Highland Shootout:2021 Evaluations
Last Saturday was the opening day of the 34th Annual Scott Credit Union Highland Shootout. As the tournament comes to a close today we have had the chance to see all of the teams and some excellent talent. Here we…
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Continue ReadingLast Saturday was the opening day of the 34th Annual Scott Credit Union Highland Shootout. As the tournament comes to a close today we have had the chance to see all of the teams and some excellent talent. Here we take a look at the 2021 talent that has been on display.
- Tori Standefer is 5’7 guard from Civic Memorial that has always been an excellent defender. She sat out her sophomore season with a knee injury and has come back with a very well rounded season. Tori has played the point guard at times and also shown an improved 3-point shot. Her athletic ability is still in tact and she is showing the ability to take on a big role in her senior season.
- Nariah Parks is a 5’4 guard from Althoff Catholic that has show signs of being a plus defender. She has long arms and is very quick on her feet. She can make it hard to advance the ball and will defend shots with her ability to jump and contest. She uses her speed well in the full court game.
- Amelia Bell is a 6’1 4/5 from O’Fallon. Amelia continues to show a high motor in running the floor and defending. She uses her length well as a defender to hedge/switch on the screen and roll. Amelia has worked hard on her ball handling and outside shooting, which you see paying off. She can put the ball on the floor to push the fast break off her own rebounds. Bell is a player that deserves attention from college coaches at the D2 level.
- Chloe Book is a 5’7 guard from Breese Central. Chloe is a an athletic guard that can defend on the ball against multiple positions. She is strong and can handle the bigger players that will try to muscle her. She handles the ball well and can score it in the lane with consistency. Chloe has worked hard on her skills and is making the 3 ball with more frequent success. She has the ability to play small college ball and should be monitored by NAIA and D3 programs.
- Astacia Bush is a 5’9 guard from Collinsville. Astacia is a tough defender and rebounder from the wing position. She has a very strong frame and uses it well. She can score it a little bit but does not show that side of her game often this year with a strong 2020 class. Next year she will have to step up that side of her game to help carry the load.
- Riley Doyle is a 5’7 guard from Collinsville. Riley is a shooter that should be monitored to see how the rest of her game rounds out. She can drain the outside shot at a good rate. She is shooting 41% from 3-point range and has been really hot at times this year. She is strong but maybe not as quick as needed to defend on the next level, but shooters are a rare form, so she should be evaluated further.
- Bella Laporta is a 6’0 post from Highland. Bella is a strong and active 4/5 that can score inside with both hands. Her range has improved to consistently be able to hit the 15-17 foot shots when left open. Bella has been in double figures in each game in the tourney and will have to continue that if Highland hopes to win the tourney and make a post season run.
- Kirsten Taylor is a 5’9 guard from Highland. Kirsten is a strong wing that can really compete on the boards and in the lane. She is averaging 11 points per game and has been consistent in scoring from the 3-point line by hitting at least one in every game. Kirsten shows the ability to play wing on the small college level and should be watched by NAIA/D3/JUCO schools.
- Lexi Niebrugge is a 5’8 guard from Teutopolis that played a pivotal role in their state runner up team last year. She is leading scorer returning and continues to show her ability to score in a variety of ways. Lexi has a strong frame and uses that well to create some space or handle contact. She is a very fundamental player that can score at all three levels. She excels in the mid range game off the dribble or coming off screens for the catch and shoot.
- Grace Riley is a 5’6 point guard from Belleville East. Grace has always been a good ball handler that fills the “coach on the floor” role well for her team. She is in control and gets the team into their sets. In this tourney she has stepped forward with her scoring. In the 3 games she averaged 10 per game and hit 8 threes. Grace needs to add strength and consistency with that shot, but she is a hard worker to be watched over the next year.
- Tyler Butler is a 5’9 forward from Belleville East. Tyler has a motor that is on full throttle whenever she is on the floor. She will get garbage points every game by just being available, always working, always in the mix. She is excellent with her left hand in the lane finishing with consistency. She is averaging 12 points and 8 rebounds per game on her season.
- Tyana Lovelace is a 5’11 post from O’Fallon. Tyana is a strong low post scorer that continues to expand her game. She can really run the floor and is a good area rebounder. She can finish with either hand in the post and uses good footwork to establish position in the lane.
- Nikya Harston is a 5’9 post from Hillsboro. Nikya is undersized but very effective in the post. She has a quick release that allows her to get off her shots against bigger girls. She has a strong base that she uses to create her space and hold it in the lane.
There is a strong group of smaller school players here that will help schools on the NAIA and D3 level. No mattter what a coach is looking for, point guard/shooter/defender/post player, they can find it in this group of 2021 players.