South Garner-Garner Game Report

Defending 4-A regional finalist Garner is off to a hot start once again this season. They continued their torrid pace setting with a 76-26 win over crosstown rival South Garner Wednesday to remain undefeated in Greater Neuse River Conference play. A balanced effort from the Trojans set the tone early against an improving Titans squad. Prep Girls Hoops NC takes a look at the standout performers on each side of this Wake County clash. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="116904" first="Jerni" last="Kiaku"] (Garner 2022 guard, NC Central signee)</strong> NC Central signee [player_tooltip player_id="116904" first="Jerni" last="Kiaku"] is off to a great start this season for the Trojans and finished with 19 points in this contest. She gets in the passing lanes, creates fast break chances for her team, knocks down three pointers, and makes good decisions with the basketball. Kiaku will be an impact player for the Eagles and Garner will have a chance to make a deep playoff run thanks to her and several teammates that can fill up the stat sheet. <strong>Tamia Darden (Garner 2024 guard)</strong> Fellow senior Nyah Wilkins showed off her prowess in the mid-range game for Garner throughout this contest. After a 14 point performance against the Titans, she’s also on a huge roll so far this season. She can guard multiple positions on defense and create plays on the other end as a primary ball handler. Wilkins will be a key cog in this high powered Trojans offense as the season progresses. <strong>Nyah Wilkins (Garner 2022 forward)</strong> Senior Nyah Wilkins is another player that can stretch the defense thanks to her ability to score from anywhere on the floor. She also plays a pivotal role in creating extra possessions for the Trojans getting a number of her buckets from offensive rebounds. Wilkins is a capable jump shooter and plays with a lot of toughness and energy. <strong>Olivia Jacobs (Garner 2024 guard)</strong> 2024 guard Olivia Jacobs is another anchor for the Trojans who hangs her hat on getting stops and pushing the ball in transition. She was disruptive at the top of the 1-3-1 Garner employed throughout the contest making it tough for the Titans guards to generate any offense. Jacobs blocked a couple of shots, rebounded at a high level, and finished well in traffic. <strong>Jasmine Utley (South Garner 2024 guard)</strong> While the South Garner Titans were limited offensively, the engine that makes them go is 2024 guard Jasmine Utley. She as able to get to her spots and find quality shots throughout the game knocking down several jumpers in the early going. Utley should be the focal point of this team in many areas especially ball handling and guarding the opposing teams best player.