Emerging Spring Prospects to Know

Spears was a miss in the initial wave of coverage of the Class of 2029. Tucked away in eastern Oklahoma, the tall forward had a productive freshman campaign. And looked the part when watched at the Southern Showdown earlier this month. She's country strong and with the height to impose her will in the paint. Has fantastic touch around the basket. But she's not just a traditional forward, there were flashes of the skill and movement to be more of a three. Capable of being an one woman wrecking crew by pushing the ball off defensive rebounds and in transition. Is unselfish in those moments, making the right reads to teammates. Good form on her jumper and from the free throw line. The small town standout is an important name to monitor as Oklahoma's Class of 2029 takes shape.     A knee injury hampered Miller's sophomore campaign, but she's already rounding back in form ahead of a pivotal junior season. Is a plus athlete with a long wingspan. Uses those gifts to be an active and disruptive defender. Miller is a smart and skilled driver, capable of using step throughs and other good footwork to better utilize her athletic gifts. Excited to track the rising 2028's ceiling as she works her way fully back from her injury,     A 2030 from the 918 who is playing up with Southern Ties' 15U group. She's an athletic and aggressive lead guard. Along with her quick first step and speedy transition play, she has the handles to better maximize her ability to earn paint touches. Where she already looks to be a crafty finisher around the rim. Expect Crews to hit the ground running, literally, as she has the athleticism and skillset to be a very productive freshman this winter in the 918.     Long and athletic, Shockley has one of the top defensive upsides in the Class of 2029. Especially because she buys into making the tough plays on defense. Hustles for loose balls, works hard to force turnovers when covering on the ball. Can elevate to block shots at the rim. Defense is always a fantastic foundation for any player. And she's not too shabby on the offensive end either. Is one of the top candidates to make a sophomore year leap in the 918.     A mobile forward prospect, Painter plays bigger than her height because she wears a hard hat when batting around the rim. Holds her ground well on defense with strength, athleticism, timing and verticality principles. Will also fighting to force deflections and chasing down loose balls. Promisingly, she can finish with both hands around the rim. Keeps it simple with her impact, but sometimes the the simplest concepts can lead to the biggest impact.