More Athletes to Watch This Summer
In this article:
Before the AAU season begins in April, I want to write about a few kids I think people should watch. I want to mention a few kids specifically because I believe they’re either slightly under the radar or may not…
Access all of Prep Girls Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingBefore the AAU season begins in April, I want to write about a few kids I think people should watch. I want to mention a few kids specifically because I believe they’re either slightly under the radar or may not be a name people are thinking about now but will be in a few months. Today, this is the first of the two pieces I want to write discussing kids of that nature.
Alyvia McCorkle Alyvia McCorkle 5'8" | PG Bettendorf | 2026 State IA
People of any age or skill level like playing with people that make their lives easier, and nobody does that more than Alyvia McCorkle Alyvia McCorkle 5'8" | PG Bettendorf | 2026 State IA . After I first saw her play up an age level last summer, the first thing that stood out was her willingness to lay out after everything if it meant gaining her team an extra possession. After that, I loved how well she controlled the floor with the ball. Nothing seemed to get to her, and she did an excellent job playing fast while taking her time. She played at her pace and always made plays to help her team succeed.
Laynee Hogan Laynee Hogan 5'9" | PG East Buchanan | 2025 State IA
Kids who play at small schools will always have the same knocks at the high school level, and it doesn’t make sense. Hogan was one of the best creators in the state last season, and she’s proven it time and time again. She is one of the most physical guards I’ve seen, and over a game, she wears people down because she will drive straight through her defender whenever she wants to get to the rim. Someone’s going to love her physical brand of basketball.
Claire Lueken
Of all the post players at the high school level, Lueken was one of the most well-rounded last season. She did an excellent job playing through contact in the paint for a team who loved to play through their posts. Lueken’s ability to dominate the space around the rim helped her Golden Eagle team to win their section and nearly take their quarterfinal game at the State Tournament.
Reagan Pagniano Reagan Pagniano 5'7" | SG Pleasant Valley | 2025 State IA
I loved Pagniano’s poise when I saw her play at the state tournament. She was swarmed on the catch in multiple games at the state tournament and rarely made mistakes. When the ball got to her, she made good decisions and sunk some timely shots. Pagniano, like the other Pleasant Valley players, was an outstanding defender and solid on the offensive end, and I have no reason to believe she won’t continue being that player this summer.