Players Having Breakout Summers
Players are getting noticed at events in and outside of Kansas. They are also producing substantial changes in class rankings. As recruiting heats up here is a list of five players who have broken out this summer.
Emilee Lane Emilee Lane 5'11" | PF TMP - Marion | 2022 State KS , 6’2″, C/PF, TMP, Twin Lakes Stars, 2022 – I wrote about Lane in May and updated the 2022 rankings prior to seeing her at the MAYB Summer Kickoff in Wichita a couple weekends ago. I will say it right now. Lane is one of the most complete bigs in the state and is guaranteed to vault up the ranks in the next release. Not only does she have the high IQ to see play develop and to create play but she has strong transition handles, good hops, toughness, and a consistent ability to score at all three levels. She also defends with intelligence, boxes, and scraps on both ends of the floor. She also finds her shooters for a kick-out. She is not worth fouling due to being money from the line.
Avery Lowe Avery Lowe 6'3" | PF Maize South | 2023 State KS , 6’1″, PF, Maize, Kansas United 2022, 2023 – Lowe is an improving positional defender who is also growing in physicality on both ends of the floor, especially against bigger and stronger opponents. She has good hands, athleticism, and ability to finish on the interior. She also elevates well when battling for rebounds. Keep an eye on her, Lowe is putting a great deal of work in on her off-the-bounce game.
McKayla Miller McKayla Miller 6'1" | CG Cimarron | 2023 State KS , 6’1″, PG, Cimarron, SSA Gameball 17U, 2023 – Has grown stronger and more physical even since the start of summer ball. Is more aggressive than ever as a scorer and is terrific at tracking shots to score the put-back when offensive rebounding. Has become a very athletic and creative scorer off the bounce and when working inside.
Charlotte O’Keefe Charlotte O’Keefe 6'3" | PF St. Thomas Aquinas | 2022 State KS , 6’2″, C/PF, St. Thomas Aquinas, KC Lady Run GMC UAA, 2022 – O’Keefe’s 60 spot blast up the ranks to #16 reflects how well rounded O’Keefe’s game has gotten. In fact she earned 17U second team honors at the Prep Girls Hoops Circuit event in Lawrence in May. Her length and athletic build were put to good use altering shots without fouling, consistently hitting the mid-range jumper, clearing defensive rebounds, and defending on the perimeter and inside. She still has a great deal of upside remaining too. Her north-south speed is good and increasing. O’Keefe off-the-bounce game is also improving. The handles are there and she finishes well but she needs to get smoother and quicker with the ball.
Mellany Roenne Mellany Roenne 5'9" | SF Jefferson West | 2022 State KS , 5’9″, SF, Jefferson West, Kansas Twisters, 2022 – Roenne continues to elevate her game. An active player with a slenderish build, Roenne has good transition speed, quickness on both ends of the floor, and a very quick release on her three point shot. She has handles to lead the break and get to the basket from the wing. Showed good elevation rebounding.