Texas Tipoff: Hard in the Paint

This past weekend, I saw ruthless battles in the interior! Exciting matchups. Where size meets skill, paint protectors, rim runners, interior threats... these are all phrases to describe the 16U post players (interior prospects) listed below. The [player_tooltip player_id='1240337' first='Alaiyah' last='Huckaby'] (as seen pictured) and Nashaya Jackson matchup in the championship game was a highlight of the event for me as they were dueling in the interior possession after possession. Read Jackson's evaluation from the event <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2026/06/best-talent-from-the-texas-tipoff-16u/" id="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2026/06/best-talent-from-the-texas-tipoff-16u/">here </a>in my most recent 16U Best Talent article.    A strong interior presence, she uses her size and physicality effectively in the paint while maintaining a solid base against contact. Her basketball IQ also shows in press-break situations, where she catches in the middle, squares up, and uses a pivot to survey the floor and identify diagonal passing lanes. That combination of strength, composure, and decision-making makes her a valuable piece in helping her team handle pressure and initiate offense.     Despite being undersized for the position, she consistently plays bigger than her frame with a relentless approach on the glass, proving to be a true rebounding machine. In the post, she displays good footwork and touch, utilizing an effective up-and-under move to create scoring opportunities around the basket. She also stretches the floor with three-point shooting capability, and her improved speed allows her to change gears quickly and blow past defenders in transition or from the perimeter.     Patton is a skilled post player, she showed good decision-making with her back to the basket, understanding when to score over her left shoulder and when to deliver a strong diagonal pass out of the post. Her spin moves are particularly effective, as she stays under control while covering significant ground to create quality scoring angles. She consistently keeps the ball high around the rim, allowing her to finish efficiently and minimize opportunities for defenders to disrupt the play.     A fundamentally sound post player, she does an excellent job securing rebounds and immediately keeping the ball high, allowing her to protect possessions and avoid smaller defenders swiping at the ball. Once she gathers the rebound, she shows composure by pivoting out of traffic and creating space to jumpstart the offense also showcasing ballhandling abilities. I was impressed with the ball screens she set. As a screener, setting effective picks and rolling with purpose, whether diving to the basket for an interior scoring opportunity or drifting to the short corner where she can confidently knock down a mid-range jumper.     Allison is a tough, physical interior presence who protects the rim with major blocks (very impressive at her size) and rebounds at a high level. She plays inside with excellent body control and can finish through contact and controlling the paint. She also shows versatility with the ability to handle the ball and step out to the perimeter when needed.

This past weekend, I saw ruthless battles in the interior! Exciting matchups. Where size meets skill, paint protectors, rim runners, interior threats... these are all phrases to describe the 16U post players (interior prospects) listed below. The Alaiyah Huckaby Alaiyah Huckaby 6'0" | C TX (as seen pictured) and Nashaya Jackson matchup in the championship game was a highlight of the event for me as they were dueling in the interior possession after possession. Read Jackson's evaluation from the event here in my most recent 16U Best Talent article.