South Georgia Watchlist-Spring and Summer Part 1

Travel basketball is kicking off this month with the women’s side adding a college evaluation period in the month of April. A lot of players from South Georgia will be headed to programs based in Florida. Here are a few of the players that will be on coaches’ radars this Spring and Summer. [player_tooltip player_id="311549" first="Bailey" last="Gilmore"] I 6’3 I SF I 2023 I Bradwell I Essence Tip Hayes Purple Gilmore is a familiar face that we have seen in the prep hoops rankings and on the circuit. She developed so much from last spring and summer. She will be a key focal point on the Essence Purple EYBL team this summer. She wowed us with her ability to play all 5 positions last summer and her ability to shoot the 3 ball. A player that gets better every time she steps onto the court. Gilmore will be called upon to play inside/outside this summer. A Division 1 athlete that will be on every coach’s radar this summer. <img class="alignleft wp-image-416393 size-thumbnail" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/04/Akeelah-Bryan-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /><strong>Akeelah Bryan</strong> I 5’9 I Wing I 2024 I Brunswick I Essence White 2023 Jennings Bryan is looking to have a breakout summer as this will be her first season on the exposure scene. A player that never takes plays off. Her quickness allows her to get out in the passing lanes and pressure her opponents. Probably one of the best rebounding guards that I have seen in a while. A strong upper body which allows her to absorb the contact and finish around the rim. A player that you will see diving on the court throughout games. One of the younger players on the team but plays beyond her class. She will be looking to make some noise with Essence White 2023. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="331897" first="Jada" last="Brown"] I 5’10 I SF I 2025 I Richmond Hill I Essence White 2025 Ashley Brown is coming off an awesome freshman season at Richmond Hill.  She is looking to be the clean-up woman on the glass.  Has the ability to extend plays with her athleticism around the rim. Undersized post player but makes up for it with her IQ and speed. Brown can push the ball in transition and score through contact. A player that gets to the 50/50 balls. Quick feet and hands which allow her to guard inside/out. Knows how to post up the smaller guards on the block but can also shoot the short corner shot. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/04/Taniyah-Bowman-rotated-crop-466x306-1650309071.jpg"><img class="wp-image-416397 size-thumbnail alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/04/Taniyah-Bowman-rotated-crop-466x306-1650309071-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>[player_tooltip player_id="253954" first="Taniyah" last="Bowman"] I 5’3 I PG I 2023 I Bradwell I Essence White 2023 Jennings I have said it before but Bowman is one of the quickest players with a basketball. Her speed allows her to do so many things on the court. She sees the floor well and can score at all 3 levels. Her ballhandling ability allows her to slash through the press and get to the basket. A player that reads the defense to see how to set her teammates up for easy scoring opportunities. A true point guard and floor general. Also, doesn’t mind sacrificing her body to score the basket.   An exciting player to watch. She is only  5'3 but plays like she is the biggest player on the floor. &nbsp; [player_tooltip player_id="318506" first="Jada" last="Young"] I 5’11 I SF I 2023 I Long County I Essence Black 2023 Stewart Young’s game grew a lot during her junior season at Long County. She had a few double-doubles and triple-doubles on the season. A player that has the ability to take over the game and score at will around the basket. Young is a high IQ post that knows how to attack her opponents from the high post. She also sees the floor well for the kick out on the wings. A player that gains confidence every time she steps onto the floor. Nice high post and short corner shot. <img class="wp-image-416399 size-thumbnail alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/04/Caitlyn-Staley-1-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" />[player_tooltip player_id="263345" first="Caitlin" last="Staley"] I 6’3 I C I 2023 I Greenbriar I Essence Tip Hayes Purple Staley is a player that knows how to dominate the paint. Strong post moves that allow her to score through contact. Also knows how to crash the boards hard which helps for extra possessions. Has the ability to run rim to rim. Her presence inside makes her opponents deter their shots around the rim. Great on block defender but can also step outside to guard the perimeter. Had a great Junior season as she led her team deep into the playoffs. A player that has a soft touch around the rim. Staley has a couple of offers on the table but her play this summer will increase with more offers. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;