ATL Summer Slam: Names to Remember

The future is nearly here. Read about which burgeoning standouts played well in the younger age groups. <strong>2024 5-7 G Ava Watson – FBC United The Family – Buford</strong> A textbook quick release, Ava Watson is the newest weapon at Coach Gene Durden’s disposal. She is a quick guard with agile moves. Watson can cut into the teeth of the defense when needed, but is most dangerous when patrolling the perimeter. She is a floor spacer that can make hay in the corners shooting threes while Buford’s attacking offense spreads the floor. Once [player_tooltip player_id="152624" first="Blair" last="Wallis"] graduates, expect Watson to be more than ready to fill her role as top marksman. <strong>2022 5-3 PG India Johnson – EOTO Sisters – New Manchester</strong> India Johnson is a solid well-rounded guard. She has some speed with the ball in her hands and uses it to both get into the lane for pull-ups and to dish to open teammates. Johnson’s court vision and ball handling played well in the EOTO Sisters backcourt. Johnson tallied 9 points, 5 assists and 1 steal vs. Lady TRU Elite. <strong>2026 5-8 G Andrea Guilford – Team Nite Nite 2024 – Factory Shoals Middle School</strong> One for the future, Guilford is a strong athlete that is positionless. She spent time at guard helping initiate the offense while also playing forward inside, sealing off defenders for post up opportunities and hitting the glass hard. While on the perimeter, Guilford has deep range for her age. She already has the strength to bully around older guards and will continue to grow and develop as she awaits her high school debut. She had 8 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal and 1 block vs. Team B-Wright. <strong>2024 5-10 F Dayonna Perryman – FBC Tipton 2024 – Heritage-Catoosa</strong> Dayonna Perryman showcased a solid motor in FBC Tipton’s 35-28 win over Lady Storm with just five players. Perryman affected the game with her length inside and willingness to compete for every rebound. She came away with 14 points, 15 rebounds, 4 steals and 3 blocks. <strong>2023 5-7 G [player_tooltip player_id="191041" first="Caitlyn" last="Gailey"] – EOTO Black Diamond – White County</strong> Though she didn’t score, [player_tooltip player_id="191041" first="Caitlyn" last="Gailey"] is a solid athlete at the guard position. She’s quick laterally and can defend multiple positions on the perimeter. She plays with confidence and can both slash and shoot from the outside. Playing alongside [player_tooltip player_id="186283" first="Dasha" last="Cannon"] and [player_tooltip player_id="186284" first="Maddie" last="Futch"] for another season will help her tremendously.