Versatile Defensive Prospects: Preseason Preview
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Braelynn Barnett Braelynn Barnett 6'1" | SF Cherry Creek | 2025 State CO – Cherry Creek – 2025 Barnett brings fundamental defense along with physical play on the interior. Standing right around 5’11, the sophomore forward gets most of her…
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Continue ReadingBraelynn Barnett Braelynn Barnett 6'1" | SF Cherry Creek | 2025 State CO – Cherry Creek – 2025
Barnett brings fundamental defense along with physical play on the interior. Standing right around 5’11, the sophomore forward gets most of her production inside the arc, either as rebounder or shot blocker. Barnett proved to be a dependable defender coming from the weak side, getting blocks with either hand. She also played a key role trapping opponents within the halfcourt and ripping the ball away. The small forward has shown flashes as a three-point shooter when given space. As a freshman last season, Barnett averaged 9.8 points and 5.6 rebounds per game while contributing 50% of her two-point attempts. Cherry Creek will be in good hands for the foreseeable future, as their three leading scorers are all freshman, including Barnett, A’Neya Chambers A’Neya Chambers 5'10" | CG Cherry Creek | 2025 State CO , and Tianna Chambers Tianna Chambers 6'0" | CG Cherry Creek | 2025 State CO . Big things are in store for that group down in Greenwood Village.
Nashara Ellerbee Nashara Ellerbee 6'0" | PF Northfield | 2024 State CO – Northfield – 2024
Ellerbee will have a key season ahead at Northfield, bringing defensive toughness to another fairly young core group. The incoming junior power forward stands right around 6′ tall and makes the most of her reach. Ellerbee stays fundamentally sound when going to block shots, notably keeping both arms up without fouling opposing drivers. She is capable taking hits one on one or rotating over for the block. Through her sophomore year, Ellerbee averaged 7.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.2 stocks (stl + blk) while contributing 44% of her two-point attempts. Ellerbee brings intriguing defensive potential, as somebody capable guarding up to three positions, making her a capable defender when switching the screen. She has shown flashes as a versatile scoring threat, through short floaters and the occasional three pointer. Ellerbee currently sits as the 79th overall prospect in the class and 10th among power forwards.
Peyton Marvel Peyton Marvel 5'9" | SG D'Evelyn | 2024 State CO – D’Evelyn – 2024
Marvel should be primed for a major season at D’Evelyn after posting otherworldly numbers her sophomore year. The incoming junior shooting guard makes sure to prioritize the fundamentals on defense, such as boxing out an opponent and trapping on the sideline. Marvel made waves this past season, averaging 16.5 points, 14 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 4.5 steals while contributing 47% of her field goal attempts. Continuing to develop her pick and roll game will have a major influence her upside. Marvel sits at 25th in the 2024 class and 2nd among shooting guards.
Tianna Chambers Tianna Chambers 6'0" | CG Cherry Creek | 2025 State CO – Cherry Creek – 2025
Chambers will be a high-level name in the state for the foreseeable future, proving to be knockdown shooter at 6′ tall. The incoming sophomore wing has already picked up offers from multiple NCAA programs, notably Montana State and Colorado State. Chambers proved to be a potent shooter out beyond the arc, notably coming off screens for shots off the catch on volume. Within the fast break, Chambers has high IQ making outlet passes towards open teammates, no matter the window. On the opposite end, Chambers has the reach and strength to battle with three positions, both in the paint and out on the perimeter. This past season at Cherry Creek, the wing averaged a team high 10.9 points and 3 assists per game. Chambers is currently on the state’s watch list for the 2025 class, stay tuned.