Hidden Gems: Breakout Candidates

Steve Quattrocchi December 28, 2020 @ 05:00 AM

The season tips off a week from today and the anticipation is starting to build after waiting an extra 6 weeks to get the season rolling. Here’s a look at some players who could have break out seasons in 2021. [player_tooltip player_id="154504" first="Anna" last="Grace McDaniel"], Eastern - The loss of Marissa Gassaway is a massive one for Eastern but it opened the door for Anna Grace to become the go-to scorer for the Lady Eagles. A prolific shooter, McDaniel is one of the best shooters in the city but will need to show a more well rounded game this season to help make up for the loss of Gassaway. [player_tooltip player_id="154520" first="MaTija" last="Yocum"], Bardstown - Coming off a season where Yocum averaged 8 points and 5 rebounds per game, the Senior could be the difference maker for the Tigers in their pursuit of the 5th region championship. If MaTija can show improved perimeter shooting, she can take her game to the next level. [player_tooltip player_id="154511" first="Taylor" last="Price"], Central - Price could be the difference between Central being 7th region contenders or pretenders. She's a well rounded scorer who can get to the rim or knock down open threes. She doesn't get as much exposure as she should but Taylor should be on the radar for all region honors and scholarship offers. [player_tooltip player_id="157976" first="Jazmin" last="Chambers"], Franklin County - She doesn't get a ton of respect as the X factor for the Flyers but Chambers is capable of scoring 15+ every night out. Franklin County has aspirations of winning a state title but will need Chambers to step up and become a reliable third scorer every night out. [player_tooltip player_id="206011" first="Joyce" last="Mukalamusi"], Tates Creek - The Lady Commodores have plans of competing for the regional championship but they'll need Joyce to continue becoming a more reliable scorer on a talented young team. For them to become a legitimate contender for the regional title, Mukalsmusi could be the key to Tates reaching their potential.