PGH Live: Kristin's Select 5: Standouts, Potential, & Radar

Last weekend at the PGH Live event in Council Bluffs, Iowa; I got the gracious opportunity to virtually view many Iowa players of several age levels from my laptop in the comfort of my home. I was bummed, as I did not get to see the players up close and in person. So, I did not see them live in action, however, I watched them play in various games over the course of the weekend. I was so impressed with the talent level, basketball IQ, and work rates of every Iowa kid that competed in the tournament. Since the end of March, I have covered many players by watching high school games and a couple of AAU games here and there. During this PGH Live event, I could see the improvements and strides some of the players have made. It’s very evident to me they have expanded their game and are getting better as each day goes on, and that is terrific to see. There is some tremendous production coming out of our state. It seems like the overall popularity of the game of basketball around the state has drastically gotten larger and has risen since back in my AAU playing days from 01-’10, which opens my eyes and brings a sense of gratification and jubilance to me. That confidence, drive, passion, and winning mentality that each player possesses surely puts a smile on my face. I love what we got going here in AAU programs across the whole state of Iowa. Let’s take a quick look at some top performers, players with phenomenal potential, and players to keep on the radar that caught my eye from the PGH Live event. <img class="alignnone wp-image-277433" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2021/04/Emily-Dreckman.jpg" alt="" width="221" height="147" /> <ol> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">[player_tooltip player_id="63622" first="Emily" last="Dreckman"], 5’10, PG, MMRCU, 2022</li> </ol> --Emily played tremendous in this tournament and proved to people why she deserves a ton of more credit and recognition. Her versatility to play all positions on the floor and do it with sheer talent is something to take note of. She is a warrior and can be effective every possession of the game. Her offensive talent is easy to identify, as she can score in a variety of ways. I like her effort on the defensive end. Is a top-notch athlete and can utilize her length to do some big things on the court. I have high hopes for her to turn some heads this summer. Check this kid out this summer! <img class="alignnone wp-image-284994" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2021/05/Ryley-Goebel.jpg" alt="" width="224" height="149" /> 2. [player_tooltip player_id="63567" first="Ryley" last="Goebel"], 5’11, F, CPU, 2022 --Ryley was a standout player at this event, and made her presence known on the offensive end. Saw some great stuff out of her, and I am impressed with her offensive prowess to put up some big numbers. I think she is going to be an outstanding player at UNI, and she will surely have an immediate impact. She is the type of player where you can say, “She has the ability to always get better, can become a high-level scorer against any team in the country, and can develop her overall game anytime.” Will continue to evolve this summer. She will be coming out next year in her senior season with a bang. Go get em’ Ryley!   3. Emma Arnold, 5’8, G, CR Xavier, 2023 --Emma is a kid that is every coach’s dream. She has a motor like nothing I’ve ever seen before, and she is a very passionate and driven basketball player. It was not difficult at all for me to identify her on the court. It’s very clear to me she is a true competitor and wants the team to come out on top. Her skills also stood out to me as well. She is a great ball handler, and makes some good dishes out to teammates. With her athleticism, she can get to the rim and finish some tricky drives in the lane. She also has a good 3-point shot. I’d like to see her more aggressive on the offensive end and utilize her skillset and athletic ability to her advantage. I think she has the capability and talent to develop ino a high-caliber collegiate player that could compete at any level. Is still young yet, so she will definitely be raising her scoring average and will be a lethal dimension of the scoring for the Saints these next two seasons. Come watch this kid play this summer!   4. [player_tooltip player_id="246157" first="Ava" last="Locklear"], 5’11, C, CCA, 2024 --Ava was a kid that stood out to me as I was watching the first half of one of her games. I think she has tremendous potential to become a lethal big in the paint as years go on. She is just a freshman, and has the talent to evolve into a dominant post player. Her overall skill and strength make her a handful down low. I saw some tremendous post moves, and she finished in the lane at a high percentage continuously. She can rebound the basketball, and is a definite force on the defensive end causing significant disruption. She is another player that has the ability to become a high-level scorer and we will see that these next three HS seasons. Will be an incredible collegiate player at any level as well. Schedule to watch her show out this summer!   5. Yazmeen Whitsitt, 5’8, G, Decorah, 2024 --Have you ever just taken a short look at a kid out on a court and thought, “There’s just something about this player that catches your eye?” Well, that is what came to my mind right away when I saw Yazmeen play this weekend. She did not wow you with tremendous scoring numbers, however, it’s very obvious to me that she has a good feel for the game and can play, no questions asked. She is a fluid, smooth athlete; and she finished some drives in the lane that were very talented. She also can shoot the 3 ball too. Once again, just a freshman, so has years ahead of her to perfect her craft and become an influential overall player. I see her developing into a great guard on the perimeter at the collegiate level. After identifying her this weekend, any level would be a possibility. A fellow teammate of Ava, they both played very well together. Pencil in a time to watch this kid do her thing this summer!