Players to Watch: Four from 2024

The class of 2024 is strong in Nebraska and we are diving into some players to watch during the summer. Each of these ladies have shown flashes of being special and will look to build on their solid sophomore seasons heading into their AAU program. &nbsp; Ahnica Russell-Brown | Bellevue West | 5'8" The Thunderbirds had one of the top guards in the state in [player_tooltip player_id="174468" first="Taryn" last="Wharton"]. With Wharton graduating, there will be offensive shots to fill and Russell-Brown should be the primary play maker for Bellevue West. Russell-Brown earned an honorable mention for All State and All Metro. She averaged 9.0 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game on the year. Russell-Brown shot 42% from the field but does need to improve her shooting from distance. Her ball handling skills and ability to create will prove important to the success of the Thunderbirds next year. <a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/ahnica-russell-brown/yOJL_gZaLEC9J1lPRjStQw/girls-basketball/stats.htm">https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/ahnica-russell-brown/yOJL_gZaLEC9J1lPRjStQw/girls-basketball/stats.htm</a> &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="299892" first="Kara" last="Stricklin"] | Bellevue East | 5'8" Stricklin only averaged 14.5 minutes in her sophomore year and had a hard time being consistent on offense. For the Chieftains, the ball will run primarily through All State guard [player_tooltip player_id="277736" first="Mya" last="Skoff"], this will leave opportunities for Stricklin to get one on one opportunities and chances at easy buckets. Seeing Stricklin in person, her numbers do not represent her skillset. She is a great ball handler, who can get to the rim and is a gritty defender. Stricklin reminds me of [player_tooltip player_id="276504" first="Inia" last="Jones"] from Central but has not been consistent enough on the offensive end to fully display. This summer could be a breakout summer for the guard! <a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/kara-stricklin/kSORXEmjEeyA2wJt_kT-Ug/girls-basketball/stats.htm">https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/kara-stricklin/kSORXEmjEeyA2wJt_kT-Ug/girls-basketball/stats.htm</a> &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="300322" first="Dani" last="Coyer"] | Bellevue West | 6'1" Coyer has already made a name for herself with her last second shot that won district, and sent the Thunderbirds to state. Coyer has tremendous size and knows how to use it. She has a soft touch around the basket. Summer development could turn Coyer into a serious presence on the blocks and with Russell-Browns ability to create, leading to some rebounds and easy put backs. Coyer should have a great summer and keep building on it this fall. <a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/dani-coyer/XiQSAFSD002p3bOFg_DFRg/default.htm">https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/dani-coyer/XiQSAFSD002p3bOFg_DFRg/default.htm</a> &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="299898" first="Nyaluak" last="Dak"] | Lincoln Southeast | 6'2" The Knights have a raw talent in Dak. Her length makes her a formidable presence down low on both sides of the ball. She has strong soft skills around the rim and has shown the ability to step beyond the 3-point arc and knock down shots. Dak has tremendous shot blocking instincts and moves well laterally making it tough for opponents to get past her. Dak could develop into a serious force in the state and will have her AAU team in prime contention. <a href="https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/nyaluak-dak/Hs8LN0HSEeuAzqREozo6lw/default.htm">https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/nyaluak-dak/Hs8LN0HSEeuAzqREozo6lw/default.htm</a>