Post Player Progression

Everybody always talks about liking size in the lineup, but in this state, it's really easy to get caught up in the quality of the guard play. Whether it's someone raining 3-pointers, or breaking opponents down off the dribble and getting to the hoop, there are some really good guards in this state. But there are also several really nice post prospects, and I think their value often gets diminished simply based on stats. We fail to look at the non-statistical categories, like how many shots they affect just by protecting the rim, or how many screens get their teammates open. Do they just grab rebounds, or do they keep possessions alive because of offensive rebounds? Below is a look at a handful of post prospects who are already worthy of being recruited, but whose best days are well ahead of them.   .    Ivy has always been a bigger post among her peers, and she can be a matchup problem at times because of her size and strength. She plays tall, keeps the ball high, and she tends to make things a lot easier around the rim because of it. Where a college program can likely help her is in building more core strength, so she can play more physical while maintaining balance and not picking up fouls. She could become almost unstoppable inside, and she has some face-up skill outside, that she could be a real problem for all comers.     Giniya is actually closer to 6-3+ and has grown about three inches since she has been in high school. She has an athletically strong frame, really nice length, and she plays with some physicality. Despite her growth, she never really went through an awkward phase, and she has always been a tough-nosed rebounder and defender in the paint. She can box out or chase down boards, and she blocks/affects a lot of shots. Each year, she has gotten better at finishing inside, and through contact, so now adding that mid-range game could be key for her moving forward.     After seeing Zyah in Louisville a couple of weeks ago, she is every bit of 6-4 now. She is extremely long, one of the longest girls in the state, and she does a nice job of getting up and down the floor. Eventually she will need to get stronger, but she might still grow another inch or two. Even still, she tries to play the right way and be physical inside, so she doesn't avoid contact. Overall, she has done a nice job of adding to her game each year and building her understanding of where to be, both offensively and defensively.     Brownsburg has had good size throughout their roster over the last few years, but even still, Naomi has managed just a handful of minutes in 12 games over her two seasons. I would expect that to go up significantly as a Junior. She has a great frame, she possesses tremendous length, she gets out and runs the floor well, and she can catch and finish. She is doing a nice job of learning how to sit down and seal on the block, plus she can step to the short corners and elbows to knock down short jumpers. Defensively, she is an intimidating presence, especially with all of her length.     Mariyah got a taste of Varsity action this season, and she showed flashes at times of what's to come. She has a solid to strong frame, really nice length, plus she looks like she still might grow another inch or two. She was more of a rebounding and defensive presence this year, but as she continues to build her post moves on the low block, she has the size and strength to become overpowering down low throughout her career. South Bend Adams has a lot of young talent in 2028 and 2029, and they're rumored to have a nice 2030 class as well. Keep an eye on the Eagles.     Compared to her peers, Natalie has always had a height advantage. At the same time, she has done a really nice job of developing her skillset. She has a solid face-up game, whether that be in the mid-post or from the perimeter. She has good touch for a young 'big', and she is also an effective passer from the top of the key. Defensively, she does a nice job of rotating to "help" and giving her guards the security of having someone back there protecting the rim. As she continues her progression, gets stronger, and makes her jumper more consistent, she'll be a tough matchup for years to come.

Everybody always talks about liking size in the lineup, but in this state, it's really easy to get caught up in the quality of the guard play. Whether it's someone raining 3-pointers, or breaking opponents down off the dribble and getting to the hoop, there are some really good guards in this state. But there are also several really nice post prospects, and I think their value often gets diminished simply based on stats. We fail to look at the non-statistical categories, like how many shots they affect just by protecting the rim, or how many screens get their teammates open. Do they just grab rebounds, or do they keep possessions alive because of offensive rebounds? Below is a look at a handful of post prospects who are already worthy of being recruited, but whose best days are well ahead of them.