Wildcat Shootout Standouts Part One

With the talent showcased at this year's Wildcat Shootout, we may have to put out a small booklet just to recognize all of the talent on campus. In this article, we hilight some of the Day 1 standout prospects.    [player_tooltip player_id='1258315' first='Jakai' last='Alston']   [player_tooltip player_id='1258315' first='Jakai' last='Alston'] was a combination of agility, physicality, speed, and strength which made her one of the most athletic players on the court. She rebounded well and had the ability to push the ball up the floor. Alston also showed impressive ball handling skills , including a smooth reverse spin into the lane to draw contact. She was very comfortable at the free-throw line. Defensively, Alston defended primarily on the perimeter, but did challenge and block several shots in the paint and in transition defense.       [player_tooltip player_id='1258316' first='Samyya' last='Gilbert'] was a standout at the Wildcat Shootout with tangibles and intangibles that jumped off the court. Gilbert was active on both ends of the court and displayed instincts that are far ahead of her 2028 peers. When Gilbert secures a rebound or steal, she instinctively makes a play vertically (if open). The young forward can also grab the rebound and go, and she showed good handles in the transition game. On offense she knows how to score with great touch in the paint. She out- leverages defenders, draws fouls, finishes around the rim with a smooth shooting touch and can also score through contact. On defense she did a good job of defending the paint with timely blocks. She handles the ball well in open court, sees the floor, and plays with poise and purpose and has a high basketball IQ. College coaches were in the building and they were impressed.     [player_tooltip player_id='1122373' first='Ashlynn' last='Day'] bring the energy and production all game long. Day is an athletic, lengthy, guard who thrives in the open floor and can finish at the rim with craftiness, physicality, and consistency. Last season, Day was one of the top players in the State in any class. She finished in the top 30 in scoring for the entire State and was the 3rd leading scorer in the Freshman class. The most amazing part of that feat is that Day only made 12 three pointers for the entire season. A number that speaks to her physicality is the 169 freethrow attempts she had last year. At the Wildcat Shootout, Day brought all of that smoke and played her game: drawing fouls, diving for loose ball, taking charges, etc. Her ability to penetrate and convert is why she is one of the most elite scorers in the State. She was fun to watch and her energy and production impressed every college coach in the building.     [player_tooltip player_id='973915' first='Sarah' last='Jean'] showed why she's an elite talent at the Wildcat Shootout . She brings a physical presence to the paint, and a soft shooting touch around the basket. Then she battles relentlessly on both ends of the floor. Her strength and high motor make up for any height disadvantage. She rebounds well, runs the floor with purpose, and can even push the ball up the floor after securing the rebound. Jean also has good leadership qualities and inspires her team through her relentless effort on the floor. At the Wildcat, Jean showed all of the above. College coaches were in the building.       [player_tooltip player_id='1249891' first='Rihanna' last='Battle'] was one of the most impressive players on the floor. She played with flair and fluidity, excelling in transition and in the half-court setting. Battle can draw contact, finish with floaters, and knock down the jumper as well. Her court vision was impressive and she delivering passes on point. With her handle, scoring versatility, and decision-making, Battle has all the tools of a special point guard. And special she was on day one of the Wildcard Shootout.

With the talent showcased at this year's Wildcat Shootout, we may have to put out a small booklet just to recognize all of the talent on campus. In this article, we hilight some of the Day 1 standout prospects.