2024 Newcomers to the Rankings!

<span style="font-weight: 400;">I had to get in my mood to write this one. I found the perfect song (edited of course) to describe some of the young ladies who blew up on the scene during the 2022 HS campaign (more on [player_tooltip player_id="405705" first="Aurora" last="Almon-Sanchez"] below).  It took me a minute for this song to come to mind, but the beat hit so strongly once I heard it, that’s for sure. The song by J.Cole, my life resonated with me. Now some of you may or may not be rap music lovers, which is fine. This song captures the gritty, the hustle, the passion, and hardwork, just like these young ladies displayed on the hardwood this past offseason. It’s fitting because these newcomers put in that work in the gym to make a name for themselves using the roundball and hardwood as a platform.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Thinking about the song, the album cover, it captures much of the essence of J Cole’s craft. Just like these young ladies, their game captured the attention of basketball lovers everytime they stepped on the court. From making timely dimes to knocking down clutch shots when their squad needed a bucket, these girls were always ready and available to step up to the challenge. </span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Let me introduce to you  a few newcomers to the 2024 rankings while J.Cole plays in the background of my office.</span> <b>[player_tooltip player_id="405705" first="Aurora" last="Almon-Sanchez"] (6’4/C/So./Webb Bell-Buckle)</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">- This 3 star monster was sidelined due to an injury, but has been a beast in rehab. She was routinely on the sidelines cheering on her team even though she was limited in what she could do.I had to give her a shout out for sure because as she recovers, she is going to take the Tennessee scene by storm. Recently, this Top ESPN recruit gave her verbal to the U (Miami Hurricanes). Look for her to step on the scene hot and heavy this upcoming season for sure. Welcome to Tennessee btw.</span> <b>[player_tooltip player_id="405707" first="Erianna" last="Thomas"] (5’5/PG/So./ Pearl-Cohn)</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">- Such an intrical part of the  Lady Firebirds success this past season. This floor general was orchestrating Pearl’s attack on both ends of the floor. Knocking down shots, hitting open cutters, creating havoc on the defensive end, ET was hard to deal with on a nightly basis. Erianna definitely knows how to put the ball through the net, but what was impressive was how she took her squad on her shoulders and created turnovers, leading to transition buckets. Active hands, active feet, she got it done regardless of the opponent.</span> <b>[player_tooltip player_id="405708" first="Tierney" last="Kelsey"] (5’6/CG/So./ Arlington)</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">- Crafty. Sensational. A magician with the ball in her hands. Has tremendous upside and knows how to score the rock. Can take it to the rack or pull up off the dribble. Either way, she is a force to be reckoned with. Saw plenty of court time this past season and will look to build upon her recent success. Impactful player who is going to go at you for 32 minutes. </span> <b>[player_tooltip player_id="405709" first="Daisy" last="Gale"] (5’8/PG/So./PCA)</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">- Super tough kid who can flat out play.  Just gets it done, period. Can score it from beyond the arc, pull up from the midrange, and get to the rack. One of the best distributors in the class of 2024. Hustle player who does the little things to give her squad an advantage. Selfless, hardworking, lunch pail kind of gal. Look for Daisy to continue on the upswing as she hits the road this upcoming travel ball season.</span> <b>[player_tooltip player_id="405711" first="Dayonna" last="Perryman"] (5’11/PF/So./ Notre Dame)</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">- Attitude. Determined. Plays the game with intensity and passion. Has great footwork and quickness where she can be a mismatch down low. Can read and react quickly, to create turnovers that lead to fast break opportunities. Runs the floor well and finishes at the cup against contact. Look for her to build upon a sensational sophomore campaign.</span> &nbsp;