Spring Preview: PGs to See

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><em>The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='177348' first='Maddie' last='Nipper'] (2024) of Charlestown High School.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we transition from the high school season to the grassroots season, I wanted to take the time to highlight a handful of players from around the state who I would like to check in on early this Spring. Now, I realize this isn't "everyone", and there might be better prospects out there, but for one reason or another I am anxious to see these young ladies in action in March and April. This specific article will focus on six point guards, two each from 2024, 2025, and 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='572801' first='Ava' last='Melendez'], 2024, 5-0 PG, Portage H.S.</strong><br>- Ava is a little, quick, fast, and feisty point guard prospect. She returned to the court this season after missing last season due to an injury. She can fill it up outside, get to the basket and collapse defenses, and she's a pest defensively. Look for her with Chicago Hoops Express.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='177348' first='Maddie' last='Nipper'], 2024, 5-5 PG, Charlestown H.S.</strong><br>- Maddie is a tough-nosed, quick, skillful and heady point guard. I really like how she competes each possession, she always shows a quiet toughness, and she can really fill it up from the perimeter. She will be playing with [program_tooltip program_id='714250' first='Indiana' last='Pride']-Duke this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='295799' first='Kya' last='Hurt'], 2025, 5-7 PG, Lawrence North H.S.</strong><br>- Kya had a strong Winter for the Wildcats, and it seems like she has turned that proverbial corner and is really understanding how to take her physical talent and skill, and she is playing with more discipline. Look for her to be with Ty Harris Elite's 17U team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='506018' first='Emma' last='Simpson'], 2025, 5-7 PG, Parke Heritage H.S.</strong><br>- Emma is very much an under-the-radar prospect. She is skilled, athletic, tough, and she has a natural feel for the game. She posted huge numbers for Parke Heritage this season, and she should explode this Spring &amp; Summer with the [program_tooltip program_id='714250' first='Indiana' last='Pride'] Xtreme 17U team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='567138' first='Aaniyah' last='Bonner'], 2026, 5-6 PG, NorthWood H.S.</strong><br>- Full transparency, I am familiar with Aaniyah, but I have yet to see her. That's why I am anxious to see her early this Spring. She had a really nice season for the Black Swish, and I want to see how she matches up against better competition with her [program_tooltip program_id='716173' first='Always' last='100'] team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='486525' first='Elle' last='Jo Johnson'], 2026, 5-4 PG, North Posey H.S.</strong><br>- Elle Jo was really good at a couple of showcase events I saw her participate in during the 2022 Summer/Fall. She is quick, skillful, and fun to watch. She can direct offense or score it a little herself, and I'm anxious to see her with her Indiana Storm team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->