Wichita I-35 Showcase Preview : 5 2024 Posts to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2024s will make up more than a third of field for Sunday's I-35 Showcase at the Wichita Sports Forum. The 5 post players below usually are found playing the 4 and 5 spot but watch out for their perimeter game as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Claira Dannefer</strong>, 6'0", Abilene, Wheat State Elite - Dannefer is new to me and is therefore currently unranked. From video what immediately stands out is her solid frame and good length and that she is the purest interior player on this list. She made good use of both as well as good footwork in using a crisp, quick, up-and-under move from the left elbow to get a layup. She elevates well goes up quickly off the interior catch. Dannefer also has the athleticism to go after off-target passes and turn the catch into something. She runs well and has solid speed. Dannefer also looks to box inside. This will be my first in-person look and I anticipate seeing a great deal to like against a variety of differently sized and built post players. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='196766' first='Elle' last='Hatcher'], 6'0", Liberal, SSA Gameball Basketball - While Hatcher has slipped some in the latest rankings release she has had a solid summer and is on the cusp of climbing back into the top 20. I have been following her for a couple years and most recently saw her at the Hutchinson Community College team camp. What I always see from Hatcher is hustle, transition speed, defensive competitiveness, shot blocking and rebounding on both ends. She also has handles to go coast-to-coast with speed, finishing ability with both hands, and solid passing. Hatcher also boxes well and can stroke it from nearly 25'. I will be really homing in on her inside game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='265120' first='Ava' last='Howie'], 5'11", Maize South, SSA Gameball Basketball - Another player I have watched for a couple years, Howie has had a terrific summer after a really good sophomore year with the Mavericks. I like Howie's frame and length. But what I really enjoy watching is her hands. She will punish opponents out of the inside-out and high-low game, light up from the mid-range and perimeter with a quick release, and get out in transition after a rebound. Where she has especially improved over the summer is in her face-up and back-to-basket game. Howie has hung around the top 50 since she first appeared but now more than ever she is a player that defenses have to constantly keep track of. On the other end, Howie is a very solid defender and rebounder who gets out in transition after a rebound. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='453759' first='Ryan' last='Peak'], 5'10", Emporia - Peak debuted in the rankings with the latest release. Playing with her Spartan teammates in the MAYB Summer Kickoff, Peak played with strength and speed. She worked hard to score inside as well as to defend. As it was my first time seeing her, I am looking forward to seeing more elements of her game this weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='396405' first='Alana' last='Shetlar'], 6'2", Andover, Kansas United - Shetlar broke into the top 5 following her play at the MAYB Hall of Fame event in April. She initially broke into the rankings because of her play during the season against McPherson and Liberal. She is arguably the best mid-range shooter in the state. And with her height, length, hops, and release point and quickness her shot is pretty much unblockable at the high school level. And in that area, if a defender happens to get lucky to challenge she will take them to the hole and score over them anyway. And make the free throw if fouled. Shetlar is a strong perimeter shooter who can hit the three ball with range off the catch and off her own dribble. What launcher her into the top 5 was her handles and quickness to take defenders off the bounce from the perimeter. Not that they weren't before, more smurf sized players are in serious trouble now. Fast in transition Shetlar is also a terrific rebounder on both ends of the floor and a physical defender. She holds a few D II offers but she is just getting started. As she gets physically stronger she will draw widespread attention.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Featured image: Liberal 2024 [player_tooltip player_id='196766' first='Elle' last='Hatcher']. Photo: Robert Kelly.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->