The PRIME Event: Standout Texas Wings and Bigs
I got to see some really talented teams and players go head to head this past weekend at The PRIME Event presented by Premier Basketball in Mansfield, Texas. Teams from several different states were in attendance, and as expected, the…
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Continue ReadingI got to see some really talented teams and players go head to head this past weekend at The PRIME Event presented by Premier Basketball in Mansfield, Texas. Teams from several different states were in attendance, and as expected, the Lone Star State was well-represented. Here are handful of wings and bigs that caught my eye:
Kiersten Johnson Kiersten Johnson 6'3" | C Duncanville | 2022 State TX | 2022 | 6’3” Small Forward/Power Forward | Lady Drive Nation 17U National | Duncanville HS – Possessing tremendous size is only half the battle. You have to know how to use it to your advantage, and Johnson does exactly that. She can dominate the boards with her crazy length, stretch the floor and shoot over the top of defenders, or score in the post. The Duncanville forward is versatile enough to play at the three or the four. Her length shows up on defense too, where she can challenge anything in her vicinity.
Alexis Cortez Alexis Cortez 5'10" | SF Allen | 2023 State TX | 2023 | 5’10” Shooting Guard/Small Forward | Lady Drive Nation 16U National | Allen HS – Cortez has a bit of an edge to her game. She competes hard at both ends of the court. She is able to play on or away from the ball on offense. The sophomore wing can shoot the three ball as well as score inside, but she also has the ability to create for others. Defensively, she stays in front of her opponent on the perimeter and has a knack for being disruptive. I’m excited to see what she can do for Allen with an increased role this upcoming high school season.
Ayanna Thompson Ayanna Thompson 5'10" | PF DeSoto | 2022 State TX | 2022 | 6’1” Small Forward/Power Forward | Lady Drive Nation 17U National | DeSoto HS – Thompson has a really nice all-around game on offense. She can operate on the wing or in the post and knows how to score in a variety of ways. The 6-foot-1-inch forward can hit the three ball on the perimeter or outmuscle defenders in the paint for easy twos. She is also good when she attacks off the dribble. She has strong hands down low. The No. 9 ranked prospect in our PGH Texas 2022 rankings is one of the most dynamic and complete players I’ve seen in her class.
Jalynn Bristow | 2023 | 6’2” Small Forward/Power Forward | Team Lex Nation | Wichita Falls Rider HS – Bristow has a long and wiry frame and is extremely mobile for her size. She has a soft touch down low and can play in the post, but I like her best out on the wing where she can utilize her entire skillset. She isn’t afraid to lead the break and is comfortable handling the ball in transition as well as on the perimeter. She is still a bit raw, but that is to be expected at her age. That said, her upside is through the roof.
Mackenzie Wurm Mackenzie Wurm 6'3" | C Allen | 2021 State TX | 2021 | 6’3” Power Forward/Center | Texas Elite 17U 3SSB | Allen HS – Even when Wurm is struggling on offense, which isn’t a frequent occurrence, she finds ways to impact the game. She is an outstanding rebounder and rim protector who is willing to do the dirty work in order to put her team in a winning position. She sets tough screens for her teammates and is excellent in the pick-and-pop game. The Allen big remains engaged and contributes even when her shots aren’t falling at a high clip, and that is as valuable to a team as scoring is.
Laila McLeod Laila McLeod 5'10" | SF Duncanville | 2022 State TX | 2022 | 5’10” Small Forward | Lady Drive Nation 17U National | Duncanville HS – Usually the term “glue player” isn’t seen as a compliment, but I assure you it is in this instance. McLeod isn’t flashy, but she gets the job done. She continuously does the little things to put her team in advantageous situations. She rebounds the basketball, makes the extra pass when necessary, and is willing to defend anyone you throw at her. The junior wing is disciplined at both ends of the court and gets hers without interrupting the flow of the game.