The View from the Sideline: Hunting For Hot Hoops Talent

My favorite part of Hot Hoops summer basketball is usually when the games finally end. I have never been a major fan of the summer league. However, attending this game between China Spring and Franklin High School reminded me exactly why I should be sitting on the sidelines scouting these games. You never know when you will find a player with next-level potential who simply hasn't received the exposure yet. Scouting these players and finding raw talent matches perfectly with the core mission statement of Prep Girls Hoops.   To add some personal context, I have had the privilege of watching the growth and development of one of the six student-athletes featured below since she was in the seventh grade. Seeing Akira “Tipper” Whitmore's growth and development over the years makes writing this article even more rewarding.    Today, I want to celebrate the sheer excellence of her game. To be completely honest, I was completely surprised by what I saw from Tip on the court. She confidently knocked down three-point shots, hit step-back threes, pulled up from the midrange, and consistently handled defensive pressure as a primary ball-handler. Tip even broke her defender down on a couple of drives to the basket. I was shocked and thinking, what in the world?   Her offensive game has expanded tremendously, and she has officially cemented herself as a legitimate, three-level scorer. It's exactly what makes her dangerous on the court—her superpower is combining that perimeter shooting and ball-handling with dominant, aggressive post play.   Tip has come a long way from the back-to-basket post player that she started out as. Now, don't get me wrong, she can still control and dominate the paint on offense and defense. She can still crash the glass and clear out rebounds on both ends of the court. Defensively, I saw way more aggression from her, and she didn't mind banging with her opponent down low for position or fighting for boards.   I normally assess collegiate-level potential right at the beginning of the article if I believe a player has that kind of ability and talent. However, I didn't even have to do that with Tip because everybody already knows she has received a Division I offer, along with three official invites from D1 and D2 schools. But I will say it anyway: Akira “Tipper” Whitmore is absolutely going to play collegiate-level basketball somewhere in the United States.  Tip, I am so very PROUD OF YOU!       I like her game. Kevonna didn't need to play an overwhelming or completely dominating style to have an impact. Most of the time, she was in the right place at the right time, and she made good decisions with and without the ball in her hands.   Her primary weapon is her ability to get downhill and score, but she can read the defense and just take what they give her. A couple of times, she put her head down and drove it all the way to the basket. Other times, she drove hard, drew the help defense, and kicked the ball out to an open teammate. Defensively, she played very solid on-ball defense and walked away with a couple of nice steals.  Overall, nice job!       Peyton was exceptional in the open court from start to finish. She had several really good drives to the basket, showing great confidence when she attacked the basket. What stood out most to me was her ability, mostly her desire, to get out and run the lanes, which she did extremely well and exactly how you are supposed to. Her effort and hustle paid off big time, allowing her to beat her opponents down the floor, get out in front of the defense, and consistently score in transition.       Jolie was extremely active in the post on both offense and defense. She really made her presence felt inside and demonstrated a great feel for the game down low. Offensively, she put together some really good post moves that allowed her to create space and finish strong for baskets. Defensively, she fought hard for position in the paint, and it's something I enjoy seeing from players.       Jordynn held up her end of the bargain by producing on both ends of the court. Offensively, she knocked down a three-point shot with confidence. Defensively, she brought tons of energy, staying active, moving her feet, and disrupting passing lanes.

My favorite part of Hot Hoops summer basketball is usually when the games finally end. I have never been a major fan of the summer league. However, attending this game between China Spring and Franklin High School reminded me exactly why I should be sitting on the sidelines scouting these games. You never know when you will find a player with next-level potential who simply hasn't received the exposure yet. Scouting these players and finding raw talent matches perfectly with the core mission statement of Prep Girls Hoops.