Who’s Caught My Eye

Prep Girls Hoops Missouri takes a look at a group of talented players who have been stock risers so far in the postseason. Azailah Funches (Lone Jack): I first saw this talented 5’10 2024 in action last June at the MBCA Small College Showcase in Columbia and I was very impressed with her athleticism and versatility. It was no surprising to see her help lead Lone Jack to a Class 3, District 14 championship and a berth in tonight’s sectional playoffs. She averaged 16 points, 13 rebounds and three steals in the district tournament. She has a quick first step which enables her to get to the basket with just one dribble before she’s ready to score in the lane. Her second jump is also impressive, which helps her on the offensive boards to get putbacks. [player_tooltip player_id="251979" first="Taryn" last="Blevins"] (Marquette): The 5'5" 2023 point guard broke out with a big performance in the Mustangs' victory over district rival Lafayette in last night's Class 6, District 2 quarterfinal game. She scored a game-high 26 points and knocked down five 3-pointers. She has been a very solid point guard as she can distribute the basketball, play good defense and provide consistent scoring. She's made 63 3-pointers this season and she's also an excellent free throw shooter. [player_tooltip player_id="279705" first="Amrri" last="Thompson"] (Raytown South): The 2023 guard put together an excellent evening on Tuesday in leading the Cardinals to a 57-54 victory over St. Michael the Archangel in the semifinals of the Class 6, District 7 tournament. In addition to her game high 20 points and game-high 10 rebounds, she also knocked down the game-winning shot on a Corner 3-pointer in the closing seconds of the game. She has good quickness and length and has the good instincts to be in the right place on a consistent basis. [player_tooltip player_id="107991" first="Avery" last="Oetting"] (Hallsville): The 5'5" 2022 point guard scored her 1,500th career point last night in the district playoffs, so she's a bucket and has been throughout her career. However, I'm really impressed with her court vision and how her head is always looking upcourt to advance the ball with the pass without wasting dribbles. She's a knock down shooter from 3-point range who can really move without the ball to get herself open. She does her work before she catches the ball to be shot ready.