Urbana Shootout- Sleepers to Watch
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Last weekend was the 3rd annual Urbana Shootout which brought together 12 high school basketball teams for a 4-game event. I had the chance to catch every team who played and will take a look at some of the top…
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Continue ReadingLast weekend was the 3rd annual Urbana Shootout which brought together 12 high school basketball teams for a 4-game event. I had the chance to catch every team who played and will take a look at some of the top players I saw from Friday and Saturday.
This week I will take a look at some sleepers to watch, stockrisers to note, underclassmen with bright futures and my Urbana Shootout All-Tournament team.
Reese Poling – Fairbanks
Showed me some good skills with a solid pick-and-pop, moves without the ball well, and can score from mid range. She is their leader from a team coming off of a big season that saw them lose several seniors. Her role should increase this year. Full of energy and high-octane player.
Allanna Bolden – Troy
I expect her game to really blossom this upcoming season as a senior at Troy. Good penetrator to the rim, moves well and runs in transition. Smart with the ball and distributes well. Active and a good finisher. Look for her production to increase as she has to take on a bigger role.
Landry Niles – Troy
As a sophomore, Landry will have to take a big leadership role this season for the Trojans. She got a good taste of the varsity game speed as a freshman, and in this shootout, she came out right away and showed fearless moves to the rim, taking the ball into traffic. Good family basketball genes, Landry could develop into a productive player this season.
Abbi Jennings – Valley View
Could be a nice sleeper this year for the Spartans, she returns to the team and has some nice tools. She has quick hands that could cause turnovers, also can get to the rim with a good first step. Time will tell, but I think she’s a player that could be want to watch the season.
Avery Whitaker Avery Whitaker 5'11" | PF Waynesville | 2025 State OH – Waynesville
I am really big on this kids improvement and what she will mean to a team who can make a nice run. Tall, athletic player, able to play inside or out and can score in all three phases of the game. In the paint she has strong, physical moves and finishes well on either side. This is a player you will want to know!
Emilee Earl Emilee Earl 5'11" | PF Houston | 2025 OH – Houston
Good strong, physical frame who also is able to move well without the ball. Can defend multiple positions, will step out and put pressure on the ball up top. Athletic and is able to get into the paint to score. Able to finish well at the rim.
Sophia Spangler Sophia Spangler 5'6" | CG Loudonville | 2024 State OH – Loudonville
One of the very first things that people sitting with me stated was how much better Spangler’s passing has gotten. It has really improved and she sees the floor well. Finds her teammates. She can also score when she has to. Plays in the summer for Buckeye Blast and her senior leadership is something she will rely on this season. (feature photo above)