Cardinal Classic: Akeem’s Top Performers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The KABC Cardinal Classic was a massive success once again this year, bringing together some of the top girls basketball talent in the region for an outstanding NCAA-certified scholastic live period event. Here are some of the top performers from Days 1 and 2 of the KABC Cardinal Classic.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["973205"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a370a3d50615"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Maddi was one of the most talked-about players at the Cardinal Classic, which says a lot considering the level of talent in the building. In fact, I spoke with an ACC coach who came away very impressed with what she saw from the Hazard girl. She's super savvy and has a very high basketball IQ. An outstanding pick-and-roll navigator who delivers pin-point passes, putting her teammates in perfect position to be successful. Maddi also shoots the three really well and brings a calming presence as a ball handler, rarely looking rushed or out of control. She picked up her first D1 offer from Bellarmine University and is a prospect on the rise in Kentucky's class of 2028. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1050509"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a370a3d506f9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I made sure to make my way to College Park Gym to get a look at Charlotte. An athletic big guard with brute strength and a physical nature that really stands out. She is explosive on the glass, and secures rebounds at the highest point. She continues to look much improved as a perimeter shooter, and I also like her ability to score from the post. Charlotte made the right reads in transition, and thrives on making players around her better. She also had a thunderous block on defense and was impactful on that end of the floor. She jumps off the page every time I watch her play and there is not many weaknesses in her game. Charlotte is amongst the Nation's top 2029 prospects for a reason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["913673"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a370a3d50792"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='913673' first='Sophia' last='Newby'] is a player I continue to like every time I watch her. She has good size and arms that seem to go on forever, giving her the type of length that immediately stands out. Sophia uses her length extremely well on the defensive end, contesting shots on the perimeter and disrupting passing lanes. Offensively, she flashed a silky shooting stroke on a short jumper and showed the ability to operate from both the high and low post. She also did a good job attacking the offensive glass, pulling down rebounds, and finishing plays around the basket. With her combination of length, skill, and feel for the game, Sophia looks like a sure-fire college-level player and remains one of the more intriguing prospects to track in the 2028 class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["743672"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a370a3d50852"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Maggie was another player I was glad to see back at the KABC Cardinal Classic this year. Highly regarded as one of the best pure scorers in the state, she put her offensive repertoire on full display throughout the event. Maggie is a smooth operator on the floor who plays with confidence and poise. She showcased a polished shooting stroke with excellent mechanics, draining multiple three-pointers. She has great court vision and passing ability, dropping dimes and setting up her teammates for scoring chances. Fresh off adding another Division I offer from Canisius University, she appears poised for a big July live period and senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["961289"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a37138035027"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='961289' first='Ella' last='Buckman'] was a player I was eager to see again, as the last time I watched her was back in December. One of the first things that stood out was her physical development. It's evident she has been putting in work in the weight room, as her frame has filled out and she has added noticeable muscle tone. Ella is a guard who can effectively run the offense while also being productive playing off the ball. What impresses me most is her decision-making. She doesn't just make plays, she makes the right plays! I also like her ability to create for others while still being capable of asserting herself offensively when needed. Ella plays with a level of maturity that stands out every time I watch her compete.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->