2023 Rankings Update- Under The Radar Players

[player_tooltip player_id='373859' first='Ella' last='Collum']This 2023 Guard is definitely a needle in the haystack, flying under the radar all while working hard in order to do her job on the court at Cullman High School. When first seeing Ella play, I was impressed with her basketball IQ. She can rebound strongly on either board, offensively or defensively. She has a great shot and is not afraid to shoot it. She is a factor on both ends of the court, with that 5-10 frame. You can't go wrong with her being on your team.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/09/IMG_3171-1024x1018.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-500299" width="195" height="193" /><figcaption>2023 [player_tooltip player_id='324035' first='Layla' last='Etchison'] CG Hoover High School </figcaption></figure>   Layla is that "problem" on the Hoover Lady Bucs that we talk about all the time. She is a shooter and can drive to basket and finish with contact. On defense, she has an eye for the ball, reading lanes, anticipating passes, and defying the ball when defending the opponent's best player. Layla is also very athletic, and can cover the floor with ease.      [player_tooltip player_id='324040' first='Hope' last='West'] Hope is a member of the 2023 Southern Starz EYBL Squad, and she has developed a good inside and outside game. Her shooting form is good whether is from the free throw line or behind the arc, she's automatic. Hope is also a good defender hustling all the time and is not afraid to mix it up on her opponents. Nice body size, which helps when taking that contact and finishing most of the time. West is a recent University of West Florida commit and we look forward to good thing on the next level for her.   [player_tooltip player_id='330731' first='Emily' last='Straughn'] When talking to Coach Price about Emily, leader was the word used to describe her. Emily will hold her Mountain Brook teammates accountable on and off the court to work hard and get better on a daily basic. She can shoot the trey ball, finds that open player and just brings so much energy to the court. Then on defense that 4.56GPA plays into that basketball knowledge of understanding the game, and just always being in the right place at the right time for those steals and rebounds in overall creating an advantage for her team.   [player_tooltip player_id='382407' first='Jaylen' last='Sturdivant'] Jaylan standing at 6-5 and being a dominant force on the court, and recently committing to Southern Union, the best is yet come. There isn't a rebound that she won't get, so get out of her way. She runs the floor well, and took full advantage of her size when in the paint.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/09/IMG-3443-scaled-crop-2076x1363-1663175329.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-500433" width="281" height="183" /><figcaption>2023 [player_tooltip player_id='330697' first='Kennedi' last='Wagner'] SG Ramsay High School</figcaption></figure>   Kennedi is consisted one of the best shooting in the Birmingham area, she is also a hard worker and is what we call a "gym rat" whether is working on her game or just conditioning. I've seen this kid play since like 6th grade, and each year she has improved a part of her game. If you see her in either corner or at the top of the key, just go ahead and write three points in the book. She is also scrappy on defense, moving her feet well and using active hands to create turnovers.   [player_tooltip player_id='473633' first='Courtney' last='Williams'] Under Coach Sledge, the Parker Lady Thundering Herds have become one of the Birmingham City Schools to beat, and Courtney is one of the reasons. She is an undersize post player that will battle with the trees for every rebound and they will remember her. Courtney has great movement without the ball and will sneak in the back of the defense for a score. Courtney is a quiet player but yet very aggressive on both ends of the court.   This Class of 2032 will represent our state well this year, and we are looking forward to continued coverage of these seniors. If there are any seniors that you would like to see included in upcoming articles, please email me at denise@prepgirlshoops.com.

Ella Collum Ella Collum 5'10" | SG Cullman | 2023 State AL This 2023 Guard is definitely a needle in the haystack, flying under the radar all while working hard in order to do her job on the court at Cullman High School. When first seeing Ella play, I was impressed with her basketball IQ. She can rebound strongly on either board, offensively or defensively. She has a great shot and is not afraid to shoot it. She is a factor on both ends of the court, with that 5-10 frame. You can't go wrong with her being on your team.