Sunday Round-Up at "The Finale" (Part-2)

The featured image is of [player_tooltip player_id='486525' first='Elle' last='Jo Johnson'] (2026) of North Posey High School and [program_tooltip program_id='715818' first='DistinXion' last=''] Champions Red 17U.   The last NCAA "live" period of 2024 is upon us, and for the 2025 class, it's the last grassroots tournament most of these ladies will play in their careers. Indiana prospects have traveled to Rockhill, South Carolina, Chicago, Illinois, and Louisville, Kentucky, for tournaments, while I've followed a large group to Hamilton, Ohio, for "The Finale". Here there is a regular tournament, the Under Armour Finals, and the UA Rise Finals. During Sunday's action, there were still some pools being determined, plus most teams began bracket play in either their first or second game of the day, dependent upon how they faired earlier in the weekend. Below is a look at a few more prospects I felt played well when I was able to see them.   .    Emily had a strong finish to the Summer and played well all weekend. She is a nice all-around athlete with some length, wiry strength, plus she plays with a great motor. She probably stood out most with how well she shot the ball, plus she shot it with consistency. She has a quick release, but she's able to find a good rhythm with a strong base and good balance. She also defended with effort, she rebounds her position well, plus she was needed to defend much bigger prospects due to a shorthanded roster.     Randee was among the state's leaders in multiple volleyball categories last Fall, but she has also developed into a productive post presence on the basketball court. She is strong, physical, tough-nosed, and athletic. She runs the floor well, establishes position early at both ends of the floor, and she's a talented rebounder. Offensively, she has good hands, developing post moves, and she does a nice job of keeping possessions alive. Defensively, she can block shots, but she's even better defending out on the floor.     Maya has really developed into a high-level shot-maker. Whether it's the customary quick-release 3-pointers she's accustomed to taking, or her more aggressive approach to attacking the basket, she can add points early and often in games. I've been most impressed with her ability now to get to the free throw line and use that as a weapon, plus she looks stronger and more urgent at the defensive end of the floor. Her transformation from being a shooter to becoming a ballplayer has been fun to watch.     Makenna has assembled a productive Spring & Summer, and she should be primed for a nice 2024-2025 season for Pioneer. She is a balanced athlete, she has nice length, and she looks quicker & more explosive in most directions. She can handle it a little and initiate the offense, she likes to attack the basket off the bounce, plus she can knock down an open rhythm jumper. I also think she brings value to the court with her ability to defend. She is an effortful guard who can help a small college program.     Elle is a nice point guard prospect who does several things for her team. She has gotten stronger, she has broad shoulders, length at her height, plus she is a quick athlete. She plays with a competitive motor and always hustles around the floor. Defensively, she can use her length and quickness to defend the ball effectively. She will also pursue rebounds at her size. Offensively, she gets into the heart of the defense and finds teammates, she can run an offense, plus she can knock down open jumpers outside.     A.J. is a strong guard, physical at the point of attack, plus she plays with a nice motor and a competitive fire. She is a very good perimeter shooter when she's able to get her feet set and find rhythm, plus she's a strong North/South attacker. She has a solid handle and good feel for the game, but she's probably still programmed more as a scorer than a traditional point guard. She can defend bigger prospects with her strength, and she is an effective rebounder at her size.     Aleeyah is a talented athlete and has a great deal of upside for the next level. With a number of departures via graduation and transfer, she could see an increased role for the Hawks in 2024-2025. She has an athletic frame, she possesses speed & quickness, and she can change directions quickly. She is very assertive off the bounce, she can score it at all three levels, and she plays with a lot of shiftiness in her game. Aleeyah does have ball skill and the ability to run offense as well, plus she's an aggressive defender.

The featured image is of Elle Jo Johnson Elle Jo Johnson 5'4" | PG North Posey | 2026 IN (2026) of North Posey High School and DistinXion Black Champions Red 17U.