MLK Classic at GRC: Game 2 Standouts
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I was in attendance for the 2024 MLK Jr Classic last weekend hosted by George Rogers Clark High School located in Winchester, KY. This was a 4 game event that showcased some of the states top talent. Each game was…
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Continue ReadingI was in attendance for the 2024 MLK Jr Classic last weekend hosted by George Rogers Clark High School located in Winchester, KY. This was a 4 game event that showcased some of the states top talent. Each game was action-packed, exciting and very competitive.
Below I have listed the players who stood out to me in the second game of the day as Frederick Douglass got the double-digit victory over Notre Dame Academy 67-56.
Rhodes looked unstoppable in this game, it seemed like every time I looked up from my notes she scored another basket. Rhodes is widely known as one the top shooter’s in Kentucky, after she led the state in 3-pointers made last season as a sophomore. She was in attack mode all game, she showed that she can not only spot-up and shoot the three but that she can put the ball on the floor and create her own shot off the dribble as well. She displayed a step-back move that looked almost impossible for defenders to guard. Rhodes also moved well without the ball and did a great job coming off of down screens and pulling up from mid range with a very quick release. My favorite play of the game from her was in the fourth quarter, she came down with an offensive rebound, then drove to the basket and finished with a tough “And 1” floater in the lane that got a big reaction from the crowd.
Highlights
Baker is the type of point guard that you can trust to run the offense and follow the game plan. Her leadership and ability to play under control always stands out to me. Baker showed excellent court-vision and made sure to get others involved but when she saw an opening, she would expose NDA’s weaknesses on defense by either driving to the basket if she was played tight or pulling up from three if she was given too much space. Baker also played good defense and came up with steals that led to coast to coast buckets.
The Central Michigan commit competed hard on both ends of the floor. Her size, length, athleticism and ability to guard positions 1-5 worked really well for Douglass on defense. She caused deflections and came up with a ton of steals. Darrington also cleaned the glass, scored very well around the rim and received Player of the Game.
Highlights
Emma Holtzapfel
Emma Holtzapfel
Holtzapfel was on fire from beyond the arc, she hit 2 triples in the first half and 3 more in the second half. She displayed a fluid shooting stroke that looked the same every time she put up a shot. She is the type of shooter that you cannot leave open because she will rain 3’s all game. Holtzapfel finished with a team-high 16 points, grabbed 5 rebounds and went 5/12 from three. After watching her shoot it the way she did, I believe she is easily one of the top shooter’s in the 9th region.
Gibson entered this game fresh of scoring a career-high 28 points against Simon Kenton. She ran the floor well and got rewarded with transition layups. Gibson used her length effectively to rip down rebounds and to block and alter shots, making it difficult for Douglass to score inside. Gibson also showed some pretty post moves scoring with her back toward the basket. She finished the game with 10 points and 5 rebounds.
Kendra Collins
Kendra Collins
Collins played terrific and her energy and effort on both ends was very impactful. Collins did a litte bit of everything in this game, she crashed the boards, knocked down shots from deep, and played solid defense. Collins scored 12 points, secured a team-high 8 rebounds, while going 3/5 from downtown.