Southwest Virginia Players to Watch Part 2

Photo: Inside Exposure

Jessica McGinlay

September 30, 2021 @ 07:19 PM

Additional athletes from the beautiful southwest region of Virginia that can get it down on the court. This season will feature competitive games with seniors hoping to leave a lasting impression and new players looking to make a name for themselves. [player_tooltip player_id="300384" first="Jada" last="Cook"]-2024-Patrick Henry High School Jada had a great summer playing for FBC Carolina Elite, picking up a few D-1 offers with more to come. She has good length at 5’9, good shooter and finishes around the basket with ease. Has the ball handling skills to play point guard and is a good passer. Jada has all the tools to be a defensive stopper and should have a standout sophomore campaign. Taryn Blankenship-2022-Pulaski County High School Concord University commit, has good footwork in the post. Elusive offensively around the basket. Agile, slides feet defensively and challenges shots without fouling. Taryn has good size at 6’, moves well without the ball cutting to the basket and finishes at a high rate. Consistent shooter out to the 15-17ft range. Jada Morgan-2022-Lord Botetourt High School Mature, high energy, athletic, 5’8 slasher who can stuff a stat sheet. Runs the floor well, good rebounder, strong body allows her to absorb contact and finish. Good mid range shooter with loads of energy. She is the senior leader for a young Lord Botetourt team. [player_tooltip player_id="300646" first="Jeni" last="Levine"]-2022-Staunton River High School Disciplined, hard-working and selfless athlete. Jeni has deceptive athleticism, plays hard both ends of the court and is a natural leader. After missing last season due to COVID, she is prime for a successful senior season. She scores in a variety of ways, crafty finisher and steps up in the biggest moments. She is a point guard who can play off the ball, capable of taking over games, plays with enthusiasm and constantly encourages her teammates. Courtney Cregger-2022-Pulaski County High School Multi-sport athlete, good size at 5’10 with consistent midrange shot. Coming off a busy summer, she had good showings at several camps and throughout the AAU season. Courtney has nice mid-range game and is not afraid to get physical in the paint. Plays with lots of energy and constantly cheering on her teammates. She will be a key piece for a talented Pulaski County team looking to make a deep run in the state tournament this season.