South Atlanta Invitational – Top Post Performers

This event was heavy with prospect talent from all positions and classes. As we continue to wrap up our prospect spotlights let's review some of the top post performers. We value more than just scoring in all of our spotlights and even more so for the post position. All of these players will have an opportunity to play at some level in college basketball because of their effort. [caption id="attachment_134154" align="alignleft" width="150"] King elevates for a jump shot at the South Atlanta Invitational.[/caption] <span style="font-size: 14pt"><strong>Ikenya King | 6'3 | C | 2020 | Douglass</strong></span> At 6'3 you can imagine that King is drawing a lot of attention as one of the remaining unsigned posts. She showed a good ability to rebound the ball with good quickness off the floor. She used her size to get some good positioning and easy layups. Although she missed several mid-range jumpers it was easy to see that it was just an off night. She showed a good form and elevation on the shot. A part of a state championship team, King understands what it takes to win games at a high level and receives coaching very well.  Her stock is rising quickly. [caption id="attachment_134155" align="alignright" width="150"] Washington goes up strong for a layup.[/caption] <strong><span style="font-size: 14pt"><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/jasiah-washington/">Jasiah Washington</a> | 6'0 | F | 2020 | Mount Paran | #57 </span></strong> Coach Stephanie Dunn has a talented bunch and Washington fits in perfectly. She is a selfless worker who does all the little things that translate to wins. She battles in the paint for positioning to score quick layups, positioning to snag offensive and defensive rebounds, and she competes on defense. Even when playing against other posts with a similar or bigger size, she tends to win the battle due to her effort. She runs the floor hard on both ends. The one thing that I really love about her, is her genuine joy of her teammates performing well. [caption id="attachment_134157" align="alignleft" width="150"] Samiah Puckett contesting Savannah Samuel of St. Francis at the rim.[/caption] <strong><span style="font-size: 14pt">Samiah Puckett | 6'3 | F | 2023 | Griffin</span> </strong> The younger sister of Ole Miss center Andejia Puckett, Samiah is another high major post for the Griffin Lady Bears. I have now had the chance to see them both play in high school and the younger Puckett may actually come away with a better high school career. She is an elite athlete at her position who does not shy away from contact. She has a motor as well and does not take plays off, especially on the defensive end. She looks to block or alter shots whenever she is on that end of the floor. As a freshman I expect her offensive game to continue to grow, but she was able to score 8 points and snag 7 rebounds against the frontline of a state championship team in St. Francis. Remember her name, Coach DeAndre Brown has a tough young core. [caption id="attachment_134160" align="alignright" width="150"] Stafford, in white, battles for rebounds every shot.[/caption] <span style="font-size: 14pt"><strong>Kayla Stafford | 6'0 | F | 2021 | Eagle's Landing</strong> </span> Sometimes you see players embrace what they are good at and standout in that area. Stafford is on the floor to do two things, rebound and defend. And, I must say she does them both very well. She has a great understanding of where the ball will come off the rim and she fights to get in position to grab it. She had 15 rebounds in the game and created several extra possessions for her team on the offensive end. She also picked up a few assists with quick kickouts to guards around the perimeter. She was a machine on the glass and its easy to see that she enjoys mixing it up in the paint for her team. [caption id="attachment_134163" align="alignleft" width="150"] Ealey during the South Atlanta Invitational[/caption] <span style="font-size: 14pt"><strong>Caitlin Ealey | 5'11 | F | 2023 | Mount Paran </strong></span> Ealey has continued to improve since the first time I saw her at the beginning of the season. Her role is picking up for Mount Paran and it is helping in her development. She showed good touch around the rim and an understanding of running lanes for easy transition baskets. She has a good shooting motion which leaves me curious as to how far she will be able to extend her range throughout high school. She is very efficient with her minutes and ended with 8 points and 6 rebounds.