Hope Showcase Day 3 Standouts Pt. II
In this article:
This past weekend, Cypress College played host to the annual Hope Showcase. The event always features some of the top teams in California as well as some out of state teams as well. I was able to attend the event…
Access all of Prep Girls Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThis past weekend, Cypress College played host to the annual Hope Showcase. The event always features some of the top teams in California as well as some out of state teams as well. I was able to attend the event on the final day, Sunday Oct. 8 and I focused on the CA teams only. Here’s a quick look at some of the standouts I saw.
1.
Kaleena Smith
Kaleena
Smith
5'6" | PG
Ontario Christian | 2027
State
CA
– Ontario Christian 2027
Smith is one of the most dynamic guards in the state regardless of class. I saw her play over the summer on her club team and this was the first time I got to see her play in a high school setting. She’s small but strong and effective. Finishes at the basket through contact. A good ball-handler who has nice crossover. Can shoot with the defender in space. She knows when to push the pace and when to slow the tempo.
2.
Brooklyn Taylor
Brooklyn
Taylor
6'0" | PF
Long Beach Poly | 2024
State
CA
– Long Beach Poly 2024
Taylor is an effective big who can play both forward and center. What impresses me the most is her little turnaround jumper in the paint. Also, her rebounding ability, boxing out and being strong on the glass. Defensively, she contests everything in the paint. Good decision maker who only needs 1-2 dribbles to either pass or shoot. Able to play with her back to the basket.
3. Mykelle Richards – Etiwanda 2024
Richards is one of the best defensive players I’ve seen. Able to single-handedly blow up possessions with her defense. Uses her speed and length to cover ground defensively. Sprints back in transition to stop fast breaks. She’s aware of the ball and the player she’s guarding. A strong on ball defender and a good help defender.
4.
Cyriah Coleman
Cyriah
Coleman
5'7" | CG
Bishop Montgomery | 2024
State
CA
– Bishop Montgomery 2024
Coleman is another player I’ve seen over the summer play with her club team and this was a good opportunity for me to see her play with her high school team. She always stands out defensively. Good on ball defense forcing the ball-handler into difficult shots/passes. Offensively she’s a consistent shooter from three and from midrange. Able to play both guard positions.