Game Observations: Falcon Prospects Soar in Capital City Classic

Jeremy Deckard January 25, 2024 @ 08:06 PM

When the brackets for the Capital City Classic came out I was stoked to see the Wichita Heights Falcons among the eight teams.   The Falcons are loaded with ranked talent and that talent did not disappoint in a 60-26 victory over Topeka High.   Here are some observations on a talented Falcons' team that is especially deep in the Class of 2025.   [player_tooltip player_id='398375' first='Kennadi' last='Jackson'], 5'9”, CG, Wichita Heights, ‘25   Jackson is a stat monster. She finished the game with seven points, two steals, three assists, and one rebound. She is currently ranked No. 12 in the Class of 2025. She plays an intense game and plays great defense. Jackson scores best in transition or off the drive. I feel like she could improve her shot selection some, but she is an unselfish talented player with a high ceiling.   [player_tooltip player_id='335953' first='SaMiyah' last='Ellis'],  5'8”, PG, Wichita Heights, ‘25   Ellis had what I am guessing was an off-shooting game, but she can handle the ball. Ellis is ranked No. 13 in the class of 2025 rankings. She scored 11 points on 5-of-12 shooting from the field. She also finished the contest with four steals. Ellis plays at the top of a full-court press and collected a couple of steals early which led to easy baskets helping the Falcons jump out a lead.   [player_tooltip player_id='349462' first='Zarianna' last='Walker'], 5'11”, SF, Wichita Heights, ‘25   I loved Walker's game. She is a rebounding/passing machine in the paint. Walker scored seven points and was an efficient 3-for-4 shooting from the field. She is currently ranked No. 27 by PGH. Of all the players on the Falcons she appears to me to have the most poised game and can speed up the game or help slow it down.  Walker is physical and long and will get even better with added experience.   [player_tooltip player_id='335962' first='Jalyiah' last='Manuel'], 6'0”, PF, Wichita Heights, ‘24   Manuel is an offensive and defensive threat in the paint. She took over the game in the second half for Heights. She is currently ranked No. 19 in the Class of 2024. Manuel had a game-high five steals and scored 10 points on 5-of-8 shooting from the field. She can run the floor for a big and is a solid passer. Manuel had a game-high six rebounds and understands how to create space in the paint and box out. She got gassed at one point in the game, so continuing to improve her conditioning will improve her recruitment stock. Division II and JUCO programs should have her on their radars.   [player_tooltip player_id='265119' first='Mya' last='Mayberry'],  5'7”, CG, Wichita Heights, ‘24   Mayberry scored 11 points for the Falcons in the win over Topeka High. She is currently ranked No. 66 in the Class of 2024 rankings. She is a plus ball-handler and arguably is the Falcons top-scoring threat from deep. She shot 2-for-4 from 3-point range. She has a big reach and is quick off the dribble. Like Ellis, she is effective in playing defense when Heights applies full-court pressure.   [player_tooltip player_id='398382' first='Heaven' last='Gilbert'],  5'10”, PF, Wichita Heights, ‘25   Gilbert got into early foul trouble but is an impactful player in the paint. She is currently ranked No. 31 in the PGH rankings for the Class of 2025. She finished with three points, one blocked shot and three rebounds. Gilbert did not play in the fourth quarter like most of the Falcons starters. I hope I catch her play at least once more this season because I don't feel like I saw her best game.

When the brackets for the Capital City Classic came out I was stoked to see the Wichita Heights Falcons among the eight teams.