Queen of the Commonwealth Day 1: Underclassmen
11 of the 16 teams participating in the Queen of the Commonwealth were ranked in the top 25 in the latest rankings. Bullitt East has truly made this event one of the top high school girl’s tournaments in Kentucky. Obviously,…
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Continue Reading11 of the 16 teams participating in the Queen of the Commonwealth were ranked in the top 25 in the latest rankings. Bullitt East has truly made this event one of the top high school girl’s tournaments in Kentucky. Obviously, there is a ton of talented players participating in this tournament, but we are going to look at some of the underclassman that really stood out on day 1 of the event.
ZaKiyah Johnson ZaKiyah Johnson 6'0" | SF Sacred Heart | 2025 State KY | PF | Freshman | SHA
Can do it all and does it all at a HIGH level. Not just a standout underclassman, but really just a standout player overall regardless of class. Strong in the post, strong drives to the basket, great at finding the open player and kicking it out, strong handles, really an elite player all-around.
Karmin Riley Karmin Riley 5'7" | CG Owensboro Catholic | 2025 State KY | CG | Freshman | Owensboro Catholic
Another freshman that does not play like a freshman at all. Really led her team to a comeback win in day 1 of the tournament. Makes really good passes, has good handles, works extremely hard on the glass, and the offense was really running through her in Owensboro Catholic’s overtime victory.
Savannah Gardner Savannah Gardner 6'0" | SF Christian Academy Louisville | 2024 State KY | SF | Sophomore | CAL
Really hard worker and that shines when she’s on the floor. She is long and athletic, rebounds hard, finishes strong, has a nice shot, and can dribble & pass well too. Averaging a double-double and finished with another double-double in CAL’s day 1 victory.
Shaelyn Steele Shaelyn Steele 5'5" | PG Russell | 2024 State KY | PG | Sophomore | Russell
While her team didn’t win, she certainly made her presence known. The sophomore has really good handles, quickness, and great form on her shot. She is also really good at pulling up and elevating over her defender and her quick release makes it easier for her to get her shot of despite teams knowing they have to play her tight and/or double-team her.
Peyton Bradley Peyton Bradley 5'9" | CG Meade County | 2025 State KY | CG | Freshman | Meade County
I was shocked to learn Bradley was only a freshman. On top of being able to handle the ball well, she is an elite shooter and that was on full display Sunday. Bradley went 5 for 10 from the 3 point line, but to make that even more impressive, she is shooting over 40% from 3 on the entire season.
Claire Johnson | G | Sophomore | McCracken County
Johnson is a quick and crafty guard who made a ton of hustle plays, is a great passer, finishes well with contact, and can elevate over defenders.