Stock-Risers: 2021 Off-Guards

Last Wednesday we released our Winter rankings update for the Class of 2021. Since it comes just after the midpoint of the 2020-2021 high school season, I felt like it was a great opportunity to highlight five young ladies who have either played well following our September update, or who have gotten off to nice starts to their Senior seasons. Below are five guards, all still uncommitted to the best of our knowledge, who are quickly gaining the respect of their teammates and opponents as the season turns toward the home stretch. &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="99388" first="Kylie" last="Davis"], 2021, 5-7 SG, Pendleton Heights H.S.</strong></span> I first saw Kylie the Summer between her 8th Grade and Freshman year, and she showed a skillful, athletic game that translated to the next level. At the same time, she is a multisport athlete, and she hasn’t played on the grassroots circuit since. Still, though, Kylie has put together a really nice high school career, passing the 1000-point mark this season. She is an active and athletic attacker who can get to the basket, plus she has nice touch and can shoot it consistently outside (22-53, 42%) or from the free throw line (79%). She uses her length to cause problems at the defensive end of the floor as well. If she wanted to, she could definitely be a scholarship basketball player in college. <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="22702" first="Zayda" last="Hatfield"], 2021, 5-8 CG, Terre Haute South Vigo H.S.</strong></span> After putting together a tremendous Junior campaign, Zayda injured her knee in South’s last regular season game during the 2019-2020 season. She missed the Summer/Fall, but this Winter she is back and playing strong once again. She’s averaging 19.6 points per game, plus she too crossed the 1000-point threshold. She has an athletic frame with some length, she will mix it up and rebound her position well, plus she has a versatile skillset. She has the ball skill and vision to play point guard, but she’s also a talented shooter/scorer who can go get her own shot. Due to the combination of her injury and COVID, she could wind up being a really nice "sleeper" for some school. <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="99408" first="Lillian" last="Mast"], 2021, 5-7 SG, West Noble H.S.</strong></span> I’ve always enjoyed watching Lillian play, because she has a nonstop motor, she’s tough, physical, and aggressive, and she looks like she thoroughly enjoys being out there every game. Lillian has a strong frame, a little length, and she’s a nice North/South athlete who can get downhill off the bounce. She has solid ball skill and acts as the primary ball-handler for West Noble. She is a willing passer and a nice playmaker, but I think she’s better suited as a scorer at the next level. Lillian is also an active defender with good instincts at that end of the floor. She can defend most guards and wings, plus she’s great affecting the passing lanes when she’s off the ball, creating steals and deflections. <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="99424" first="Daylynn" last="Thornton"], 2021, 5-8 CG, McCutcheon H.S.</strong></span> Daylynn is a strong guard with good all-around skill and versatility. I wasn’t sure how a full season out of 2022 point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="97243" first="Teresa" last="Maggio"]</strong> would affect her game, but it has actually relieved a lot of pressure from Daylynn and allowed her to see more open looks and driving lanes. Daylynn is averaging a career-best 17.1 points per game, but she has also cut her turnovers down significantly. She has some length and good ball skill, so she can play point guard when necessary. She is a solid passer, and she can get downhill quick, but her ability to score the ball at all levels makes you want to play her as more of a ’2’. Defensively, she is good using her strength against bigger guards and wings. <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="130397" first="Reece" last="VanBlair"], 2021, 5-7 SG/SF, Alexandria-Monroe H.S.</strong></span> Reece is a really nice wing prospect who has flown somewhat under the radar because she is a multisport kid who doesn’t participate in grassroots basketball. She has a wiry strong frame, she’s a nice athlete in all directions, and she moves so effortlessly around the floor. She has become a much more effective scorer these last two seasons, averaging a career-best 18.4 points per game as a Senior. She is best using her athleticism to get to the basket and finish, and she does a solid job of absorbing contact. But she has also shown the ability to knock down the occasional jumper outside to keep defenses honest. As for herself defensively, she can be an active and aggressive ball hawk.