’22 Rankings Analysis: Two-Way Stars

There is no type of player I value more than a wing capable of taking over a game at any point on offense and defense. That kind of player is vital to a team’s success because with basketball at all levels becoming more positionless, having a player who has the size, athleticism, and versatility on both sides of the floor makes life easier for coaches and the players around her. Here are some of the two-way studs from the class of ’22:

Alyssa Moreland Alyssa Moreland 6'0" | SF Tilton | 2022 State New E – Tilton/MCW Starz – 6’0’’ – SF

PGH-NE Rank: #7

Moreland is a monster who, on defense, can dominate, guarding the perimeter and down low. She is an intimidating presence who closes out on shooters harder than anyone I have seen. Her ability to successfully switch and guard any position at any given time is so unique and valuable to any team she plays on. Moreland slides her feet well, stays on the ball handler’s hip, and can contest shot attempts without fouling while closing out the play with her strong rebounding. She is one of the more fun players to watch defend because it is hard to find a player who works harder and plays with more effort on top of her elite talent. Moreland has a high IQ and is always in the proper position to make a play defensively. On offense, Moreland is an aggressive slasher who attacks relentlessly and is a force in the post. She is one of the toughest players on a basketball court and an absolute nightmare for opposing teams. 

Rachel Ullstrom Rachel Ullstrom 6'1" | SF Marianapolis | 2022 State New E – Marianapolis/Lady Rivals – 6’1’’ – SF

PGH-NE Rank: #8

Ullstrom is a special player not just because of her lockdown half court defense but also for her prolific shooting. She makes shooting the basketball look easy, and when she catches fire from the outside, it is game over. The confidence Ullstrom shoots with, especially when a defender is closing out, is unique, and at her size combined with a quick-release, she can get a shot off against anyone. Ullstrom has an enormous wingspan and when in her defensive stance, she engulfs whoever she is guarding. I have seen Ullstrom stick some of the best perimeter guards and forwards in her class, and it is incredible seeing her lateral quickness on full display. Her stifling, aggressive defense and active hands cut off driving lanes and passing angles, and she makes it nearly impossible for players to create offensive opportunities for their team. 

Amanda Hill Amanda Hill 6'0" | SF Governor's Academy | 2022 State New E – Governor’s Academy/Lady Rivals – 6’0’’ – SF

PGH-NE Rank: #19

Hill is a slasher who possesses a quick first step and can get past the first line of defense with ease. I like Hill’s quick decision-making on offense when catching the ball on the wing. She is never hesitant or unsure when receiving the ball and has the utmost confidence that she can score on anyone. Hill is a polished three-level scorer who is a deadly spot-up shooter from outside. She is a relentless rebounder on both the offensive and defensive end. She is a physical wing who is tough-minded and always puts a body on someone before skying for boards. Hill plays really sound post defense also. She battles inside, and when she is guarding down low, she is solid enough that you do not need to send over help for the double team. Hill gets her hands on post-entry passes and makes post players work to get the ball. Overall, Hill is an excellent all-around athlete.

Nicole Parks Nicole Parks 6'0" | SF St. George's | 2022 State New E – St. George’s/Bay State Jaguars – 5’11’’ – SF

PGH-NE #22

I like Parks’ inside-out game. She is a potent combo forward who is comfortable getting the ball at the wing and exploding to the hoop, finishing with ease. Even though Parks is 5’11’’, she plays like a 6’5’’ center. Her athleticism is off the charts, and Parks uses her strength to move defenders in the paint, where she shows off her soft touch around the rim. She fights for inside position on every shot attempt and fights underneath for offensive rebounds. Her versatility on defense is what stands out with Parks. She is alert and has excellent instincts defensively, showing impeccable timing, sliding over from the weak side to alter shots at the rim. With her athleticism and toughness, Parks is a player who can guard 3-4 positions. With the quickness to lock up the outside and the muscle to hold her own defending down low, Parks is as valuable a defender as you will find.