2024 Guards Debuting Outside the Top 100.

Wrapping up debuting players outside the top 100 in the 2024 ranks I turn to the guards. Previously forwards and centers <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2022/08/the-5-2024-forwards-centers-debuting-outside-the-top-100/">outside</a> the 100 were listed. The prospects are listed in rank order. Enjoy the look at the is the. In ranked order, take a look at more forwards and centers who joined the ranks heading into their junior season.   [player_tooltip player_id='453816' first='Sophie' last='Hurley'], 5'8", SG, Maize South - Hurley was one of many players this summer I enjoyed seeing playing with her high school team at the June MAYB Summer Kickoff in Wichita - Hurley has average ball skills but can dribble at speed and finish in transition off the catch or steal. She also moves well without the ball and has steady quickness on both ends of the floor. I also like her ability to make the soft, off-ball wing to opposite side block lob. Everything she does enables her to perimeter shooting to be zone busting. Defenses have to keep track of her everywhere and all the time or risk giving up the three ball. On both ends of the floor plays well within the team.   [player_tooltip player_id='335961' first='Cyrenity' last='Hardy'], 5'8", CG, Lawrence, [program_tooltip program_id='713364' first='Royalty' last='Basketball'] - "Tank" is a prospect I have seen a couple times this past summer, commonly at PGH [program_tooltip program_id='716194' first='[program_tooltip program_id='716194' first='[program_tooltip program_id='714510' first='[program_tooltip program_id='713097' first='Dynasty' last='']' last='']' last='']' last=''] Circuit events. Hardy is a quiet presence on the floor but if she can get her perimeter shooting confidence locked in, look out. Over the couple years I have been following her Hardy has shown the ability to get out in transition including after a rebound outlet, fills lanes, and does so with speed. She also has good length and is a consistent and physically strong on-ball defender.   [player_tooltip player_id='453761' first='Nascent' last='Robinson'], 5'5", CG, Wichita Northwest - Robinson was a Greater Wichita Area League 2022 honorable mention. Against Clearwater in late January Robinson showed open court ability including going at a defender one-on-one in transition. She also has the ability to make a quick play with her feet on the left block for an easier lay-in than expected. Robinson is also a three ball threat.   [player_tooltip player_id='429991' first='Megan' last='Ricke'], 5'8", SG, Wichita County, [program_tooltip program_id='715500' first='Magic' last='Basketball'] - I have seen Ricke play a couple times over the summer but my colleague Matthew Martinez also saw her at the Colorado Prep Girls Hoops [program_tooltip program_id='716194' first='[program_tooltip program_id='716194' first='[program_tooltip program_id='714510' first='[program_tooltip program_id='713097' first='Dynasty' last='']' last='']' last='']' last=''] Circuit event, Rocky Mountain Mayhem, in mid-May. Martinez reported that Ricke is a "Wing/Forward who can score in multiple ways; Ricke can shoot the 3 ball, drive into the lane and finish at the rim with “tear drop” floaters as well." She has a very solid perimeter release.   [player_tooltip player_id='453762' first='Reece' last='Smith'], 5'5", PG, Trego Community - The Rawlins County transfer is expected to run the point for the Golden Eagles. Last season she earned Northwest Kansas League third team honors averaging 9.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.1 steals, and 2.7 assists. I expect her assists to turnovers ratio to crack above 1 this season.   [player_tooltip player_id='453763' first='Teegan' last='Baker'], 5'3", CG, Emporia, [program_tooltip program_id='713034' first='Wheat' last='State Elite'] - I also saw Baker at the MAYB Summer Kickoff playing with her fellow Spartans. The team really worked over opponents with their inside game but overall Baker showed herself to be a stead, solid guard with good strength.   [player_tooltip player_id='453777' first='Kya' last='Thornton'], 5'5", CG, Circle, [program_tooltip program_id='713034' first='Wheat' last='State Elite'] - I have unfortunately been unable to see Thornton play this summer but being named to the Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League Division III first team earned her a slot in the rankings.   [player_tooltip player_id='453779' first='Gracie' last='Riner'], 5'4", PG, Osborne - Riner is a two-time all-Northern Plains League selection. She earned first team honors in 2022 after being named to the second team in 2021. A solid 35%+ three point shooter she averaged in double digits and racked up more than 3 steals and assists per game.   [player_tooltip player_id='398990' first='Keegan' last='Yarick'], 5'8", SG/PF, Fort Scott, [program_tooltip program_id='713034' first='Wheat' last='State Elite'] - I will be really watching Yarick's athleticism in the upcoming season. The June 22, 2022, Battle at the Border USJN Pool R all star is a consistent three point shooting threat with a quick release.   [player_tooltip player_id='453780' first='Anna' last='Thielen'], 5'5", CG, Wilson, KS Dream Team - I saw Thielen at the first summer event I attended this year, the early April MAYB Hall of Fame Showcase. While she has a tendency to put the ball on the floor too much but she is aggressive with the ball. Feisty defensively, Thielen has quick feet and does a consistent job boxing on perimeter shots. She earned Northern Plains League third team honors a season ago.   Featured image: Lawrence and [program_tooltip program_id='713364' first='Royalty' last='Basketball'] 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='335961' first='Cyrenity' last='Hardy']. Photo: Robert Kelly.

Wrapping up debuting players outside the top 100 in the 2024 ranks I turn to the guards. Previously forwards and centers outside the 100 were listed. The prospects are listed in rank order. Enjoy the look at the is the. In ranked order, take a look at more forwards and centers who joined the ranks heading into their junior season.