Paramount Player Prospects
Ultimately, my goal with this platform is to expose a few new names to the recruiting scene each week and to occasionally give a new and fresh analysis of some of the already well renowned names in Oregon high school…
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Continue ReadingUltimately, my goal with this platform is to expose a few new names to the recruiting scene each week and to occasionally give a new and fresh analysis of some of the already well renowned names in Oregon high school girls basketball. My hope is that the potential of some of these young athletes will be recognized by new coaches, and that they will further get the opportunity to pursue a college basketball career- regardless of at what level. An important component of my selection of players to analyze is that I only choose to talk about girls that I would want on my team, as both a teammate and a coach. Although this does require a certain skill set, it also takes a high caliber individual that works hard and is a team player, in every aspect of the meaning. With that being said, here are my three picks for the week!
Afton Keeney Afton Keeney 6'0" | PF Westview | 2021 State OR – Westview 2021 – F
Keeney is a six foot senior forward that averages 13.6 rebounds per game; the most in the entire state. The word that came to mind when watching her play was “effortless”, for so many reasons. Though she is not the quickest, tallest, or even most athletic player on the floor, she constantly goes above and beyond to ensure she is in the proper position for success- a true display of her work ethic. She is very aware of her court position on at all times, as well as her teammates, which allows her to deliver strategic passes and glide into open lanes seamlessly. Afton is truly a player that benefits the entire team when she steps onto the floor, making her an asset to her teammates and coaches.
Gabby Heiken – Ashland 2022 – SG
On another note, the word that came to mind when watching Heiken play was “firecracker”. It is extremely rare to see any fast break where Gabby is not the first one down the court by a sizeable distance. Her shot is unconventional, but quick, and though she denies dribbling with her left hand most of the time, she is incredibly unselfish with the ball. You can count on her to find the open player on offense and get them the ball- that player could be her or a teammate, it doesn’t matter. Despite being a smaller guard, she crashes the boards and is not intimidated by larger inside players. She is the type of player that immediately increases the energy of the game and the workload for the other team when she hits the court.
Carly Stone Carly Stone 5'9" | SG Mountainside | 2022 State OR – Mountainside 2022 – SG/PG
Stone is one of the strongest and most overall athletic players that I have watched in the class of 2022. She is agile and quick, jumping in front of passes and blocking shots with quite a bit of air under her feet. Offensively she sees the whole court and delivers nearly full court passes with ease and is a solid ball handler with a low dribble. Her signature move is an efficient step back, with beautiful form. Overall, Carly plays a very intelligent and physically strong game- you can tell that she is an all around athlete and a student of the game when watching her play. This is a player with a ton of potential, especially as she develops more over the next two seasons