Hidden Gems From The Class of ’24

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As you all know, the class of 2024 was special. There was something about them that words really can't describe. It was like they had that little extra gumption about themselves. These were the girls who were not only coachable, but were willing to do whatever to help their ball club win. It might be learn a new skill to add to their tool belt. It might be play another position they weren't used to playing. In this class there was a bunch of selfless leaders who just wanted their team to perform well so they could win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Though the title is called Hidden Gems, within the mist of all this, let's just say this class had some gems in it. These girls were already discovered based off their style of play and leadership. However, it was certain intangibles that put them over the top.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Check out a few “Hidden Gems” from the 2024 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='326732' first='Taylor' last='Holt'] (6'1/Sr./SF/ Hickman Co.)</strong>- Solid kid who has a great build. She could bang inside if she wanted, but her bread and butter was from afar. Taylor shot the ball with confidence from the arc and when she was on fire, it was night night for the other club. Solid defender who used her length to steal balls and get deflection. Contributed on the boards as well. Heading to Lipscomb next year and will be a nice addition to a solid recruiting class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='290727' first='Anna' last='Lee Avery'] (6'0/Sr./SG/ Houston)</strong>- A 3 level scoring threat that could launch it from deep or put it on the floor to finish. A Reggie Miller type of player, she could will her team in the game at a moment's notice. Played the game with a lot of heart, getting it done on both ends of the floor. Solid kid who stepped up to the challenge no matter who the opponent was.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='290713' first='Hallie' last='Turner'] (5'5/Sr./PG/ Briarcrest)</strong>- Just a hooper who could score it but also handle the rock. She was a leader who conducted her squad fearlessly. Has amazing court vision, can defend, but truly can do it all. Whatever was needed, scoring it, making the timely assist, ect., this girl was the one who stepped it up. Committed to Bethel University and they are getting one heck of a ball player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='876378' first='Isabel' last='Garcia'] (5'10/Sr./P/ Cookeville)</strong>- One heck of a kid who just competes. Has a nice shot on her, but she loves to bang inside. Around the block area, she had a bevy of moves that enabled her to get to the cup. Often times she finished through her opponent's contact, creating the And 1 opportunity. Was relentless on the boards. Each year, this kid got better and played with more confidence every time she stepped onto the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='405843' first='Saviya' last='Morgan'] (5'7/Sr./G/ Columbia Central)</strong>- Energy and Effort. This girl utilized her speed to create chaos on both ends of the hardwood. She could shoot it from all three levels, but on the defensive side of the ball she created problems. Such a tenacious defender, if this girl was in front of you, it was going to be a long night. Will be taking her talents to Knoxville and playing on the diamond at UT. Special ball player who will continue to do great things.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='625399' first='Morgan' last='Williams'] (5'6/Sr./G/Bartlett)</strong>- Stepped into a big role for the Lady Panthers this year and delivered. A gym rat who could break an opponent down off the dribble with her moves and speed, but could also pull it from beyond the arc. Solid defensive player who denied her opponent easy looks at the rim. Morgan played big-time down the stretch and was called upon in clutch situations to deliver.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='804739' first='Callie' last='Brewer'] (5'8/Sr./G/Cleveland)</strong>- Played a role and excelled at it. No matter what was asked, this girl did that and then some. She could score it from whenever, but it was the little nuances and feel of the game that set her a part. It might be a back door cut here to finish. Or pull up from this position. Sprint to this gap to steal a pass. Little things like that she did and excelled at it. She always played with poise and never seemed rattle. A selfless player who stepped it up all the time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='877832' first='Riley' last='Oleksik'] (5'4/Sr./PG/ Baylor)</strong>- The heart and soul of the ball club, she just competed nightly. Silky smooth with the ball in her hands, she could finish at the rim or beyond the arc. A coach ont he floor, she was able to process defensives quickly and get her ball team in the right set to execute. Never saw her get rattled, but created chaos on opponents. Played the game with a ton of energy and heart.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->