February Standout Performances Amongst RI Prep Girls
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February is usually a scramble to the finish as teams are fighting for seeding or simply just trying to string together great basketball to close out the year properly. As the month comes to an end, we are taking a…
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Continue ReadingFebruary is usually a scramble to the finish as teams are fighting for seeding or simply just trying to string together great basketball to close out the year properly. As the month comes to an end, we are taking a more concentrated look into the NEPSAC and ISL teams in Rhode Island as they are highly focused and playing high level basketball. Playoffs are tipping off this week and it’s a great time to talk about some stellar performances and give some updates on what’s going on in the Ocean State. The prep teams in Rhode Island are gearing up for some tough head-to-head matchups, but let’s not skip over these girls’ fantastic showings this month.
Maysen Hill Maysen Hill 5’11” | PG St. Andrews | 2025 State New E (2025) | 5’11 PG| St. Andrews’s School
Maysen has so much talent, but makes it look easy when she’s out there. It’s ironic because her game is flawless, especially in transition. She pushes the pace, putting the pressure on the defense and making her opponents have to react to what she’s doing. Maysen is always probing looking to attack the defense and not allowing the backline to set up.
Watching her over the weekend vs. Putnam Science Academy she showed exactly why she is a highly sought after scholarship player. She faced a tenacious backcourt from PSA who never backed down. Hill constantly had the defense of PSA on their heels and was a constant factor all through the game. Maysen has one speed and that’s fast, she was getting to all her spots making this an up and down game, which is where she thrives. Maysen was finishing tough layups over 6ft+ players and dicing through the lane and finding her many shooters spread on the floor. What makes Hill most impressive is the amount of pressure she can put on a defense by being a dual threat as a scorer and playmaking, with her ability to be able to make just about any pass on the floor on the move.
Kaelyn Carrol (2025) | 6’2 F| Tabor Academy| Bay State Jags
Carrol is a premier athlete and one of the best complete prospects in Rhode Island. Kaelyn is a player that can fit many different builds and play different positions if the play calls for it. Kaelyn is a clear all-star and all-league talent that deserves all the accolades and recognition she gets because she is an extremely high-level player.
Kaelyn dropped 21 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 block in her recent game vs Northfield Mount Hermon. Although these stats aren’t too far off from what she has been doing this season, it was refreshing to see someone dominant be up and active on a press. That speaks to what type of athlete Kaelyn is, although super active on a press her team runs, she was back on defense to grab the boards and also one of the first up the floor to get some easy layups in transition. Carrol was knocking down shots within her sets and also got a couple heat checks throughout the game, always keeping her opponents docile until the very of the game with her aggressive scoring nature.
Laura Johnson-Shedd Laura Johnson-Shedd 5’8″ | SG St. Geroge’s | 2024 State New E (2025) | 5’8 CG| Saint George’s | Bay State jags
An absolute hound on the defensive end! Johnson-Shedd is one of the best defenders in the entire region, taking the daily challenge of matching up against the opposing team’s best perimeter scorer. Laura has the ability to pick up full court, making ball handlers turn their hip and she also causes havoc in the half court. LJS can switch and fight around screens while still maintaining the ball handler, which is a true skill. Laura is the ultimate team player and sacrifices her body and exerts full energy into getting the win.
Johnson-Shedd was just awarded Class B Defensive Player Of The Year this week. LJS is committed to Assumption a Division II NE10 school that has hung its hat on getting up and down and playing stifling team defense. Assumption is a great fit for Laura.
Ryanne Sheehan
Ryanne Sheehan
Ryanne Sheehan (2027) | 5’9 CG| Saint Andrew’s School
Sheehan has been coming into her own lately. Ryanne has been putting up big scoring outputs as a young player with a bunch of talent on her team. She is a microwave that can get going at any point, posing as a scary threat from three levels. On the scouting report, it definitely has her as a shooter, but she is so much more than just that. A strong driver when going left, she has a nice touch around the rim. She sprints down the court with active hands to hit spot up and transition 3-pointers and shoots the ball without hesitation. Sheehan is a talented all-around scorer with so much potential.
Ryanne put on a show this weekend in the SENE Championship vs Rocky Hill scoring 30 points on 7 3-pointers. An absolute sniper this game, Ryanne showed you can’t give her space to function. She has a quick release and is looking to pull from beyond the arc if you give her an inch of space. Sheehan requires to be denied off the ball, the type of respect she should command as a deadeye marksman.
Grace Connaughton
Grace Connaughton
Grace Connaughton (2024) | 5’10 PF| Portsmouth Abbey School
Grace is a senior power forward who brings energy and effort each time she steps on the court. A leader on and off the floor, leading by example for her team. Grace is a tough power forward who is always stepping up to the challenge, although she may be undersized at her position. Connaughton has a complete game, playing the inside-out game and using her range to her advantage.
Grace had her closeout senior game vs Bancroft and scored 16 points in the showing. Connaughton is a multisport athlete with the grades to go along with it. She is poised to be a college athlete and would be an easy fit on the next level with the attributes she brings to the table.