Grassroots Preview: Upward Stars 3SSB 17U

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Girls Hoops continues its coverage of teams across the Palmetto State. Let's continue with the Adidas sponsored [program_tooltip program_id='1231019' first='Upward' last='Stars 3SSB'] 17U program. Who are the ladies on this team? Well, we have you covered once again here at Prep Girls Hoops your #1 source for basketball coverage in the Palmetto State all year long. <strong><em>SUBSCRIBE today and use the passcode "Swanny30" at checkout to save 30% off your first billing cycle. #RecruitThePalmettoState</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1238962,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/04/IMG_1212.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1238962" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='304999' first='Messiah' last='Williams']</strong> - North Augusta HS </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Williams a long and rangy center really seems to shine on the defensive end of the floor. She can alter and challenge shots down low in the paint. Messiah runs the floor well. She helped the Lady Yellow Jackets win a Class 4A State Championship this past March. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1238964,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/04/IMG_1208_058755.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1238964" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='195514' first='Monasia' last='Clinkscales']</strong> - Westside HS (Anderson) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clinkscales a point guard plays at a good pace while looking to set up her teammates along the way. Monasia is a pass first point guard from out top. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1238967,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/04/IMG_1207.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1238967" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='678224' first='Kennedy' last='Jackson']</strong> - Grace Christian (NC) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jackson likes to play the game as a catch-shoot player out on the perimeter. Kennedy does a nice job of elevating on her jump shot. She plays the game aggressively on both ends of the court.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1238970,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/04/IMG_1203.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1238970" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='610465' first='Olivia' last='McKinney']</strong> - JL Mann HS</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Olivia is a point guard who can connect on some mid-range jumpers along the way. She does a nice job of keeping the ball low to the ground </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1302470' first='Mariah' last='Randolph']</strong> - Westside HS (Anderson) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1238969,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/04/IMG_1204.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1238969" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='398712' first='Makyhia' last='Paul']</strong> - Westside HS (Anderson) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Paul made the move over this Grassroots season. Makyhia is constantly looking to make a play on the floor if it comes down to grabbing a rebound, 50/50 ball or jumping on the deck </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1238965,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/04/IMG_1211.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1238965" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='610845' first='Kerri' last='Fluellen']</strong> - Josey HS (Augusta, GA) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fluellen plays with a fearless mindset at times on the floor. She gets to her spots on the floor and looks to make plays. Kerri plays across the border over in Georgia. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1238966,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/04/IMG_1210.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1238966" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='555429' first='Tyana' last='Pullman']</strong> - Woodmont HS </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tyana will work for position down low on the block while playing with her back to the basket. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1238968,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/04/IMG_1206.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1238968" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='562105' first='Aiyana' last='Murrell']</strong> - Legion Collegiate Academy (Rock Hill) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Murrell likes to play face-up to the basket at times but seems to be at her best around the paint area. Aiyana made the transition this past season while coming over from a small Class 1A school Lewisville HS to play for the Lady Lancers. Aiyana does a nice job of keeping the ball up after claiming it off the glass. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":928791,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/06/eZy-Watermark_20-06-2024_10-28-36-9480AM.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-928791" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='468191' first='Zara' last='Leamon'] </strong>- Mauldin HS </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Leamon was recently added to the roster. Leamon the #2 player in the 2026 Palmetto State Class brings good versatility to the backcourt and perimeter. She really can play all over the floor with her game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='621997' first='Samara' last='Jones']</strong> - Thomas Jefferson Classical (NC)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>** This [program_tooltip program_id='1231019' first='Upward' last='Stars 3SSB'] 17U is going to need to find consistent scoring night in and night out to win games. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>May 16-18 - Adidas 3SSB Session 2 - Bryan, TX </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>May 24-26 - Insiders Exposure Memorial Day Classic - Charlotte, NC </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>July 5-6 - Fab 75 / Retreat - Greensboro, NC </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>July 10-12 - Insider Exposure Hoosier Heat - Westfield, IN </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>July 17-21 - Adidas 3SSB Session 3 - Rock Hill, SC </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->