At The Top Of The Mountain

USE CODE "tinnon30" FOR 30% OFF THE FIRST PURCHASE OF ANY SUBSCRIPTION   Basketball. A simple but funny game. To be the best, you have to work and prepare. Just like anything, this game doesn't come easy. You have to master skills, reach new levels consistently, and not only do you have to control your output, but you must also do so within the framework of a team and playing against opponents. Basketball itself is pure thought. You have a ball, a hoop, and you can go anywhere and play the sport. The goal is to get better daily, and if you can come away with being better than you were the day before, you have accomplished something.   When we think about all the publications out there covering high school basketball, there are so many criteria one must meet to be a top dog. Maybe they are a part of the USA pipeline. Maybe they play on a Top AAU team. Maybe they are nationally known through different media outlets like ESPN. Maybe they have tons of division one offers. Whatever the case may be, the kids who are named have put in the work and, rightfully so, have taken their place at the top. Not saying that other names couldn't join them, or that there would be a fluctuation that would happen. I am saying that our state does have those girls who are at the top, but also has girls who, though not nationally known, are putting together a solid body of work to be seen and heard.   We talk about under-the-radar prospects and those whose stocks are rising. We know the accolades of the top kids in the state. I want to give you a refresher and touch on my take on who I believe the top girls are in the state, excluding the accolades they have already earned. Here are a few kids I am excited about that I believe have earned the right to be at the top.    A kid who doesn't just play hard on the offensive end, but on the defensive end as well. Sure, her scoring ability is through the roof, but I love her ability to anticipate and react on defense. I have seen her score consecutive buckets back-to-back-to-back just by reading and jumping the passing lanes. She got a steal, layed it up. Got a steal, knocked down a 3. Got a steal, hit the mid-range. This occurred when she was a freshman, but she has put up performances like this before in other games. The way she uses her body to exploit the other team's weaknesses is so good. She is a true competitor who can not only hoop but also work on the dirt.     From a young age, she has been special. She wasn't pigeon-holed into just going down low because you are tall. She developed other skills to become more versatile. This kid can score by taking someone off the dribble, face-up, and can just score it from all 3 levels. She just finds a way to put the ball in the net. Defensively, she can switch onto a guard, block shots, rebounding effectively. She's not just a big, but a total package that is truly impactful. Has all around game that will translate to a power 4 school at the next level.     Powerful and forceful. She's a kid who has grown tremendously in dominating the low-post areas. Her game has evolved to where she steps out from the goal, but her ability to use her size to dominate the painted areas is solid. She's transformed her body into one that can withstand the pounding of a big. She's vital, an important piece to her team's success. One who will be a banger at the next level.     She's becoming a versatile player who can put the ball in the hole in multiple ways. I love her IQ and how she plays with poise. She reads what the opponent is doing and counters it by getting herself in position to do work. From playing with her back to the basket to taking someone off the dribble, she is finding ways to use her size and length to her advantage. A special talent who is primed to do big things.     An undersized guard who wears her heart on her sleeve. Passionate, she brings an unmatched mentality any time she steps onto the floor. She is an absolute dawg and will find ways to put the ball in the basket. Playing with such energy, she is going to dial it up from deep, get to the rim, and make an opponent look silly in the process. She has big-time offers from schools, and her game is still growing. Putting up gaudy numbers, this kid is truly a bucket filler.     Someone who puts their head down and competes. At first glance, you may not think she was a big-time prospect. It's how she moves in the flow of the game that makes her stand out. She has an edge to her that gives her an advantage. Like a cloak and dagger, this kid shows up and shows out any time she steps onto the floor. Competition. It's what she loves. Proving people wrong, check that box too. She's a kid who has elevated her game and still hasn't reached her ceiling. A special player who will have more P4 offers when it's all said and done.

USE CODE "tinnon30" FOR 30% OFF THE FIRST PURCHASE OF ANY SUBSCRIPTION