Final Four Standouts Pt.1
The AHSAA Girls Basketball State Finals have been taking place all week (February 27-March 4th) in Birmingham, Alabama at Legacy Arena. Some of the most talented players in the entire state have all gathered here in Birmingham with hopes of…
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Continue ReadingThe AHSAA Girls Basketball State Finals have been taking place all week (February 27-March 4th) in Birmingham, Alabama at Legacy Arena. Some of the most talented players in the entire state have all gathered here in Birmingham with hopes of helping their team bring home a State Title. I had the honor of being able catch several games and evaluate a few very talented young ladies. In this article I will be diving into what specific aspects of these girl’s games caught my eye at both first glance, and after more detailed evaluation.
Abby Langlois
Abby Langlois
Abby Langlois is a rare case of a young player who is already both extremely polished and very skilled. Langlois has phenomenal footwork and finishes extremely well around the rim. Langlois also does an exceptional job of constantly getting herself deep into position around the rim both early often, thus putting her defender at a constant disadvantage thought possessions.
At 6’1 Langlois is both a highly active rebounder, and a very elite rim protector. Langlois is not only a high level individual defender in the post, she does an tremendous job of rotating over and altering shots in help side as well. A dual sport athlete ( Basketball & Volleyball), Langlois is someone I’d expect to continue to receive attention on the basketball court. Even with it currently probably being her secondary sport.
Maci Brown
Maci Brown
Maci Brown is a skilled playmaker who does a great job of making the right decisions out on the floor. Brown is really good at controlling the tempo and pace of the game. At no point does she ever appear to be fazed or out of control.
In terms of her playmaking specifically, Brown can create high quality offensive looks for both her teammates and herself rather it be by penetrating the defense or simply making the right pass. Brown is a extremely solid ballhandler who seemingly has no issues getting to wherever she wants to on the court. All of this without even mentioning the fact that Brown is also an elite shooter from the perimeter.
Ella Dickerson
Ella Dickerson
Ella Dickerson can flat out shoot the ball. Dickerson has a solid release that her allows her to get off shots from deep in a timely matter. Dickerson also displays high basketball IQ as she does a really great job of finding open spots out on the floor, and due to that it seems like the basketball often finds her. Dickerson all but sealed the deal with a barrage of consecutive threes in the fourth quarter to push her team ahead into the title game.
Dickerson’s size, length, and ability to space the floor can cause matchup issues that may only continue as she continues to grown and expand her game over the next few years.
Nakeriona Heard
Nakeriona Heard
Nakeriona Heard was easily the fastest, and arguably most athletic player I got to witness this week. Heard’s lightning speed and quickness make it almost impossible to slow her down in transition. Factor that in with Heard being a very good finisher and that’ll give you an idea of how dangerous she can be on the break.
On the defense side of the ball Heard is just as dangerous. Heard is an extremely active defender who does a great job of anticipating and getting her hands on the basketball. Heard has the ability to really aggravate opposing ball handlers as soon as they cross half court.