Uncut Gems – Underclass Edition

As we move closer and closer to the first live viewing period on the season, there will be a plethora of young student-athletes vying for college exposure on many different circuits. 2024 and 2025 uncut gems are looking to establish their reputation on the circuit this year and have spent hours polishing and refining their skillsets to shine. Take a look at some of these ballers. <img class="size-medium wp-image-402018 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/03/Jayda-Scorza-180x300.jpg" alt="" width="180" height="300" />Jayda Scorza, F, 6'0", New Vision Hoops - Scorza is one of the most intriguing players in the class of 2024. She is a sponge when it comes to soaking up knowledge and touts a skillset that is well beyond her two year playing career. Offensively, her game is constantly progressing showing flashes of excitement at all three levels. She has a solid back to the basket game and has shown the ability to step out and knock down the high post jumper and corner three. She has decent help-side closing speed defensively but will need to grow as a more complete defensive stopper. As she continues to grow her game on both sides of the floor, Scorza will rightfully be called one of the top players in the state of Florida. Makayla Stokes CG, 6’1", NV Hoops - Stokes is a long athletic guard that can easily defend positions one through four with a massive wingspan and long stride. Stokes recently moved to Florida from Virginia and is really looking to make a splash this season. She spent much of her career playing in the post and is transitioning to become a more complete guard and adding a tighter handle to her game. She is a very imposing force and her continued growth will create a high ceiling for her at the next level. [player_tooltip player_id="248457" first="Daya" last="Shelton"], CG, 5’9", NV Hoops - Shelton is a pure shooter. The best part of her game<img class="size-medium wp-image-402023 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/03/Daya-Shelton-crop-480x316-1647576292-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /> though, is that she doesn’t put herself in a box and only allow herself to be just a shooter. Standing at 5’9", Shelton has the ability to get downhill and finish through contact. Defensively, she is a rare treat, using her length and active hands both on the ball and in help. Her lateral is also very good generally keeping ball handlers between her feet in the open floor. As Shelton continues to develop her off the bounce package offensively, she will be highly sought after by college coaches. Janiesia Stokes F, 6’1", NV Hoops - Stokes is a dual sport athletic forward that has a knack for rebounding from all areas of the floor. She is good at finishing through contact and is great out of the high post. Defensively, she is not lacking much. She is great at guarding all positions and is skilled at changing shots at the rim. Adding some range to her jumper this summer will lend itself to her already great build and athleticism. <img class="size-medium wp-image-402021 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/03/Heaven-Sims-crop-768x505-1647576223-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" />[player_tooltip player_id="248451" first="Heaven" last="Sims"], F, 5’11", NV Hoops - Sims is a dynamic player that has already developed multiple facets of her game. The most effective aspect of her offensive game is her ability to score and facilitate from the post position. She also has the confidence to stretch the floor and take the open three. Defensively, Sims is very disciplined for her age and works hard to get her team stops. If Sims improves her handle and mid range portfolio, she will be a force in the future.