Truman State Elite Camp: Standouts (Part 2)
On August 20th, Division 2-Truman State University held their annual College Elite Camp on campus in Kirksville, Missouri. This camp usually does a good job of bringing in a crowd but this year the camp was sold out, while there…
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Continue ReadingOn August 20th, Division 2-Truman State University held their annual College Elite Camp on campus in Kirksville, Missouri. This camp usually does a good job of bringing in a crowd but this year the camp was sold out, while there were over 90+ participates in the gym competing throughout the day. Below I am going to highlight some of the players that stood out the most to myself while I was there and walking around the gym. Thanks for tuning in and enjoy!
Avery Rausch Avery Rausch 5'11" | SG Lee's Summit | 2025 State MO – CG – 2025 – Lees Summit, Missouri
Avery Rausch Avery Rausch 5'11" | SG Lee's Summit | 2025 State MO is an intelligent player that uses her smarts to beat her opponents in unique ways on the basketball court. Rausch has length but is also agile when it comes to her movement on the floor. She doesn’t need to have the ball in her hands for a long period of time to make an impact and that fairs well for her looking toward the future. Players that can fit in multiple systems always get a lot of love from the college level because of their ability to be diverse on the floor, throughout several different programs/situations. Keep an eye on Rausch moving forward, she is a player to know going into her junior year at Lees Summit high school in Missouri this winter.
Kennedy Retherford – SG – 2025 – Pewaukee, Wisconsin
One of the best shooters in the building on Sunday was Kennedy Retherford of Pewaukee, Wisconsin. If opponents gave Retherford a moment to set, they should start walking back down the floor because it is most likely going to be a make. Other than her impressive and college level shooting ability, Retherford can handle the rock under pressure and set up her team for success in big moments. Her best ability is at the off-guard position but if need be, she can bring up the ball and run point for whatever team she is playing with at that moment. Retherford was one of the most impressive guards I saw compete all day at this Elite camp.
Claire Storhoff – CG – 2027 – Decorah, Iowa
I’ve had a chance to watch Claire Storhoff compete a few times this AAU season and every time, including at this Elite camp, Storhoff always seems to be in the right spot at the right time. I’m not sure what it is but sometimes you run into players that just make things happen no matter the situations. A player that can create something out of nothing, while being selfless enough to pass to open teammates when the situations presents itself. Storhoff reminds me of a player like that. She has a balanced mix of skill, size, and speed for her age with a lot of room to grow. If she continues to expand her game and keep it simple, she is going to be a player talked about a lot this high school season out of the state of Iowa.
Alayna Kakacek – PG – 2026 – Pocahontas, Iowa
This camp was the first chance that I have had to see Alayna Kakacek compete in person and let me tell you, she is a solid player that can bring a lot of positives to the floor. Kakacek would be described as a feisty and intense guard, that thrives off of the defense she brings to her teams. In each contests that I had the chance of stopping by for on Sunday, Kakacek was showing her active hands on defense while being a stout defender on and off of the ball. When it comes to the offensive side of things, she is no slouch in that department either. She can handle pressure, facilitate for others, and most importantly – make a lasting impact throughout the contest. This winter I’ll be keeping my eye out for Pocahontas Area high school and what they can bring to the table. Having Kakacek on their team is a good start.
Abby Hollis – PG – 2025 – Albany, Wisconsin
Abby Hollis displayed an act for being available in the biggest of moments on Sunday. A player that has a quick step-back move, followed by an elite handle and great head on her shoulders. As a guard, if you want to play at a high level you need to be efficient and a creator in more than one way for your team, Hollis is both of those things. When the ball is rotated to her she does a great job of keeping it simple and finishing it with an easy bucket or she will find another open teammate that has a better looking shot than herself in that moment. Either way, Hollis usually makes a great decision. I’m not sure what kind of college offers that she has or what the college scene is looking like for Hollis but there is definitely a college out there somewhere that could use her talents. No doubt about that.