Noteworthy Senior Rim Protectors – Preseason Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='145428' first='Aiyana' last='Mitchell'] - Fountain-Fort Carson </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mitchell should be one of the state's best shot blockers next season, both inside and out. The incoming 6'4 senior center will play a key defensive role this season. Mitchell had a productive junior season, producing team high averages of 13.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 5 stocks (steals + blocks) per game. What makes Mitchell so unique is her mobility contesting shots, whether that be a weak side rotation under the rim or closing out a perimeter jumper. One area I will keep tabs on is her role as a interior passer, where she has plenty of room to grow leveraging her strength. Mitchell sits as the 9th overall prospect in the 2023 class and 2nd among centers. She also has received quite a few division 1 offers, including but not limited to Belmont, Boston College, Vanderbilt, UT San Antonio, and UC Santa Barbara. Although living down south, Mitchell is must watch prospect within the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='318873' first='Amelia' last='Rosin'] - Monarch</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rosin brings physicality and playmaking upside within the frontcourt. Standing right around 6'1, Rosin will a noteworthy prospect due to her passing vision with clear height advantages. Although not posting high numbers of assists, she has quick reactions passing out to shooters or baseline cutters should the defense rotate. She proved capable initiating contact around the rim, where she fights for putbacks and contributes a high rate of rebounds. Rosin proved to be a difficult matchup posting up, given her dominance fronting on those attempts. This past season at Monarch, Rosin avreaged 12.4 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game. Rosin currently ranks 28th overall and 4th among power forwards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='118721' first='Amanda' last='Byrnes'] - Brighton </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":295391,"width":265,"height":199,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2021/06/IMG_0515-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-295391" width="265" height="199"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Byrnes is a tough opponent down in the paint, given her constant hustle and attention to detail on defense. Standing right around 6'1, the power forward stays aggressive on the glass going both ways, proving to box out her matchup. Certainly preferring the interior, Byrnes utilizes post hooks and pivot moves to score around opposing forwards. Another clear strength comes from her rim protection, blocking drivers with ease. Continuing to leverage her left hand on drives and finishes will be essential for her offensive upside. Byrnes most recently averaged 7.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game. Byrnes currently ranks 32nd within the senior class and 5th among power forwards.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":405484,"width":230,"height":230,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/03/part0.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-405484" width="230" height="230"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='318885' first='Dalana' last='Jakovljevic'] - Littleton</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jakovljevic brings size and hustle as the 2023 class's top center at roughly 6'1. The incoming senior is a tough cover on the glass, notably on the offensive end. At her height, Jakovljevic is tough to box out, given that she is always lurking for a putback opportunity. She is more than capable finishing around the rim with either hand, even drawing multiple fouls a game due to her height advantage. This past season at Littleton, Jakovljevic averaged 9.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game. Coming into the season, the senior sits at 59th overall and 1st among centers.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->