Eastern District – Breakout 2024s, Part I
A number of freshmen are making early names for themselves in Eastern, Ohio. Some have blossomed by design on veteran teams while others are being forged under fire on clubs lacking experience and depth. Either way, the first half of…
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Continue ReadingA number of freshmen are making early names for themselves in Eastern, Ohio. Some have blossomed by design on veteran teams while others are being forged under fire on clubs lacking experience and depth.
Either way, the first half of December provided an opportunity for 2024s to shine as the young season continued throughout the Buckeye State.
I had a chance to catch a few notable performances.
Mya Leach, 5-8 2024, Shenandoah
Shenandoah has a number of freshmen on its roster and a few who should blossom into quality players. None have stood out as much as Leach thus far. On a team that features all-Ohio guard Ashlei Wheeler, Leach has led the team in scoring. She’s shown a decent touch from the perimeter and the tenacity to attack the basket with either hand. Wheeler handles point-guard duties but Leach has served admirably in called upon though she appears a more natural two. She’s displayed toughness on the boards, not afraid to bang inside with taller players as the Zeps are routinely outsized. She also routinely draws the opponent’s top offensive threat in Shenandoah’s man defense.
Kenli Norman, 5-8 2024, Meadowbrook
Meadowbrook has a new coach breaking in a primarily young team with a freshman at point guard. Growing pains are to be expected, but Norman’s ability to play the 1 is making that transition a little easier. Offensively, she has some range but is best attacking off the dribble. She’s not a flashy passer but makes good decisions with the basketball. But what stands out the most is her high motor and her leadership skills. In the team’s first win of the season against Barnesville, Norman appeared the unquestioned leader on the floor, issuing orders and remaining vocal throughout the game. Noman supplied 18 in that game. Even once league-play in the Muskingum Valley League opened against a tough slate, she’s still routinely atop the Colts’ scoring leaders.
Kelsey Harlan Kelsey Harlan 5'5" | PG River | 2024 OH , 5-5 2024, River
Harlan is already emerging as one of the top point guards in the Ohio Valley, regardless of class. And she’s only going to get better. Harlan has great court vision and instincts and makes difficult passes routine. Utilizes a one-handed bounce pass to squeeze the ball into tight spots, allowing teammates just enough space to get off open looks that otherwise wouldn’t be available. Can drive around or through taller defenders to attack the basket and her perimeter game is improving as the season progresses. A quick defender, Harlan is able to force turnovers in either a man-look or recovering quickly to poke steals loose in a zone or press look.
Bailey Dement, 5-4, 2024, Philo
Dement is still working off the bench in a talent-heavy backcourt for Philo. But playing all summer with upperclassmen has paid off. This guard is fearless in attacking the basket or crashing the boards. She’s not afraid to get physical for loose balls or when defending. Able to knock down threes, it was Dement’s ability to hit the lane hard and finish that was most impressive. During a key stretch late, she didn’t leave the floor.
Danielle Lude, 5-7, 2024, Martins Ferry
Lude’s first season of varsity basketball got off to a strong start. The 5-7 shooting guard led her team in scoring with 22 points in a season-opening victory and followed that up with an 18-point outing including a trio of 3-pointers. She’s settled in and turned into a nice option for the Purple Riders. Her size allows her to work from the dribble to go with her perimeter shooting.