Video evaluations: Under-the-radar 2021s, Part 1
It’s not clear exactly what lies ahead for players in the class of 2021 as far as recruiting goes. With the AAU season currently in limbo, it’s not obvious whether or not this year’s juniors will have the opportunity to…
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Continue ReadingIt’s not clear exactly what lies ahead for players in the class of 2021 as far as recruiting goes. With the AAU season currently in limbo, it’s not obvious whether or not this year’s juniors will have the opportunity to make a big impression this summer. For players from the class of 2021 who are currently flying a little under the radar video is an invaluable tool. We’ve got a ton of 2021s who have assembled their highlights. Today we bring you the first installment of our Under-the-radar 2021s.
Elli Collins, guard, Rochester Mayo
Mayo had an excellent season and Collins had a huge hand in that. The 5’10 junior, who is probably best-suited to the 3 or 4 spot at the next level, has a big, powerful frame and plenty of length. She uses that particularly well on the defensive end of things where she is a disruptive element. Elli sees the floor well, has a high basketball IQ, very nice instincts for the game, and is an excellent passer. I love the way she shoots it from distance, with a smooth, effortless delivery that all great shooters possess. She’s also got a nice mid-range jump shot and finishes well at the rim with either hand. Elli plays AAU ball for Air Minnesota.
Elly Bahr, guard, Elk River
The 5’8 Bahr isn’t flashy, but give her any room at all on the perimeter and she is going to torch you from deep all night long. Yes, Ellie can shoot it, but there’s more to her game than that. Bahr is quicker than you’d expect, which enables her to get a step on her defender and get to the rim just often enough to keep defenders guessing. She’s also got a nice floater and good touch around the rim. Perhaps Ellie’s most overlooked attribute, however, is her ability to defend. She’s a solid, reliable, steady performer who makes everyone else around her just a little bit better. That won’t draw headlines but it will get you on the floor. She plays AAU for Fury 2021 Yellow.
Gina Stefferud Gina Stefferud 5'10" | PF Champlin Park | 2021 State MN , forward, Champlin Park
Gina has a big frame, plenty of strength and a huge motor. That’s what stood out to me immediately the first time I saw her a couple of years ago playing well down the food chain in AAU. This kid just never stops fighting for every inch. At 5’10 she’s got no shortage of length. She can shoot the 3-ball, and her overall skillset is much improved. Stefferud’s game is more power than precision, and when she decides she’s going to the hoop you’d best take cover because she’s going to run you over. Gina is a strong rebounder and contributed nearly 6 points per game at Champlin Park. This year offered glimpses of what is possible for Gina, who earned a Prep Girls Hoops 2021 prospect ranking of #136. I think she’s going to be a late bloomer who will do some damage at the next level. She plays for the Minnesota Suns.
Olivia Matuska, guard, Kasson-Mantorville
One thing you can always count on when you watch K-M play is the kids are going to hustle, and Olivia is a great example of that. The 5’8 guard isn’t going to break any land speed records but she gets to where she needs to be when she needs to be there. On the perimeter she is deceptively quick, doing a nice job of reading the passing lanes, anticipating her opponent’s next move and forcing turnovers. Olivia has nice shooting mechanics and plenty of range, and she doesn’t require a lot of time or space to get her shot off. Matuska averaged 5.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game.
Ashlyn Bigelow, guard, Kasson-Mantorville
The 5’9 junior is an intelligent floor leader with terrific court vision and excellent decision making. She’s not flashy, but Ashlyn does so many of the little things well and is an excellent passer. She tends to get overshadowed a bit at K-M by precocious freshman Aby Shubert Aby Shubert 5'8" | CG Kasson-Mant. | 2023 State MN – who doesn’t?! – but Bigelow is a quiet workhorse who gets the job done on a consistent basis. She’s a quality ball-handler with either hand, has nice touch at the basket with either hand and can weave her way through defenders to get to the rim. Bigelow has plenty of range, with a nice high arc and solid mechanics. Bigelow averaged 5.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game this season. She carries a 3.99 GPA.