Rankings Update 2024: Edge of the Top-15

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='495906' first='Natalie' last='Thornton'] - Horizon</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":504392,"width":266,"height":176,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/09/83-Natalie-Thornton.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-504392" width="266" height="176" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thornton brings constant energy from the defensive end, proving to be one of the grittiest perimeter defenders in the class. The 5'6 combo guard out of 7-5 Horizon takes no time off on the defensive end, successfully digging into opposing perimeter threats. Due to large amount of steals generated, she is a natural playmaker in transition. Throughout the season, Thornton has posted 10 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 2.1 steals per game. Due to her two-way impact, the junior guard has received an offer from local Division II program Regis. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='216733' first='Gianna' last='Whiteside'] - George Washington</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":499833,"width":163,"height":217,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/09/IMG-1652-edited.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-499833" width="163" height="217" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The power forward has played a vital role with 10-4 George Washington. Whiteside links together the finishing touches of the perimeter playmakers within this group. A physical finisher, Whiteside can score through contact with either hand. She is a truly vocal presence on the defensive end, calling out rotations on a possession by possession basis. Opposing drivers should be wary of taking her on inside the paint, as she is ruthless getting blocks. Throughout the season, Whiteside has posted 9.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.5 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game. An especially intriguing area of her game with be her decisionmaking in the fullcourt. Whiteside has shown multiple times a game that she can push the pace following a defensive rebound, going coast to coast. Not to mention, the forward has received an offer MSU Denver back in July. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='263608' first='Julia' last='Leach'] - Cherry Creek</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Leach brings plenty of grit to Cherry Creek's frontcourt. At roughly 6'2, she battles in the paint versus anyone, fearing nobody. Kicking off the season with 5.1 points and 4 rebounds, Leach assists with the team's rebounding baseline. Her height creates initial advantages down low, stunting opponents attempting to crash the glass. The forward has been especially consistent around the rim when going to the left hand, utilizing turnarounds to fool defenders. Although playing within a smaller role, she has done her part for 10-3 Cherry Creek. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='118726' first='Jenna' last='Krise'] - Briggsdale</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Krise has been putting on a show within 1A, contributing truly dominant numbers with Briggsdale. Starting her season with 25.6 points, 7.9 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 3.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game while knocking down 60% of two point attempts and 45% from beyond the arc. At 5'11, Krise is capable seeing above the defense, utilizing her vision for skip passes or other live dribble reads. Although the soul of Briggsdale's offense, Krise does great playing either on or off the ball, aided by her elite shooting gravity. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">[player_tooltip player_id='216667' first='Shyann' last='Farbes'] - Eaglecrest</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An excellent complementary option for a stacked Eaglecrest group, Farbes has been steady through her junior season. Doing plenty of the little things necessary to stay on the floor. She keeps attention to detail creating deflections and steals, making the most of her quick hands. At roughly 5'9, Farbes has posted 8.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 2.2 steals per game while knocking down 45% of three point attempts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->