Class of 2028 : Game Changing Wings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The <strong>Class of 2028</strong> is defined by versatility on the wing, and this group represents the players who are <strong>changing games without being boxed into a role</strong>. [player_tooltip player_id='1165388' first='Ella' last='Watts'], [player_tooltip player_id='1165495' first='Kloie' last='Nelson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1316122' first='Clarke' last='Ivatt'], [player_tooltip player_id='1165218' first='Kaitlin' last='Mitchell'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1165199' first='Belle' last='Hill'] all impact winning in different ways — scoring, defending, rebounding, stretching the floor, or controlling momentum — but what ties them together is adaptability. These wings don't just fit systems; they <strong>shape them</strong>. Their size, skill, and feel allow coaches to move chess pieces while trusting that production and competitiveness will follow.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1165199"],"_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-69506eec46309"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1165199' first='Belle' last='Hill'] | 6'1” Forward | Mars Hill High School (AL)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1165199' first='Belle' last='Hill'] is one of the <strong>most complete and translatable forwards in the state</strong>, blending production with control at an elite level. Averaging <strong>33 points, 11 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game</strong>, she <strong>leads Alabama in scoring</strong> and ranks <strong>2nd in her class in rebounding</strong>, with <strong>8 double-doubles</strong> already on the season. Her game is built on <strong>skill, strength, and feel</strong>, not flash — and that's what makes her dominant possession to possession. Hill impacts winning on both ends, protecting the rim (<strong>1.8 bpg</strong>), disrupting lanes (<strong>3.7 spg</strong>), and consistently playing within structure while still overwhelming opponents. She doesn't need volume to control a game; her presence is felt every trip.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1165199' first='Belle' last='Hill'] is a <strong>culture player with star ability</strong> — a forward who blends intelligence, physicality, and composure in a way that elevates everyone on the floor. She doesn't chase moments — <strong>she controls them</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1165388"],"_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-69506eec463a9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1165388' first='Ella' last='Watts'] | 6'1” Forward | Bob Jones High School (AL)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1165388' first='Ella' last='Watts'] is a <strong>dynamic, aggressive scoring forward</strong> with advanced offensive instincts and a confident demeanor. Averaging <strong>15 points and 7.8 rebounds per game</strong>, she brings shot-making, pace, and competitive edge while consistently putting pressure on defenses as both a scorer and secondary playmaker. Watts is a <strong>three-level threat</strong>, capable of stretching the floor (<strong>31% from three</strong>) and creating off the bounce with a strong pull-up game. She plays with a scorer's mindset, attacking space without hesitation. Defensively, she stays active with <strong>1.8 steals per game</strong> and competes on every possession. At her best, Watts is a <strong>confident, skilled forward</strong> who can change the game with shot-making and competitive fire.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1165218"],"_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-69506eec46412"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1165218' first='Kaitlin' last='Mitchell'] | 5'10” Forward | Saint James High School (AL)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1165218' first='Kaitlin' last='Mitchell'] is a <strong>high-level shot-maker</strong> with the ability to stretch defenses well beyond the arc. She plays with confidence, balance, and poise, and understands how to impact the game both on and off the ball. Mitchell's scoring gravity creates opportunities for teammates and forces constant defensive adjustments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An <strong>elite perimeter shooter</strong> with deep range, she owns a quick, compact release and is efficient both off the catch and off the dribble. Mitchell moves well without the ball, consistently finding space within the flow of the offense. She's a capable secondary playmaker who makes simple, timely reads to keep possessions alive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Defensively, Mitchell competes on the ball, understands team concepts, and anticipates passing lanes as a solid positional defender. She rebounds well for her position and fits seamlessly into motion and drive-and-kick offenses. Her long-term value continues to rise as her all-around game expands.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":[1165524],"_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-69506eec4646b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1316122' first='Clarke' last='Ivatt'] | 5'10” Forward | Lee-Scott Academy (AL)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1316122' first='Clarke' last='Ivatt'] is an <strong>aggressive, skilled forward</strong> who plays with toughness, confidence, and control. Averaging <strong>23 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game</strong>, she consistently impacts winning on both ends while thriving in competitive environments. Ivatt is comfortable carrying scoring responsibility, yet still makes the plays that matter most within team concepts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">She's an <strong>aggressive downhill attacker</strong>, finishing through contact and applying constant rim pressure. An effective <strong>three-level scorer</strong>, Ivatt scores efficiently (<strong>46% FG, 75% FT</strong>) with perimeter consistency continuing to develop. She rebounds at a high level for her position and brings real edge defensively, posting <strong>3.1 steals and 1.8 blocks per game</strong>. Confident, competitive, and composed, Ivatt brings <strong>scoring punch and defensive presence</strong> every possession.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1165495"],"_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-69506eec464d4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1165495' first='Kloie' last='Nelson'] | 5'8” F/G | Deshler High School (AL)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1165495' first='Kloie' last='Nelson'] is an <strong>explosive, high-motor hybrid guard/forward</strong> who plays with pace, confidence, and edge. Averaging <strong>10 points, 8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game on 57% shooting</strong>, she consistently impacts the game through energy and efficiency. A <strong>quick, downhill attacker with elite burst</strong>, Nelson puts constant pressure on the defense and creates scoring opportunities off the bounce as a three-level threat. She thrives in transition and early offense, where her speed changes the tempo immediately.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Defensively, Nelson is an <strong>aggressive on-ball presence</strong>, disrupting actions at the point of attack with active hands and strong anticipation in passing lanes (<strong>1.7 spg</strong>). She rebounds well above her size and provides weak-side rim protection from the wing (<strong>1.8 bpg</strong>). The <strong>twin sister of [player_tooltip player_id='1165184' first='Kacie' last='Nelson']</strong>, Kloie brings <strong>pace, pressure, and production</strong> — a constant problem for opposing offenses and defenses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What makes this group game-changing isn't just talent — it's <strong>influence</strong>. Each of these wings alters matchups, forces adjustments, and brings value that extends beyond a single possession or stat line. As they continue to grow into expanded roles, their ability to impact both ends of the floor will only widen the gap. The Class of 2028 wing crop isn't just promising — it's already setting a standard for what winning versatility looks like.<br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->