The Big 8 Stock Risers in the 2023 Class Update

Most players make substantial rankings moves as a result of their hard work. Others, I finally see enough of their game and move them up accordingly. The eight players that follow are those that made major advances up the class rankings. Players are listed in rank order. And coaches, not all are committed yet but you better get on it.   [player_tooltip player_id='192848' first='Jenna' last='Weber'], 5'9", PG, Spring Hill - The Frontier League 2022 first team jumped into the top 20 with a big 33 spot move. The quick and athletic scorer that Weber is creates serious match-up problems for defenses...and that is even if the team has someone quick enough to stay with her. She is tough on both ends of the floor in good part because of her length and smarts. She attacks close-outs well, posts up smaller guards, can create her shot from anywhere, and has terrific open court handles. I really like how she snags the off-ball steal with the correct hand, blocks shots without fouling, and is as good at scoring with a floater with either hand as she is at shooting the three ball.   [player_tooltip player_id='390868' first='Faith' last='Shields'], 5'8", SF, Topeka - The University of Missouri-Kansas City commit rocketed up 98 spots. Debuting a year ago in the rankings, Shields is a very solid perimeter shooter with good length and size. She has good transitions speed and scoring ability. A strong suit is using her handles and a quick step in attacking close-outs, getting into the lane as a result for a nice runner.   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-thumbnail"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/10/54-Ava-Baker.jpg?w=150&h=150&crop=1" alt="" class="wp-image-530844" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Louisburg 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='450344' first='Ava' last='Baker']. Photo: Prep Girls Hoops.</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='450344' first='Ava' last='Baker'], 5'9", SF, Louisburg - All the tools are there for this high potential prospect. Climbing 36 spots, she is fast, elevates well on perimeter shots as well as rebounds, and can score at all three levels. Baker has a terrific build and good length. Having jump shooting ability is a big plus. Has some work to do preventing post players from gaining position inside and playing with consistent KYB aggression.   [player_tooltip player_id='345513' first='Sariyah' last='Williams'], 6'1", C, Olathe North - Williams has had a big season while, climbing 29 spots, and rewarded herself by commiting to play college ball at Butler Community College. With an anxious coach Zo looking on Williams played heavy minutes through four games at the October Shawnee PGH Top 250, matched up with a wide variety of post players. She got stronger as the day went on. Williams has a big frame to play power forward and center positions. She also has solid transition speed and good footwork to create for herself and teammates around the basket. I like, as have other scouts, how she can track down rebounds and put together moves around the hole.   [player_tooltip player_id='522445' first='Ainsley' last='Lister'], 5'11", C, Blue Valley - Sometimes a player is known but not enough is known about them. Lister is an example. Enough of her game needed to be seen. We are there now, enabling her to explode up the rankings 137 spots. She has legitimate size and length but what I really like is how active she is on both ends in small ways Lister looks for opponents to box away from perimeter shots, has good bounce on catch and finishes, and does not just can take opponents to the hole from above the key but also sells ball fakes to create opportunities.   <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/07/Daphne-Bracker-Sturm-2023-Lawrence-KC-Royalty-Basketball-2023.jpg?w=425" alt="" class="wp-image-464925" width="179" height="179" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Lawrence 2023 [player_tooltip player_id='335963' first='Daphne' last='Bracker-Sturm']. Photo: Robert Kelly, Prep Girls Hoops.</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='335963' first='Daphne' last='Bracker-Sturm'], 6'3", C, Lawrence - Over the past half year plus I have shared moments in Bracker-Sturms' growth. After turning herself into the quality big a very good Lawrence team needed, she climbed 57 spots. She has quickness to defend on the short perimeter, defend better inside, and to use moves out of her face-up and back-to-basket game. Her transitioning ability has substantially improved also. Among the abilities I like is how well she protects the ball off the rebound and adjusts her defensive play to the quickness and size of opposing posts. She has been among the rebounding leaders throughout the season in the Sunflower League. Bracker-Sturn will be heading east to play for Bryn Mawr College in the fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='345527' first='Maddie' last='Mauch'], 5'4", PG, Shawnee Mission Northwest - This heady point guard climbed 31 spots. A good perimeter shooter, Mauch has a strong change of pace dribble; drops dimes well off the bounce; and finishes with both hands. A player with quick hands and feet.

Most players make substantial rankings moves as a result of their hard work. Others, I finally see enough of their game and move them up accordingly. The eight players that follow are those that made major advances up the class rankings. Players are listed in rank order. And coaches, not all are committed yet but you better get on it.