2023-24 Preview: Players poised for a breakout year - Part I

[player_tooltip player_id='342217' first='Kaitlyn' last='Blake'], Wheeling Central, SF, 5-9, Jr. - Blake looks great on both sides of the ball as she enters her junior season at Wheeling Central. Not only does her outside game appear ready for Class AA, but her post game looks just as ready for the transition. Both areas display the signs that she seriously put in the work during her summer program and AAU season, respectively. Not only are both games polished and well-maintained, she enters the year with several new weapons in her arsenal. Her biggest improvement? Her footwork and rebounding in and around the paint. She moves well for someone generally on the wing. She can beat many taller post players off the dribble and pull down a rebound even if she's out of position. All of this, of course, comes on top of her likely new John Stockton/Karl Malone-like partnership with point guard Brooke Edge. The two have the chance to cause a lot of trouble downlow for opponents of the Maroon Knights. Edge's ability to penetrate along with Blake's ability to play around the basket means the pick and roll or Edge drawing in the defense before finding Blake down low are good options for the Knights' offensive attack.   [player_tooltip player_id='496344' first='Karson' last='Jones'], Nitro, PF, 5-11, So. - [player_tooltip player_id='379520' first='Natalie' last='Smith'] and [player_tooltip player_id='342224' first='Ava' last='Edwards'] may be receiving plenty of attention for the Nitro Wildcats, thanks to their quick bond paying immediate dividends for the group. However, I would not forget about [player_tooltip player_id='496344' first='Karson' last='Jones']. I really like Jones' footwork in the paint. She gets the upper hand in so many mismatches as she moves the ball like a guard. She can face-up a smaller opponent or drive right by a bigger opponent and get to the basket. Once she gets to the basket, she has several options to score. She can muscle her way into a quick shot off the backboard, or if she secures a rebound, she can muscle it back up immediately. In the race to win the chaotic Class AAA Region IV, Jones will play a big part for the Wildcats.   [player_tooltip player_id='722078' first='Kayli' last='Kellogg'], Morgantown, SG, 5-9, Fr. - Don't be fooled by [player_tooltip player_id='722078' first='Kayli' last='Kellogg']'s quick and friendly smile. Don't be fooled by it one bit. Should you give in to her grin, she possesses the tools to make you pay for your foolishness. As soon as you let your guard down, she'll take advantage with a wide arsenal of weapons. She really may challenge for the Mary Ostrowski Award on a team that already features two girls who could also win the award. As soon as she hits the West Virginia high-school hardwood, her game will be better than even many sophomores in the state. She's a smart player who makes quick reads and reacts according to her instincts. Once her mind is made up, it is difficult to stop her accomplishing her goals. She owns so many different ways to hurt a team on both ends of the floor. The most dangerous part of her game? The ability to finish at the rim with both hands as a freshman. She can confidently take off from either side of the key and pick her poison before she attacks. If you are a D-I coach in search of a 2027 shooting guard, I would keep your eye on Kellogg.   [player_tooltip player_id='391470' first='Josie' last='Graves'], Cabell Midland, PF, 5-10, Sr. - [player_tooltip player_id='379497' first='Sophi' last='Aldridge'] needs a partner-in-crime this season at Cabell Midland. That much is clear. Hopefully, Graves is up to the challenge. I believe she will be. Graves takes the court with a fiery, competitive attitude and then she backs it up when it is time to play. Never mind who she's asked to guard or score against, she will find a way to make an impact. I especially like her tough attitude when it comes to athletic players who could get a jump on her. Against players who may have a step on her, she uses her basketball IQ as a weapon. Everyone should expect big things from Graves from beginning to end of the 2023-24 season.

Kaitlyn Blake Kaitlyn Blake 5'9" | SF Wheeling Central | 2025 State WV , Wheeling Central, SF, 5-9, Jr. - Blake looks great on both sides of the ball as she enters her junior season at Wheeling Central. Not only does her outside game appear ready for Class AA, but her post game looks just as ready for the transition. Both areas display the signs that she seriously put in the work during her summer program and AAU season, respectively. Not only are both games polished and well-maintained, she enters the year with several new weapons in her arsenal. Her biggest improvement? Her footwork and rebounding in and around the paint. She moves well for someone generally on the wing. She can beat many taller post players off the dribble and pull down a rebound even if she's out of position. All of this, of course, comes on top of her likely new John Stockton/Karl Malone-like partnership with point guard Brooke Edge. The two have the chance to cause a lot of trouble downlow for opponents of the Maroon Knights. Edge's ability to penetrate along with Blake's ability to play around the basket means the pick and roll or Edge drawing in the defense before finding Blake down low are good options for the Knights' offensive attack.