Wheeler Impresses In Early Dynasty 14U Game

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Prep Girls Hoops [program_tooltip program_id='716194' first='[program_tooltip program_id='716194' first='[program_tooltip program_id='714510' first='[program_tooltip program_id='713097' first='Dynasty' last='']' last='']' last='']' last=''] Regional Finals began on July 1 in Lawrence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I scouted two early matches from the eight courts worth of basketball action.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first game I watched was between the [program_tooltip program_id='712424' first='Kansas' last='Bluejays'] 2027 and [program_tooltip program_id='715643' first='Kansas' last='Elite'] 2027 squads in 14U Pool A play. The Bluejays won a close game 29-23 over the Elite.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is the first of two reports on game action from Lawrence this one featuring four athletes headed into their freshman seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='779229' first='Ivey' last='Wheeler']</strong>, 5'3", CG, Trinity Academy, ‘27</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wheeler is a pure shooter and had the most impressive performance that I witnessed. She led all scorers with 20 points. She was scoring from all over the court shooting 5-of-7 from the field and 8-of-9 from the free throw lines. Wheeler made two 3-point field goals and has a smooth jump shot. She plays with her head up and looks to push the ball in transition and can split defenders in the half-court to get to the bucket. Her free throws late in the game clinched the outcome for the Bluejays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='779212' first='Addison' last='Davee']</strong> 6'1", C, Maize South, ‘27</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Davee should be highly ranked when the first Class of 2027 rankings is released by PGH.  When she gets more confident and finishes off plays, she could be a double-double performer every time she takes the court. She finished with seven rebounds and two blocks. She can change an opponent's shot and does not leave her feet defensively. Davee scored four points, but that could have easily been 10 as she missed a couple of 2-footers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='690344' first='Maliyah' last='Bell']</strong>, 5'11", PF Winfield, ‘27&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bell is a powerhouse for the Bluejays. She scored five points, collected five rebounds, and blocked one shot. &nbsp;She has solid ball skills for someone her size and looks to drive to the basket. She plays strong in the post and can create match-up problems for defenders with her combination of size and speed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='746588' first='Rikai' last='Cook']</strong>, 5'5", PF, Shawnee Mission Northwest, ‘27</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cook had a solid game for a short-handed Elite team. She gets on the floor and chases after loose balls. She works hard to get quality position in the post. Cook has extreme upper body strength which makes her a threat in the post. She finished with three points and six rebounds. She can shoot from the outside, but I think she needs to focus on becoming an interior scorer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->