2024 Rankings Overview: Top 5 Analysis
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The 2024 class rankings will be the most fun to follow because there are many unknowns from this group of players. From a growth standpoint, the girls on this list have not reached their ceiling physically or developmentally. Therefore, watching…
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Continue ReadingThe 2024 class rankings will be the most fun to follow because there are many unknowns from this group of players. From a growth standpoint, the girls on this list have not reached their ceiling physically or developmentally. Therefore, watching players’ movement on this particular list might have some of the biggest jumps as I continue to update. As a refresher, here are the rankings criteria:
- Can the player impact both sides of the floor at a high level?
- Is the player transcendent in a skill that is a driving force in their respective team’s success?
- Does the player show versatility on both sides of the floor?
- Hypothetically, if the player is the team’s focal point, does their talent, skill set, and intangibles translate to a team winning at a high level?
- For consistency purposes, all players are graded on the same scale. Other rating outlets do not influence my rankings. They are solely based on my eyes and personal analysis. With the next update in June, I will continue to get out to watch the players, dissect their film and bring the rankings up to date.
I am looking forward to seeing this list shift and watch players’ stock rise throughout the spring, but as of right now, here are who I believe are the iron of the class.
#5 : Tahira Muhammad Tahira Muhammad 5'9" | SG Noble & Greenough | 2024 State New E – Noble & Greenough/Shooting Touch – 5’9’’ – SG
Muhammad is undoubtedly the best on-ball defender in her class. Possessing all the physical tools to give her the make-up of a dominant player on that side of the ball, Muhammad separates herself from others because she is light years ahead mentally of her peers. Watching Muhammad play fundamentally sound defense speaks to her high IQ and shows that she is a coachable player. Muhammad processes the information given to her by the coaching staff and uses it to enhance her defensive prowess. It is impressive watching a player that young grasp defensive principles the way she does and how aggressive she is disrupting the opposing offenses flow. With her ability to score at all three levels, Muhammad has a chance to continue to climb up this list. The 5’9’’ wing is not a sniper from three but has the confidence to take and hit them. With her speed, quickness, and tight handle, Muhammad can get to the basket at will. She is the best two-way player in her class, and a big spring can cause a rise up the ranks.
🚨Player To Watch 🚨
Tahira Muhammad (2024)
Nobles
5’9’’
Wing@tm_u15 one of the best defenders in her class 🔒 good luck to anyone trying to score on her 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/ESXfrx7xB0— Bash Hudson (@BashHoopsNE) April 4, 2021
#4: Jasmyn Cooper Jasmyn Cooper 6'1" | SF Noble & Greenough | 2025 State New E – Oliver Ames/ MCW Starz – 6’1’’ – SF/PF (pictured above)
At 6’1’’, Cooper is the most versatile defender in her class. Cooper can protect the rim and also guard players out on the perimeter. What I like most about Cooper is how aggressive but controlled her closeouts are. She is an intimidating presence who forces many out-of-control shots with her defense activity, and Cooper can alter attempts at the basket without fouling. She can hold her own when switched out on the wing with smaller players, and she is excellent at using her length and quickness to cut off angles to the basket. Cooper is unique, where she is comfortable playing anywhere on the court. On offense, Cooper can be effective on the perimeter showing the confidence to break her defender down and get to the basket while also putting her off the bounce mid-range game on full display. What I like most about Cooper is her toughness inside and making her presence felt in the post. She does not shy away from being a playmaker with her back to the basket. This adds another valuable dimension to her game, putting Cooper in the conversation for the most versatile player in the ’24 class.
🚨Player to Watch 🚨
Jasmyn Cooper (2024)
Oliver Ames/MCW Starz
6’1’’
Combo forward @JasmynCooper is one of the most versatile defenders in the ‘24 class. Inside/out BEAST 🔥🔥
I wonder where she will fall in the ‘24 rankings? 🤷🏾♂️🤷🏾♂️ pic.twitter.com/4adC2DQHvF— Bash Hudson (@BashHoopsNE) April 8, 2021
#3: Ashley Dinges Ashley Dinges 6'1" | SF Noble & Greenough | 2025 State New E – Central Catholic/Lady Rivals – 6’1’’ – SF
#3: Ashley Dinges Ashley Dinges 6'1" | SF Noble & Greenough | 2025 State New E – Central Catholic/Lady Rivals – 6’1’’ – SF
Dinges is a double-double machine that can score at all three levels. Her relentlessness on the glass is impressive, and blended with her offensive package makes her one of the most dangerous wings in her class. Many players on this list can score the basketball at a high level, but no one is more clutch and reliable in late-game situations than Dinges. It takes a special kind of player to consistently rise to the occasion in big spots late in games the way Dinges does. She is so poised handling the ball and will always create separation from the defense to get her shot off. An excellent free throw shooter, Dinges also possesses the concentration to bury free throws at the end of the game as she did in the Merrimack Valley Conference Championship that won Central Catholic the game. When it comes to being a potent scorer, it is more than just the number of points; I pay closer attention to how a player scores them. Can a player recognize a physical mismatch and dominate them inside? Is a player mentally tough enough to not settle for jump shots and fight fatigue and continue to attack a defense, especially when the game is in the balance? Can you trust the player to make the right playmaking decision, even if it means passing up a good shot for a better shot for their teammates? For Dinges, the answer is yes to all of these questions, and most importantly, she will do those things on a nightly basis.
#2: Ayanna Franks Ayanna Franks 5'10" | CG Windsor | 2024 State New E – Windsor (CT)/ Bria Holmes Elite – 5’10’’ PG/SG
#2: Ayanna Franks Ayanna Franks 5'10" | CG Windsor | 2024 State New E – Windsor (CT)/ Bria Holmes Elite – 5’10’’ PG/SG
Franks is one of the craftiest guards who will “wow” you on the fast break. What is most impressive about Franks is how under control she is when pressured in the backcourt. Ball security is so vital with guards who possess a high usage rate like Franks, so the fact that she does not turn it over and continuously makes plays for herself, and others is highly impressive. Franks is a slasher who can score off the ball. She is an excellent three-point shooter and is a reliable option when her teammates penetrate and kick out. Aside from her terrific offensive package, Franks rebounds well and can shift momentum with her tenacious defense. A magnet to the ball, Franks anticipates passes at a high level and has the athleticism to get deflections and steals that turn into easy layups on the other end. She fills up the stat sheet like no other and can do a little bit of everything. If the team needs her to score, she can put up 20 points with no problem. If the team needs her to facilitate, Franks has the court vision to put her teammates in prime scoring position. If you need her to buckle down and get a key stop on her assignment, she can play high-level defense. She is a tremendous all-around player and is second to none when it comes to floor generals.
https://twitter.com/briaholmeselite/status/1361879957836877827
#1: Cameron Rust Cameron Rust 6'2" | SF Worcester Academy | 2024 State New E – Worcester Academy/ Lady Rivals – 6’2’’ – SF
#1: Cameron Rust Cameron Rust 6'2" | SF Worcester Academy | 2024 State New E – Worcester Academy/ Lady Rivals – 6’2’’ – SF
Rust is the definition of special. I have not seen anyone more complete and polished a player than her. At 6’2’’, she can score on anyone from the wing and is not afraid to throw her muscle around in the post and show off her scoring ability around the basket. Rust has one of the prettiest jump shots showing excellent picture-perfect form and ranges beyond the three-point line. She is silky smooth in transition, weaving in and out of defenders, and is a locomotive coming at the defense using her strength to finish at the rim. Rust has the upper body strength and concentration to score through contact, and when you add up all her offensive tools, there is not a single player who can defend her successfully. Rust is one of the few players, regardless of the class, who has an answer to any opposing defense. I have seen Rust compete in practice against fellow division 1 athletes from the ’22 and ’23 class, and she blends right in. The confidence of Rust is through the roof. It does not matter who is on the court with her, no matter the age or skill set, her goal is to destroy the competition, and you sense that every time she runs up and down the court. It is rare to see a player with her level physical gifts, skills, and mental toughness at her age. With the trajectory of her development still pointing up, Rust will be a hard player to dethrone from the top spot.
PUTTING IN THE WORK ☠️🔥@NLFactory @CallTheConnect_ @LadyRivals @WorcesterGvbb pic.twitter.com/SNG7tBQi0D
— Cameron Rust (@CameronRust6) February 11, 2021