Chicago Great Lakes Kickoff: 16U Interior Forces Stand Out

The Great Lakes Kickoff in Illinois this weekend showcased interior players who control the paint and impact every possession on both ends of the floor.    A player with a lot of upside who is already making an impact on the floor. Strong fundamentals out of triple threat, she moves her feet well, has good hands, and is a solid shot blocker. Athletic and aware, she reads the game effectively on both ends, disrupting opponents and creating opportunities for her teammates. As she continues to get stronger, her presence in the paint and overall impact on the game will only grow, making her a key contributor now and a potential leader in the future.     Moves well and is extremely agile for her size, especially impressive as she is a year younger than most of her competition. A strong one-on-one player with a quick first step, powerful build, and the ability to handle low in tough situations, she can operate like a guard despite playing up as a post. A strong outlet passer, she uses spin moves to create space and get to her patented left-hand jump hook. With solid shooting mechanics and defensive awareness, she can stay in front of quicker guards or taller posts while making an impact on both ends of the floor. She will need to manage her physicality to avoid foul trouble while continuing to assert herself inside.     Carves out space and is a strong rebounder. A physical presence who deters drives and occupies key areas in the paint, she makes it difficult for opponents to attack the basket. On offense, she keeps it simple with hard post-ups and aggressive offensive rebound putbacks, but she also has the ability to read the floor, make quick decisions, and finish through contact. Her combination of strength, timing, and court awareness allows her to impact the game without needing the ball in her hands constantly.     Finishes around the rim with confidence. Posts up strong, runs the floor, and consistently puts pressure on defenses. A confident scorer around the basket, she will demand the ball in big moments but also looks to set up her teammates, making those around her better. Her combination of strength and awareness allows her to create scoring opportunities for herself and others, making her a versatile and reliable offensive threat and a true team player.     Competes inside but offers versatility on both ends of the floor. A solid athlete, she rebounds, drives, and can hit mid-range shots. While sometimes undersized for a big, she makes up for it with toughness and physicality, often taking her matchups personally. Her energy and effort set the tone for her team, and she is unafraid to mix it up in traffic, finish through contact, and make plays that keep her teammates involved. Her combination of skill, grit, and competitiveness makes her a reliable presence in the paint and a consistent contributor.

The Great Lakes Kickoff in Illinois this weekend showcased interior players who control the paint and impact every possession on both ends of the floor.