North Dakota Preview: Shiloh Christian

Prep Girls Hoops Kansas Scouting Report

Matt Bigelow

October 23, 2020 @ 04:00 PM

Shiloh Christian earned a second straight trip to the state tournament last season, winning 18 games including a game at the state tournament. The Skyhawks should be even better in 2020-21, as they return what might be the best frontcourt in the state, and almost their entire core. Go-To Player: [player_tooltip player_id="99803" first="Grace" last="Kelly"] Kelly emerged as one of the top players in the Region during her sophomore year, averaging 14.5 points and six rebounds while forming a devastating pair with [player_tooltip player_id="204017" first="Jacie" last="Hall"]. Kelly’s long, athletic and skilled. She’s got good touch as a shooter, the ability to create her own shot and can finish around the rim as efficiently as anybody. If she takes that sophomore-to-junior jump that a lot of players make, watch out. Breakout Candidate: Hannah Westin Westin started as an underclassman and averaged about seven points per game in a complementary role. With the Skyhawks graduating a key ballhandler in Kelsey Mischel, she’ll have increased opportunity to produce more in the offense. And with opposing teams loading up the paint to slow down Kelly and Hall, she and [player_tooltip player_id="206340" first="Kennady" last="Walth"] will be expected to provide relief from the perimeter. Question: Can The Skyhawks Win Another Region 5 Region 5 looks like it’s going to be excellent this winter, with teams like Grant County and Flasher both returning terrific rosters. Shiloh Christian’s won two straight Region 5 titles and has as good a chance as anybody to make a third straight state tournament. Just because they are returning a solid core doesn’t mean they should be considered a heavy favorite though. They might not have the best individual talent in the region, but they’ve got excellent depth and more experience than any of the top contenders. Season Outlook Shiloh Christian looks like a top-10 team and potential 20-win team going into the season. The Skyhawks have an elite tandem in the frontcourt with Hall and Kelly who both have double-double potential. They’ve got young talent continuing to ascend into more prominent roles and enough experience to expect consistency on both ends of the floor.