Run4Roses: 2024 Division Standouts (Part Two)
There aren’t many events that feature 1400+ teams, 1100+ college coaches, 92 courts, and the chance to play on ESPN, but TFN’s Run 4 Roses did just that and more. While it would’ve been impossible to watch all 1400 teams,…
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Continue ReadingThere aren’t many events that feature 1400+ teams, 1100+ college coaches, 92 courts, and the chance to play on ESPN, but TFN’s Run 4 Roses did just that and more. While it would’ve been impossible to watch all 1400 teams, I did catch quite a few teams and players throughout the tournament’s 4 day span. When I looked at my notes at the conclusion of the tournament, there were a little over 100 players that had caught my eye in some way. This series is going to discuss some of those standouts and it’ll be broken down by the division they played in (2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026) rather than the player’s class. This article features some class of 2025 and 2026 standouts who played in the 2024 divisions.
Pickens has good length and height, plus she’s strong with the ball. Offensively, she finishes so well. She keeps the ball high and makes it really tough for the defense to block. She can also stretch out and knock down jump shots. Pickens did a great job locating shooters when help stepped over on her. She also went after rebounds strong and made good outlet passes. Defensively, she really has the ability to alter the opposing team’s offense using her length.
Highlights
Ellington showed a lot of skills throughout this tournament, and she was playing up a division. She made some tough moves that instantly forced you to take notice of her game. She was getting to the rim and finishing through contact. Ellington showed she can stretch out the defense with her ability to knock down the deep ball as well. I was really impressed by her handles, along with how quick and effective her first step was.
James is a special player. She is an incoming freshman who plays like a veteran. You would never guess she was playing up 2 divisions just from watching her. James has so much raw talent, but she doesn’t settle for that and she really works hard whenever she’s on the court. She’s extremely quick, has excellent handles, really creates for her teammates, and can score inside or out. James does a great job of drawing help and locating the open player or space. She’s also an excellent defender that’s able to apply a lot of on-ball pressure. She is a very shifty finisher at the rim as well.