Hidden Gems: 2024 Guards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some prospects shine in the spotlight early, while others hide underground like diamonds waiting to be discovered. These hidden gems have been found and are ready to shine. Ring the bell!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='792674' first='Brooke' last='Swartz']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'8u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12123","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Bay City Western","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='792674' first='Brooke' last='Swartz'] u003c/strongu003e(#33) finished All-Conference following her 2022-23 campaign with BCW. Her numbers were comparable to [player_tooltip player_id='336004' first='Jordyn' last='Egger'] in Saginaw Valley League competitions, yet Swartz is completely off the map! Brooke averaged 13 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals in SVL games as a point guard: where's the love? Read more on Brooke's contribution to BCW's 2022 season u003ca href=u0022https://www.ourmidland.com/sports/highschool/article/BCW-girls-riding-win-streak-to-best-season-in-17729405.phpu0022u003ehereu003c/au003e. Brooke is an outstanding u003ca href=u0022https://www.mlive.com/highschoolsports/2023/06/2023-all-bay-county-girls-soccer-team-features-a-whirlwind-of-talent.htmlu0022u003eSocceru003c/au003e star as well: which may explain why this gem has remained hidden. Brooke puts the gas pedal to the floor and drives to the hole: she will take contact and finish off balance if needed. She has the ability to push the ball out in front or laterally to get her defender off balance then accelerates, hesitation move. Brooke has an accurate 3 point shot that is hard to prevent because of her ability to drive: knock down shooter. If the defender is not established, she has the body control and touch to switch hands to finish the layup. Brooke tracks the ball in help like a hawk, defends well on the ball, and can find open teammates in transition. Find out where she is playing this fall and thank me later!","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64d3f9d887604"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15538888/63daa3e19676ab02ecf0781a' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64d447f765248"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["716704"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Marionna is explosive, quick, and should be getting more attention. You don't need your magnifying glass to see the shine in this gem. At Northwood camp, she  showcased her dynamic ability to shoot with range and get to the basket.  Dixon is an excellent sprinter, receiving an offer from u003ca href=u0022https://x.com/INTechWarriorsu0022u003eIndiana Teachu003c/au003e. When you watch her play, you see the strength and power her legs provide on both ends of the court. Marionna creates turnovers with her aggressive on-ball defense and quick hands: good luck catching up once she gets the ball! She has a balanced, high arching 3 point shot: a good mid-range pull-up game as well. She has had a great summer with u003ca href=u0022https://x.com/Lady_Playmakersu0022u003eLady Playmakersu003c/au003e and u003ca href=u0022https://x.com/Davison_G_Bballu0022u003eDavisonu003c/au003e, see her play this fall!rnrn[embed]https://x.com/MarionnaDixon[/embed]","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64d447f7652b9"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17158449/63975444c1242a05d06eaf23' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64d447f7652df"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='853048' first='Jaelyn' last='Ayala']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12121","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Swartz Creek","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='853048' first='Jaelyn' last='Ayala']u003c/strongu003e (#10) had me fooled. Any seasoned coach will tell you not to judge a team by how they warm up. Prior to our game against Ayala last season, I didn't really expect much and she nearly broke our hearts all by herself. This girl is a gamer and a fierce competitor. When a team is losing, down and out, has nothing to win, and a kid is fired up putting everything on the line for their school: that speaks volumes. Ayala put up 28 that night, making 7 of 8 from the charity stripe, 9 field goals, and a 3 pointer. Jaelyn slashes to the basket and is not afraid to take or give contact. She has an accurate 3-point shot either spotting up or dribbling into a pull-up jumper. Jaelyn has demonstrated consistent high performance by earning honorable mention as a sophomore and u003ca href=u0022https://www.mlive.com/highschoolsports/2023/02/meet-the-2022-23-all-flint-metro-league-stripes-division-girls-basketball-team.htmlu0022u003e2nd team All-Conferenceu003c/au003e as a junior. She handles the ball nicely with both hands and contributes on the boards also. See Jaelyn play with Swartz Creek this fall!","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64d447f765396"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18883829/639de14b02b1ce1014fd8c76' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64d447f7653bd"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["244749"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Klaire certainly is not a hidden gem, she is more of a gem that has not been on display for some time. Klaire has battled lower back pain and injury, which kept her off the court last season (read more u003ca href=u0022https://www.ourmidland.com/sports/highschool/article/dow-s-caldwell-cautiously-optimistic-return-action-17745257.phpu0022u003ehereu003c/au003e). She is a successful three sport athlete who is one of the most deadly 3-point shooters in the state. In the 2021-22 district finals she played possessed, scoring 37 points and sinking 11 three pointers (fact check u003ca href=u0022https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2533130821897-dow-s-caldwell-goes-bonkers-in-incredible-district-finalu0022u003ehereu003c/au003e). She is a rare example of a lengthy scorer who plays all out defense, putting her body on the line for her team. Klaire blocks shots, rebounds, handles the ball, passes, shoots, and can kill a volleyball too! Seriously, she is going to be a terror in the SVL this season.rnrn[embed]https://x.com/KlaireCaldwell[/embed]","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64d447f765416"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15649178/62238c8402b1c60700ed74f0' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64d447f765438"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Katya Salame","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'6u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12123","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Dearborn","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cstrongu003eKatya Salameu003c/strongu003e (#22) is not a name you have heard before in your basketball circles, but if you play in the KLAA conference you know who #22 is. When you see her play in person or on film, you think she's 5'10. Katya was not just the team captain as a junior, she was also u003ca href=u0022https://www.pressandguide.com/2023/04/11/fordson-dearborn-high-girls-basketball-players-earn-all-klaa-east-honors-2/u0022u003eKLAA East All-Conferenceu003c/au003e for Dearborn. She is a menace playing front row of their 2-2-1 press and her specialty is finishing in transition. She communicates actively with her teammates: vocal leader, and is going to fight you for loose balls. Katya is tough, her aggressiveness defensively forces turnovers and she looks to create offense first for her teammates. She had games last season with multiple 3's and can drop 15+ on you no problem. Katya was an u003ca href=u0022https://www.livingstondaily.com/story/sports/high-school/volleyball/2022/11/11/meet-the-2022-all-klaa-volleyball-team/69640025007/u0022u003eAll-Conferenceu003c/au003e Outside Hitter in volleyball as well, heck of a year! If you slack on your way to the rim watch out! Find out where Dearborn is playing this fall and see her live!","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64d447f7654cf"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15699162/64005f3619a5410e1c89ddf9' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64d447f7654f4"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='796695' first='Michele' last='Barnett']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'7u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12123","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Bloomfield Hills","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='796695' first='Michele' last='Barnett'] u003c/strongu003e(#22) is a 5'7 beast of a ball player for Bloomfield Hills. I saw her play for the first time at a Christmas break scrimmage during the 22' season and she could not be stopped on either end of the floor. She has the speed on the ball to swipe it or deflect it if you try to pass out, and can flip her hips and sprint to intercept the skip. Michele has deep range with a pure rhythm jump shot, but also has the tight handles and acceleration to explode by defenders to the rim. She can split the pressing defenders or beat them up the sideline and can stop on a dime maintaining control of her dribble. An athletic ball-handler who can finish strong, shoot, rebound, and defend, she can't remain hidden for long.rnrn[embed]https://x.com/LiseMicheleB22[/embed]","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64d447f76557f"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18986361/63a283b28cd4580a748d0a73' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64d447f7655a0"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">At the Buzzer</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I may not be one to gamble, but I'd certainly bet on all of these girls climbing the rankings and making a splash before they graduate! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Help make Michigan the best Top 250 Expo in the country! <a href="https://events.prepgirlshoops.com/e/873/register/michigan-top-250-expo">Register</a> for The Top 250 Michigan Expo and enter "BellPGH2023" to receive your discount!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Evan Bell</strong> is currently a scout for Prep Girls Hoops, Varsity Girls Basketball Head Coach at Lapeer High School, and Director of [program_tooltip program_id='715992' first='Lapeer' last='County Cobras']. Our <a href="https://www.prepnetwork.com/frequently-asked-questions/">mission</a> at PGH is to cover as many athletes with D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO potential in the state as possible. If you have knowledge of a prospect off our radar, please DM Evan through Twitter @CoachEvanBell or email him at lapeercountycobras@gmail.com</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->