15U Standouts at The Big Friendly (Sunday)

Sunday, my assignment at the Battle of the Big Friendly had me covering the 15U division at Solid Rock. Many of these young players were first-time evaluations for me, so learning names while breaking down their games on the fly was a challenge. Below are brief evaluations based on what I saw, as I look forward to tracking their development moving forward.    A power forward who embraced a tough assignment all game, matching up against two strong post players and battling on both ends of the floor. She showed solid footwork moving her feet, and maintaining position on the box out until she secured the rebound.   Offensively, she showed a left hook over her right shoulder. Around the paint, she showed soft touch finishing off the glass. She also ran the floor well in transition getting down the court rim runner layups.   She's definitely a player to keep an eye on this season as she gears up for a strong summer heading into her sophomore year.     Possibly the most impressive player in the 15U bracket. First time seeing this young lady out of Louisiana, and she is definitely one to follow moving forward. A versatile combo guard with a strong mid-range game, she consistently created offense while also attacking the rim with athletic finishes.   In transition she was filling lanes with purpose and showing great court awareness keeping the ball off the floor for the transition layup. Defensively, greatr shot-blocking ability using her length and timing to alter shots without fouling.   A high-level prospect who should make an immediate impact on her high school program next season.     A strong, physical power forward with great size, she was a tough matchup all game long. Her team did an excellent job utilizing her in a high-low offensive set, which proved very effective. She established position well and made herself a reliable target inside.   On the glass, she was relentless—especially on the offensive end. Showing a scrappy mindset chasing down second-chance opportunities and putbacks. What makes this even more impressive is that she's a 14U player competing up in the 15U bracket, going head-to-head with a 2029 post the game I watched.   The size and athleticism will be a great addition and fit right into the Del City program next season     A small guard who consistently played bigger than her size, Sydney made her presence felt on defense no matter if it was on the outside or helping on the much bigger post. She embraced the physicality on defense, helping her teammates defend the inside bigger post player Her communication stood out, directing teammates on the floor while also communicating with the subs coming in.   Sydney competed on the glass, attacking every rebound regardless of the physical matchup. Offensively, she was a tough, aggressive downhill driver who welcomed contact and finished through it. She brings a no-nonsense, all-business approach between the lines, and was fun to watch compete.     A highly versatile player who plays the game on both ends of the floor. Defensively, she showed the ability to guard the post using her length while also using that same length and lateral quickness to defend on the perimeter.   Offensively, she handled the point guard duties at times despite playing in the post on defense. Her controlled ball handling allowed her to see over pressure and deliver ¾-court passes, creating opportunities in transition. A true inside-out threat who continues to show growth each time out.   A player trending upward and one that should firmly be on the watch list moving forward.     An active, scrappy guard who consistently found ways to impact the game without the ball. Moved off the ball with backdoor cuts that led to multiple layups. She attacked downhill showing body control and awareness by adjusting angles to avoid charges. A combo guard that battled among the bigger players and coming up with her share of 50/50 balls. This was my first time seeing Taytum, and she's definitely a player I'll be following into next season.

Sunday, my assignment at the Battle of the Big Friendly had me covering the 15U division at Solid Rock. Many of these young players were first-time evaluations for me, so learning names while breaking down their games on the fly was a challenge. Below are brief evaluations based on what I saw, as I look forward to tracking their development moving forward.