AZGR Rising Stars Elite Recap: 2021 Best Available

The AZGR Rising Stars Elite Camp had some really solid non-committed 2021 players in attendance.  Here are 6 players from the event that could play at the D2 level or higher. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="113524" first="Rachel" last="Early"]</strong> (5’7’’, Dobson, CG) - Early is a dynamic guard that has shown the ability to shoot lights out.  She has a certain flair to her game and she is fundamentally sound on both ends of the court. I love her approach to the game and she was outstanding at the event.  Early is a solid player that has shown nice improvement in her game each year. She would be a nice pickup for a D2 college. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="217474" first="Priscila" last="Varela"]</strong>  (5’9’’, Mesquite, SG) - Varela is an intriguing prospect for sure. She is extremely athletic, good size for the position and her game has grown so much over the past 3 months. She is a definite D1 prospect but due to the pandemic, a lot of schools will miss on her. Varela has only been playing basketball for 3 years so many may remember last year’s version.  A D2 would be getting a steal on this one. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="144527" first="Isabella" last="Reed"] </strong>(5’11’’, Inglemoor (Seattle), PF/W) - I take great pride in thinking that I pretty much know every Arizona college prospect by her junior year. Watching Reed perform had me scrambling for my notes wondering where this player was from.  I found out she is from the Seattle area and is in Arizona to play for the Arizona Elite Prep program.  Reed simply gets buckets in the paint from a variety of ways. She runs the floor well for her size and she can keep up with the guards in the transition game. Reed displayed a nice looking jumper and she attacks the basket well. Not sure where here recruitment is but I would not be surprised if she is not being recruited at the D1 level. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="217490" first="Zari" last="Watkins"]</strong> (5’3’’, Valley Vista, PG) - Watkins could be the best on the ball defender in the state of Arizona as she is a menace of the defensive end.  Her offensive game has improved a ton and she knows how to take care of the ball.  Watkins has extreme confidence in her abilities.  She missed most of her junior year due to injury which has impacted her recruitment.  We have been following Watkins since she entered high school and she looks better than before the injury.  She is back and it was great to see. A D2 prospect but could go the JUCO route to find tune her game and then land at a top level D2 program. <span style="font-size: 1rem;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="217495" first="Graciela" last="Roybal"]</strong>  (5’3’’, Hamilton, CG) - Roybal is listed as a combo guard due to her ability to shoot and her understanding of how contribute with another ball handler on the court. Roybal has a complete understanding of the game and she is best when the pressure is on. She has always been underrated due to her size but she can play this game. She can play at the D2 level but may be better suited for a top D3 program due to her prowess in the class room. Roybal is has a 4.8 GPA (Weighted) and is as smart as they come.</span> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="217471" first="Kalayna" last="Johnson"]</strong> (5’4’’, Westwood, PG) - Johnson is a lot like Roybal.  Both are around the 5’4 and both are high impact players with extremely high GPAs.  Johnson is very crafty and she is one of the better scorers in the class. Johnson is one of those players that the opposing team hopes to contain or limit her impact.  Her ball handling is flawless and Johnson is special when going downhill. She can also play at the D2 level but academics may have her trending towards a D3 opportunity. I could watch Johnson play all day long. Academic schools, please contact me for information on Roybal and Johnson. All the players listed here will be in the upcoming 2021 rankings that will be release in October.. Upcoming article will include Hidden Gems from the 2021 class...stay tuned.