5 Players to Keep Your Eyes on in 2021

Anyone who follows women’s basketball in Virginia knows how much talent resides in this state. Players like Elizabeth Williams, Sugar Rodgers, and Tierra Ruffin-Pratt are just a few who have gone on to maintain successful collegiate and now professional careers. With the 2020-2021 high school hoop season on the horizon, here are 5 young ladies who are ready to follow in the footsteps of Virginia’s best and explode on the scene this season. (Listed in alphabetical order) Kiara Bomboy - 5’7 Guard - Grafton The Grafton Lady Clippers should be in good hands for the next three seasons behind the leadership of their elite shooter, Kiara Bomboy. Bomboy, who made 82 3-pointers a season ago has proven that she is one of the best long range shooters in the state. As a freshman last year, she showed flashes of the player she is expected to become. With an improved handle and the ability to keep defenses honest, this sharpshooter could open the eyes of college coaches around the area! Kemonye Canady - 5’6 Guard - Lakeland Kemonye is as fun to watch as it gets. Check your phone and you’ll miss a step-back 3, leave for popcorn and you’ll miss a crafty move in transition for an and one. As one half of arguably one of the best backcourts in the state, Canady brings intensity, flash, and high energy to both sides of the floor. She competes hard every night and has an infectious energy that inspires the rest of her team. This smooth lefty should be poised for a breakout junior season in 2021. [player_tooltip player_id="211109" first="Cate" last="Carlson"] - 5’8 Guard - Kempsville Cate’s coming out party may have been in last years Region A semifinal where she poured in 25 points and grabbed 16 rebounds, as the Chiefs took down Yazmin Brown and the Indian River Lady Braves. She has a deceptively quick first step and can get incredibly hot from deep. She is a selfless scorer, which makes her teammates excited to play alongside her and gives defenses headaches trying to contain her. Carlson, who averaged nearly 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists a year ago should return this year with more confidence ready to lead her team to states. [player_tooltip player_id="211106" first="Jayla" last="Hearp"] - 5’10 Guard - Hampton As much as Jayla has accomplished in two seasons as a Hampton Crabber, she still has two seasons left and it could be a scary sight for the rest of Class 5 if she returns an improved player this year. She’s arguably the most complete guard in the state and has already began to garner interest from a plethora of Division 1 programs. Jayla has the size, IQ, and playmaking ability to become not only one of Virginia’s best but one of the elite players in the entire country. As she becomes more efficient and an even better two way player, expect this class of 2022 guard to attract attention from some of women’s basketball’s powerhouses. [player_tooltip player_id="188319" first="Niyah" last="Gaston"] - 5’9 G - Kings Fork Very few players in the state of Virginia have the upside that [player_tooltip player_id="188319" first="Niyah" last="Gaston"] has. Her offensive ability and timing on the defensive end are far beyond her years. She is already an efficient three level scorer and rebounds very well at her position. Gaston, who made the All-Southeastern District first team as a freshman a season ago averaged 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals per game. Following a very impressive AAU season, she will be looking to carry that momentum into the 2020-2021 season for her Kings Fork Lady Bulldogs. In a very talented 2023 class, look for [player_tooltip player_id="188319" first="Niyah" last="Gaston"] to separate herself this season.