Rising Sophomores: Six 2028 Players to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's take a look at six players who had great summer season. Remember these names as many played valuable minutes as freshman but will now be asked to step it up as sophomores. All of these players are currently in our 2028 Top-50, but are players that have what it takes to have a big impact for their schools this year as their teams make a run for the Gold Ball. Tag me with those highlights and give me follow at x @coachjvick1 or on IG @coach_jvick</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["955556"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-688af357d21a9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Paislee had a very solid freshman season last year earning All-Conference Honorable Mention. A strong summer season in school and on the AAU circuit has this point guard poised to have a breakout sophomore season. Played more at the point guard position this summer showing control will the ball creating scoring opportunities for her teammates.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The outside shooting percentage and finishes at the rim looked more improved this summer. A starter as a freshman last season with a veteran group Paislee should be more comfortable and become more of a scoring threat this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["992458"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-688af357d2231"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tough combo guard that gives everything she has when in between the lines on the floor. Strong ball handler that kept the body low allowing her to be a physical player against contact. Great 3-point shooter that has a quick release on the catch. Tough downhill driver that gets to the rim finishing at a high percentage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As a freshman last season Lakyn earned an All-Conference Honorable Mention. Due to graduation, she will need to be more aggressive on the offensive end this upcoming season. After watching her at OBU team I think she will do simply fine.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1107604"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-688af357d229c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">If looking for a lock down defender, then [player_tooltip player_id='1107604' first='Makenna' last='Austin'] is your guard. Always known last season for defense earing minutes at the varsity level. The sophomore role will increase this season as the Lady Jackets look to be an up and down team this upcoming season with the returning athletes on the roster. More scoring opportunities in transition offense will also come with points off turnovers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Spoke with her summer coach and in conversation he mentioned that Makenna shot the outside shot at a remarkably high percentage. The combo guard fits in great with the 5 out offense Lady Jackets ran this summer. The addition and confidence to be more aggressive on offense and continued toughness on defense puts her on this breakouts list.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1111400"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-688af357d22fc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A returning player with varsity minutes usually does not mean breakout season as a sophomore. In Ela case it is more of you wanted to see the development from the freshman going into her sophomore season. During the summer Ela's performance has put her on the radar of college coaches. Last week she picked up an offer from Newman University in Kansas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A long versatile combo guard that can score with a 3-pointer or attack you downhill with the drive makes her a tough match up for smaller guards. On defense she has the lateral quickness to defend the drive and yet has the wingspan to block shots in the pain. As mentioned, showed positive signs as a freshman and the development over the summer solidifies that Ela is reading for her sophomore campaign.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1104374"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-688af357d2347"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">An excellent shooter that did not miss a beat during the summer circuit, gaining attention as one of the best pure shooters in the state. The 5'9 guard listed as a shooting guard for good reasons. It is the consistent movement without the ball and the passing abilities that makes her a complete player. Great vision with the ball in transition always with eyes up the floor looking to advance the ball with the pass. Good court awareness on offense always reading the defense looking for the next scoring opportunity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nickname "The Mayor" you better be able to produce night in and night out. Reagan can do that on both ends of the floor. Outstanding shooter that can hurt you from the 3-point line or smother you with hard nose defense. I am aware of at least 4 of Adair starters. All 4 can shoot lights out making Adair a contender for the Gold Ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["964361"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-688af357d239e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A power forward that played valuable minutes as a freshman that will be asked to hold down the middle this upcoming season. The sophomore showed significant improvement during the summer and looked ready to step up after Edmond Memorial graduated two outstanding players. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I have been impressed each time I had the opportunity to watch Taylor play this summer. A forward that can get you a double double every night while holding down the paint on defense. More minutes and scoring opportunities for her this season should lead to a breakout sophomore season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->