Stock Risers: VT’s Under the Radar Hoopers – Class of ’24
We’ve entered the AAU season, and it’s important to note that most player development occurs between April and October. By the time school season comes around, high school coaches are establishing team identity, the sets, etc., and are less focused…
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Continue ReadingWe’ve entered the AAU season, and it’s important to note that most player development occurs between April and October. By the time school season comes around, high school coaches are establishing team identity, the sets, etc., and are less focused on individual player development. In that case, we often get surprised when somebody makes a leap from their sophomore year to their junior year. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Check out these up and comers in the class of 2024.
Nicole Norton, 5’7 G – Colchester High School/Lone Wolf Athletics (AAU) – Class of ’24
First off, Nicole has some length; her wingspan must be approaching 5’10+ because her length is bothersome. Nicole played in a zone over the high school season, but when she had the opportunities, she locked up ballhandlers and got her hands on a lot of passes. Norton possesses a fierce dribble drive and can get to the rim at will with her length and athleticism. If she develops her handle and locks in a consistent jumper, she’ll be dangerous.
Kelli Cieplicki, 5’9 G/F – Rice Memorial High School/Lone Wolf Athletics (AAU) – Class of ’24
Cieplicki was an integral piece to Rice’s D1 championship run this year, but she does her work quietly and selflessly. Cieplicki is a do-it-all type player who can guard 2-4, handle the ball on the perimeter and mix it up down low. She has a great knack for spacing, hitting cutters on stride with quick passes, or spacing out to ensure the offense runs smoothly. She has a nice little mid-range J and can finish inside too. Defensively, she holds her position well and is solid on the glass, and after a board she can start the break in a blip. A solid young player who could take her game to another level this spring/summer.
Brianna Brownell, 5’9 F – Mount Mansfield High School/Blueprint Basketball (AAU) – Class of ’24
In some ways, I expect Brianna to evolve as a player over the summer. She’s currently caught between being a 3 and a 4, and her skills are emblematic of that. She has a solid mid-range jumper, loves to battle in the post, and she’s a natural on the boards. However, over the winter I saw her begin to step out on the wing in her high school offense, and she showed flashes of solid dribble drives from the perimeter. Add three-point range to the equation, and she morphs into a wing who can play 3-4 on both sides of the ball. Regardless of position, Brianna’s motor will keep her on the floor. Brownell will be someone to keep an eye on.
Samara Ashooh, 5’11 F – Champlain Valley Union High School/Lone Wolf Athletics (AAU) – Class of ’24
Samara is an old-school big who’s adept at clogging the lane on defense, securing boards, and outletting the ball. She has good hands and can finish over the top of players in the paint. Moreover, Ashooh has solid passing instincts out of the post and in traffic, something not everyone has the awareness for. If Samara improves her quickness and extends her range, she’ll be entering stretch 5 territory.
Hayden Wilkins, 5’6 G – St. Johnsbury Academy/ AAU Unknown – Class of ’24
Hayden is a real solid guard who’s not afraid to lead her team. As a sophomore she led her team to a top 5 finish in D1 with grit, shooting and passing. Wilkins can really dig in on defense, and she has a strong frame that allows her to mix it up in the post and out-muscle smaller players on the perimeter. Her jumper has three-point range and if she locks it in consistently and extends her shot, she’ll be difficult to guard because she can slash too. Nevertheless, Wilkins has great team mentality, and I’ve never seen her play outside of herself. I’ll be searching for her AAU program so we can all follow her progress.