Class of 2024: Slick Sophomore Stock Risers
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Sophomore year in high school is an important…
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Continue ReadingSophomore year in high school is an important year for prospective collegiate basketball players to get their name out there, show out in HS games and AAU tournaments, and begin to think and ponder about the recruiting process in terms of what kinds of colleges fit their academic needs, what they would like in a specific basketball program, distance from home, campus life, etc. There is a lot to juggle, however, there is no reason to get stressed out or up tight about it.
It’s critical to keep all your options open and be mindful of every element of a college student-athlete. Visualize and create a picture in your mind of where your top choices are. Where do you see yourself thriving, making a difference, and having the best time as a total student-athlete? What kind of style do you like to play on the court? Do you mesh, gel, and instantly develop a close-knit relationship and bond with the coaching staff? Could you see yourself performing to the best of your ability on the court for four years? Just some questions to look into. It’s always good to focus on the present, but it’s also critical to look further down the road to prepare for your future as well. As a sophomore varsity basketball player, putting up good statistics during the HS season and then playing on an AAU team throughout the spring/summer is ultimately crucial. Taking time to sit down with your high school and AAU coach to discuss collegiate potential and playing options is very essential, and should be getting done sooner than later.
I am now going to go behind closed doors and behind the scenes to take a fresh and new look at some kids who will be HS sophomores this upcoming year in 2021-2022. They are young and upbeat, and have a couple of years to be making any serious heady decisions. However, there is tons of talent in this Iowa Class of 2024 with kids that have several offers already on the table. All sophomore-to-be ballers should definitely start looking into all college basketball opportunities, and see what each college program has to offer around the United States. Let’s step out on the stage now. Lights, Camera, Action!
- Aili Tanke Aili Tanke 6'0" | SG Johnston | 2024 State IA , 5’10, SG, Johnston, 2024
–Aili is a kid that is well beyond her years on the court with her talent and skillset. Her pure shooting stroke is one of the best I’ve seen up to this point, and she can flat out drain that ball time after time. She is still young, so the sky is the limit. Her ability is far above the average high school sophomore-to-be. She has good length and athleticism, as she can run the floor with ease and finishes buckets on the fastbreak with no effort. At 5’10, continued damage will evolve as an off guard and she will break into the college radar quickly at the national level by high level schools. Keep tabs on this kid, no questions asked.
2. Addy Johnson Addy Johnson 6'0" | C Westwood | 2024 State IA , 6’0, F, Westwood, 2024
–Addy is a forceful, heavy load to carry as a true inside big. Her capability to reach new heights is already written in the book; and that is nothing but a pure fact. This 6’0 sensation has so many moves in the paint up her sleeve, it is amazing. She uses both hands very well, and fools her defenders with several nifty moves that are utilized possession after possession. Her finishing ability is great as well. She can step out and hit shots and has a nice stroke. She is also a beast on the defensive end causing disruption by getting her hands on deflections, blocking shots, and rebounding the ball consistently. I could see her possibly putting on maybe a few inches of height in upcoming years, as she will only be a sophomore next year. With her size and talent, good things will happen. Keep tabs on this kid, no questions asked.
3. Reggi Spotts Reggi Spotts 5'8" | PG Mason City | 2024 State IA , 5’8, PG, Mason City, 2024
–Reggi is a kid with elite talent. She is a great overall floor general. Her 3-point shot is tremendous, and she has a pure stroke. Her ability to break down defenders and get to the rim is another feather in her cap, and she is very talented driving to the basket. She has a good feel for the game with a high basketball IQ. Mason City has always produced some high level kids who have gone on to play at the DI level. I believe Reggi has that capability and will follow that path of tremendous tradition. She just finished her freshman season, so there are years to come with perfecting craft and making her high-level skill become known to college coaches. Keep tabs on the kid, no questions asked.
4. Kamryn Kurt Kamryn Kurt 5'6" | PG North Linn | 2024 State IA , 5’4, PG, North Linn, 2024
–Kamryn is a jet with outstanding upside and potential. Her athleticism and quick first step is what stood out to me right away. A lot of good things will result on both ends of the floor with superb athleticism, and she has that. She has a terrific handle, and thrives in the open court. She can shoot the 3 ball, and has some range to go along with a great release. She can also rack up the dimes as well. She dishes out assists like it’s her job on most possessions, and is a smart decision maker with the ball in her hands. She does not turn the ball over often, and is very levelheaded. I see big things stemming from her game, and she will only be getting better in upcoming years to come. At 5’4, lacks some size, however, that could change in a few years. Having the talent and athleticism she has makes up for that lack of necessary height. Great things in store. Keep tabs on this kid, no questions asked.
5. Callie Levin Callie Levin 5'10" | PG Solon | 2024 State IA , 5’9, PG, Solon, 2024
–I have discussed Callie in one of my first articles, and I have no choice but to again; as she is one fun player to watch. She will be breaking out onto the college scene as we head throughout the summer, and has already received tons of interest from coaches around the U.S. Her overall play is second to none, and she will be improving every dimension of her game as she goes throughout her career to make her a high-level DI player. She is another player who is well beyond her years, and is heavily advanced than the average incoming sophomore. I have never seen this kid play live, however, I can identify on film that she will definitely be a Power 5 Conference standout at the guard position, particularly at point as she is a thrilling facilitator. She is going to be a sophomore next season, and will be raising some eyebrows as months go on. Keep tabs on this kid, no questions asked.