Ohio 2023 Rankings- Stockrisers Part 1

With the release earlier today of the Class of 2023 rankings, PGH Ohio will begin to look at some of the stockrisers and newcomers this week leading up to the Class of 24 release next week. Here are some stockrisers from the junior class: <span style="font-family: ’arial black’, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><img class="wp-image-310687 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2021/07/laura-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="116" height="155" />[player_tooltip player_id="93552" first="Leena" last="Patibandla"], 6-0 2023, Jackson</span></strong></span> What a special player Leena <em>(pictured left) </em>has become. One of the best players in Northeast Ohio, the Jackson junior has developed a player with a very solid skillset. Not only is she active on the boards and is able to play at a high tempo, she also does a great job finishing well at the rim. One thing I noticed when watching her film is her ability to read the play in advance and anticipate well on defense. Her court vision is incredible and she is a great teammate. Bigtime prospect! She <strong>moves up to #5</strong> in the state in the 2023 class. <span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: ’arial black’, sans-serif;"><strong>Cecilia Hilgefort, 6-1 2023, Cincinnati Turpin</strong></span> One club coach said she is the second most dominant player in the city behind [player_tooltip player_id="32600" first="KK" last="Bransford"], and her game has really grown the last couple of years. Her play this year early on has been outstanding. She has improved her mid-range jumper and has been more focused this season on getting her teammates involved in the offense. She is a big force on the boards, able to rebound and secure the ball. As she continues to get better, her game will blossom even higher. She was not in the August update, so she <strong>makes her PGH debut at #12 i</strong>n the latest update. <span style="font-size: 14pt; font-family: ’arial black’, sans-serif;"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="280090" first="Kylee" last="Fears"], 6-1 2023, Oxford Talawanda</strong></span> One of the more underrated players in Ohio, but she is a player who can do so much around the rim. She has excellent footwork in the paint, good post moves and is able to score. Very fundamental and focused on making the right play for her team. She is a big mismatch problem as she is able to score from behind the arc with good range and consistency. Able to run the floor very well in transition and finish with either hand. <strong>Debuts in the latest rankings to #25</strong> after not being ranked in the last update. <span style="font-family: ’arial black’, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">[player_tooltip player_id="160418" first="Sami" last="Kim"], 5-8 2023, St. Joseph’s Academy</span></strong></span> A true point guard who could be an excellent player at the next level. Excellent handles with both hands, changes directions and speed well. Can run the offense to get her team the best option, ir will score with deep range. Can explode off of screens well and finish at the rim with good penetration. I like her defensive presence on the floor, has active hands and quickness to create chances. Sami <strong>moves up to #46</strong> in the latest rankings. <span style="font-family: ’arial black’, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">[player_tooltip player_id="360800" first="Lily" last="Bottomley"], 6-2 2023, Northwest</span></strong></span> An aggressive player to the ball, Lily controls the paint and has good active hands to help defensively as Northwest has some solid players on the roster this season. Lily is a long athletic player who can alter or block shots and will create chances in transition for her team. Can score at the rim. Lily <strong>debuts at #55</strong> after not being listed back in August. <span style="font-family: ’arial black’, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">[player_tooltip player_id="216105" first="Madison" last="French"], 5-10 2023, Lakota West</span></strong></span> A fast-rising junior who is a ling athletic guard and can guard any position on the floor. Fundamental and skilled, Madison <em>(feature photo above) </em>is an excellen defender, able to read and react to force a turnover. She has excellent range out beyond the arc and is able to create by penetrating to finish or hit her teammate with a quick pass. She has excellent court vision and can push north-south in transition. <strong>Debuts at #56</strong> in the latest rankings with a great upside ahead of her. &nbsp;