W.Va. standout players from Day 2 of The Classic in Louisville
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Faith Pickens Faith Pickens 6'2" | C Williamstown | 2025 State WV , 2024 Ohio 740 Thunder, C, 6-1 – When coaches think of fundamental players, they should think of Pickens. Her mechanics are solid in all aspects of the…
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Continue ReadingFaith Pickens Faith Pickens 6'2" | C Williamstown | 2025 State WV , 2024 Ohio 740 Thunder, C, 6-1 – When coaches think of fundamental players, they should think of Pickens.
Her mechanics are solid in all aspects of the game. Whether she’s shooting free throws, going up for a rebound, or nailing a fadeaway, she’s got the confidence to do it all. Does that mean everything is perfect? No. She’s still a freshman and needs a little more work on her ballhandling, but she’s on her way to making a coach happy in the next few years. She won’t be fancy, but she’ll get the job done.
Jocelynn Thorn, 2024 Ohio 740 Thunder, SG, 5-5 – Thorn (pictured above) is a shooter, through and through. She’s always eyes points. Looks and angles don’t matter, the ball is going up in the air. Good thing she has a nice and easy release with the strength to shoot the college 3, too. It would be much harder for her game if she didn’t quickly put the ball in the air. Coaches worried about her size shouldn’t fret. She finds ways to get open and create space when she’s feeling her shot.
Natalie Blankenship, NCWV Swish 17u, G, 5-1– Those universities valuing defense above all else should be interested in Blankenship. Not just a little. By all accounts, she’s among the top five defenders in W.Va. If that isn’t enough to put her on your list, then maybe her summer will. To put it kindly, her AAU season has been fantastic from a defensive standpoint. She’s shutting down players sometimes a foot taller than her. She’s got a knack for defense, moves quickly, and rarely gets beat thanks to a low center of gravity.
Avery Childers Avery Childers 5'10" | PF Robert C. Byrd | 2023 State WV , NCWV Swish 17u, PF, 5-10 – Childers showed off just how comfortable she is moving between power and small forward several times. She swings between the two of them very easily. She understands what’s being asked of her and gets points at both positions. One thing that jumped out more so than in the high school season? Her willingness to bang down low and not worry about whether or not she can finish and get to the line. She did both just fine.
Trinity Balog Trinity Balog 5'7" | SG Parkersburg | 2024 State WV , 740 Ohio Thunder 2024/25, SG, 5-9 – Are you a coach who enjoys tough players proficient in competing on both sides of the ball?
Yes?
Then check out, Balog. Over the early parts of the summer, she’s transformed herself from a player looking to score first and defend second, into a strong player who does both well. Give her any assignment and she will get it done. She’s strong, absorbs plenty of contact, and isn’t afraid to attack the basket or shoot the 3. On the defensive side of the ball, she moves her feet well. Also, she understands many presses on top of plenty of trap defenses.