Conference Preview: Independence vs Providence

Some of the high school conferences in North Carolina were shuffled around. Here is a new conference matchup that I am excited about seeing in the Southwestern 4A conference. While some may see this season as a rebuilding year for Independence after losing a strong 2021 class ([player_tooltip player_id="116872" first="Jessica" last="Timmons"], [player_tooltip player_id="201033" first="Braylyn" last="Milton"], [player_tooltip player_id="208366" first="Averie" last="DiBenedetto"], and Gracie Breckenridge), they are strong in the guard position with some young talent, and I am excited to see them go against the guards of Providence. First, let’s check in with Providence. <img class="size-medium wp-image-280068 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2021/05/Eva-Butler-FT-scaled-crop-1920x1261-1619916173-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" />[player_tooltip player_id="260167" first="Eva" last="Butler"] (2022) Butler is a strong defender constantly causing problems for opponents with her speed whether she is knocking the ball away while they try to dribble, or she is jumping into passing lanes to grab the steals. She pushes it up the court with speed finishing at the rim even when others are trying to block her shot. She has expanded her ball handling getting more time at the point guard position this year after Providence loses [player_tooltip player_id="201028" first="Nyla" last="McGill"] (2021). She can stroke it from deep, too, making her a threat from all over the court. [player_tooltip player_id="260173" first="Madison" last="Skinner"] (2022) Skinner remains a consistent outside threat with her ability to shoot the ball from deep. In addition to shooting the ball well, she does a great job protecting the possession and being patient when it comes to letting plays develop. Her passes go right to where her teammates need them in order for them to score, and she does well following shots to grab rebounds and extend possessions for her team. Kendall Roess (2022) Roess is coming off of injuries but has been looking good to contribute this season. She tracks the ball well knowing how to grab steals and block shots on defense. She’s a tough rebounder, too, showing off her strength inside. She’s expanded her game hitting midrange jump shots and will certainly find ways to contribute this year. Kendall Webb (2023) Webb is another guard expected to see some good minutes this season. She can knock down shots from outside, and she runs the floor well being available in transition to score off a pass. On defense, she does a great job finding loose balls to pick up for steals and pushes it the other direction. <img class="size-medium wp-image-259938 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2021/03/Delanie-HIll-scaled-crop-1920x1261-1614826487-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" />[player_tooltip player_id="252857" first="Delanie" last="Hill"] (2024) Hill has had a strong summer already getting offers from schools like ETSU and Longwood. Her ability to control the tempo of the game and handle the ball using various moves to get by her opponents is certainly fun to watch. She has increased her percentage shooting the ball, and she does a great job shifting the defense to create more plays for herself and her teammates. Her vision of the court is seen on the other end grabbing steals that she pushes up the court for some fast break points. [player_tooltip player_id="252856" first="Lindsey" last="Nolan"] (2024) Nolan adds some good post player moves to the team. She can certainly make her name known on the block finding the gaps on defense to get the entry pass. Her ability to position herself makes it easier for guards to get her the ball. She does well going after rebounds, too. Now, let’s see who will be the strengths for Independence. [player_tooltip player_id="252847" first="Kaylee" last="Carson"] (2024) Carson (pictured above) is a smooth ball handler knowing how and when to move her body to get by her opponents. She drives easily to the basket finishing at the rim, and she can step back to show off her jump shot. She keeps her eyes peeled looking for her open teammates, and she can certainly draw defenders towards her to make space for her teammates to score. She has picked up offers from schools like Campbell, Appalachian State, and UNCG. [player_tooltip player_id="252848" first="Chloe" last="Moss"] (2024) Moss has gotten in great shape to continue to dominate the paint. She can seal off her opponents to get the entry pass, and she doesn’t lose in battles to grab rebounds. She can score with her back to the basket or while making cuts to finish at the rim. Her ability to guard on the perimeter makes her a threat against anyone. <img class="size-medium wp-image-339944 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2021/10/Kamryn-Kitchen-scaled-crop-1921x1261-1634088022-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" />[player_tooltip player_id="303060" first="Kamryn" last="Kitchen"] (2025) Kitchen is already used to playing against older competition, and I am sure that experience will go a long way to her success in high school. Her ability to shoot from deep is consistent, and she has some nasty spin moves that she uses in a hurry on her way to the basket to score some points. She already sees the floor well, and she will certainly help getting assists for Independence as she finds open teammates inside. She has already picked up an offer from Winthrop.