ZG Rumble in Richmond: Middle School Standouts

The AAAU season is barely underway, but some talented young players have been on display each of the past two weekends in Richmond. Last week, Jessica McGinley <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2022/03/zg-queen-of-the-south-rising-stars-2026-2027/">highlighted a handful of rising stars</a>. This week, we take a look at a few more. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="380004" first="Lilly" last="Thoman"]</strong> - 2026 - 5’6 <img class="size-medium wp-image-409032 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/04/LT-4.2.22-203x300.jpg" alt="" width="203" height="300" /> Lilly is an experienced point guard with years of elite basketball on her resume. A skilled ball handler with a high basketball IQ, Lilly is capable of creating good looks for herself and her teammates, both in transition and in the half court offense. Her three point shot is smooth and gaining consistency, especially when she has her feet set. She has a strong mid-range pull-up jump shot as well. As she gets older, Lilly should be able to extend her pull-up jump shot to the three point line. She is a willing and vocal communicator who is capable of getting her team into sets and directing traffic. On the defensive end, she has a strong sense of awareness and anticipates well. <strong>Ella Grace Saunders </strong>- 2026 - 5’9<img class="size-medium wp-image-409056 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/04/image_50365953-284x300.jpg" alt="" width="284" height="300" /> Coming off a season as a varsity starter in a strong, well-coached Steward School program, Ella Grace is poised and prepared for a successful AAU season this Spring. An extremely versatile player, she is a very capable guard in addition to having the size and skills to play multiple positions on both ends of the floor. As a face the basket offensive player, she has a steady and consistently improving jump shot that extends to the three point line. She also can put the ball on the floor and get to the basket or free throw line, or both. Off the ball, she is a savvy cutter who understands offensive spacing. Defensively, her strengths are centered on a good understanding of angles and positioning. Ella Grace is a hard-working, passionate player with tremendous potential. <strong>Kelsea Bennett </strong>- 2027 - 5’8 <img class="size-medium wp-image-409060 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/04/image_50405377-185x300.jpg" alt="" width="185" height="300" /> As a seventh grader playing up on an eight grade team, Kelsea is as tough a competitor as you will find. This season, she finds herself playing more of a primary ball handler and scorer role than she has typically played in the past. Her ball handling skills are very good and getting better, but she excels with her ability to handle pressure and play through physical defenders. Kelsea is fearless attack-minded offensive player who can finish with contact in addition to being a solid free throw shooter. <strong>Jordan Whirley</strong> - 2026 - 5’7 Jordan is coming off a JV season in a very strong James River High School program and has earned a spot on one of Rockit’s ninth grade teams this season. She is a rising star and is a player to keep an eye on this Spring. For her size, she has tremendous length and quickness that translates into being a disruptive, ball pressure defender especially at the point of attack. She also anticipates and plays the passing lanes well. With an offensive game that is progressing, Jordan is at her best in transition and has the ability to finish with both hands. He jump shot is improving and gaining consistency. <strong>Carrington Bournes</strong> - 2027 ’ 5’6<img class="size-medium wp-image-409062 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/04/image_50367233-209x300.jpg" alt="" width="209" height="300" /> Carrington is a terrific athlete that continues to grow and improve her game on the basketball court. With two older sisters who were stand-out players at Glen Allen High School, she has been around the game her entire life. Her offensive strengths include a solid and improving jump shot as well as the vision to see and execute thread-the-needle passes in the half court offense as well as in transition. Defensively, she plays with a competitive motor that never stops. She is not afraid to play with physicality and is the first player to get on the floor chasing loose balls.