of the 34th Annual Scott Credit Union Highland Shootout. As the tournament comes to a close we have had the chance to see all of the teams and some excellent talent. Here we take a look at the 2020 talent that has been on display. <ul> <li><strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kourtland-tyus/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kourtland-tyus/">Kourtland Tyus</a></a> </strong>is a 5'7 point guard from Civic Memorial. Tyus has had a good year scoring the ball for the Lady Eagles. She has been used more as the 2 this year and has been in spots on set plays designed to create 3 point shots. Kourtland was named 1st team All Tourney. As always she was efficient in running her team and was able to hit 7 three pointers to help with the scoring load. Kourtland is a Johnson County CC commit.</li> <li><strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/anna-hall/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/anna-hall/">Anna Hall</a></a> </strong>is a 5'11 forward from Civic Memorial. Anna was the lone player from CM in double figures in the championship loss. She did her best to keep her team in the game. She was 7/9 from the line in a game that turned into a free throw shooting contest. Anna averaged 15 points per game for the tourney and continued to show that she is one of the best post players in the area. Despite being a smaller post player she is excellent at finding and keeping post position. Once she catches in the post she is very likely to either score or get fouled. Anna was named 1st team All Tourney and is a Missouri Southern commit.</li> <li><strong>Ellie Brown</strong> is a 5'5 point guard from Highland. Ellie has transitioned into a point guard role for Highland and has done a good job of leading her team while still finding spots to score. Ellie was named 1st team All Tourney. She averaged 11.5 points per game and was 15/18 from the foul line for the tourney. Ellie was crucial down the stretch of the championship game in handling the ball and hitting free throws to help Highland secure the title.</li> <li><strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/shannon-lampe/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/shannon-lampe/">Shannon Lampe</a></a> </strong>is a 5'10 wing from Mater Dei. Shannon was named 2nd team All Tourney. She is not only a constant scoring threat for Mater Dei, she defends and rebounds very well. Shannon is long and athletic which allows her to be a disruptive force on defense. She can score from all 3 levels but excels going to the rim.</li> <li><strong>Olivia Niemerg </strong>is a 5'8 guard from Teutopolis. Olivia was name 2nd team All Tourney. Olivia is a lead guard that can handle the point but also is a key scorer for the Lady Shoes. She excels in hitting open shots when she finds them in their system. She scored 11 and 15 in the last two games against their toughest opponents.</li> <li><strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kayla-gordon/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kayla-gordon/">Kayla Gordon</a></a> </strong>is a 5'4 point guard from O'Fallon. Kayla was named 2nd team All Tourney and is always a key cog for the Lady Panthers. Kayla has the ability to get into the lane consistently and finish against bigger players. You can tell by watching Kayla she is trying to be more of a distributor this year instead of always looking to score in the lane. Kayla had 20 big points in the 3rd place victory over T-Town, so she is still a big scoring threat when needed. Kayla is an ICC commit.</li> <li><strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kristyn-mitchell/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/kristyn-mitchell/">Kristyn Mitchell</a></a> </strong>is a 6ft post player from Collinsville. Kristyn is a strong girl that can score in the paint or facing the basket. She has improved her ability to attack off the bounce which has helped round out her game. Kristyn averaged 11 points per game for her team in the tourney. She is an ICC commit.</li> <li><strong>Sabrina Kollbaum </strong>is a 5'8 guard from Nashville. Sabrina has been a great weapon for her team this year, often providing an extra scoring punch when needed. She can hit the 3 but also does a good job handling pressure and penetrating the lane.</li> <li><strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/rylee-luechtefeld/"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/rylee-luechtefeld/">Rylee Luechtefeld</a></a> </strong>is a 6ft forward from Nashville. Rylee is a player with very good potential. She has the size to play inside but the skills to play away from the basket. She is an excellent defender and is particularly strong at blocking shots. Rylee can become a very effective weapon on offense in the right system as she can hit the 3 and put the ball on the floor.</li> <li><strong>Claire Toennies </strong>is a 5'8 guard from Mater Dei. Claire is another strong player that comes out of the Mater Dei system. She can score well in the mid range both off the screens and off the dribble. She is fundamentally sound and plays sound defense.</li> </ul> The event wrapped up on Saturday with Highland pulling off a big win over CM. O'Fallon won the 3rd place game, Belleville West the 5th place game and Breese Central the consolation championship. Another excellent tourney for Highland and their sponsor Scott Credit Union. &nbsp; &nbsp;