Cardinal Conference Players to Watch this Summer

Photo: Landon Persinger

Autumn Smith

June 8, 2021 @ 12:33 PM

Photo by Landon Persinger Although the season just ended, things are just beginning for next season. July is approaching which means it is near time for the summer session of sports. After a great season, these Cardinal Conference players are ready to get back in action for what is some of their last high school seasons. Nitro: [player_tooltip player_id="153429" first="Taylor" last="Maddox"] 5’7 PG/SG 2023 The junior point-guard is coming off a hot season that ended with a state championship win over a tough Fairmont Senior team. After finishing the season with conference and all-state honors, I would expect nothing less this season. Maddox is a threat on both sides of the ball. She is able to heat up fast and score from anywhere on the court. Her speed is a benefit to her on defense as it allows her to come up with steals, often leading to a score. I would expect her to have a stellar season and for her to continue developing into a strong collegiate prospect. Wayne: [player_tooltip player_id="153402" first="Jasmine" last="Tabor"] 5’8 SG/SF 2022 Tabor had a solid season finishing with first-team conference honors. She finished the season averaging 12 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and nearly 2 steals per game. Tabor has the ability to score in many ways. She can read the defense to either pull up for three when defenders lay off or take them to the rim when they reach for the steal. Her game at the high post is impressive as she can shoot the midrange jumper and get around defenders to finish at the rim. Jasmine has already begun working in the off-season and I would expect her to only get better as she heads into her final high school season. Winfield: Meghan Taylor 5’5 PG 2023 The junior guard impressed last season, averaging nearly 15 points, 4 assists, and 2 steals per game for the Generals. This stat line got her all-state, All-Kanawha Valley, and Cardinal Conference honors. Taylor is a pest on defense, making it hard for defenders to go by her and allowing her to create loose balls and get steals. She is able to heat up quickly and put points on the board fast. She shoots well behind the arc and is able to get to the basket and free-throw line, where she shot nearly 80%. I would expect the junior guard to have another great season and continue to get better over the next two seasons. Logan: [player_tooltip player_id="153372" first="Peyton" last="Ilderton"] PG 2022 Ilderton had an outstanding junior season, leading her team to the state semifinals and earning first-team conference and all-state honors. She posted great numbers this season, averaging nearly 22 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals per game. Her ability to score the ball is tremendous. She can shoot from anywhere on the court over any defender in the state. She is not only great on the offensive end, but also the defensive end as she hustles for loose balls and comes up with steals. Ilderton has been terrific since her freshman year, and I would expect nothing less from the upcoming senior as she continues developing into a high-level collegiate prospect.