Evaluating the Summer Jam stock risers, part 2

I didn't spend a ton of time watching coach Nate Nelson's [program_tooltip program_id='712722' first='North' last='Tartan'] 2029 EYCL squad this weekend but when I did one thing stood out: the improvement of [player_tooltip player_id='1816927' first='Samantha' last='McFarland'], [player_tooltip player_id='1280969' first='Ady' last='LaValley'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1256220' first='Sydney' last='Clemens']. The tall, lengthy threesome are at different stages of their development but all three are trending in the right direction. That's why they are included here in part 2 of our review on some of the Summer Jam stock risers.   Pictured above, McFarland, LaValley and Clemens (left to right) all stand somewhere in that 5-foot-10 to 6-foot range, all possess tremendous length, and all play the kind of versatile basketball that seems increasingly valuable at the next level. LaValley may be the furthest along right now. The Prior Lake standout, currently ranked 33rd in Minnesota's Class of 2029, combines length, skill, and a really advanced feel for the game. She changes pace and direction effortlessly, uses her wingspan to great effect defensively, and simply looks comfortable doing almost everything on the floor.   Clemens, now at Providence Academy, brings a different flavor. She plays hard all the time, rebounds aggressively, defends multiple positions, and does so many of the little things that help teams win. There's a positivity and toughness to her game that coaches tend to appreciate immediately.   And then there's McFarland. We've been waiting for Samantha's breakthrough for a while now. After watching her this weekend, I remain convinced that it's coming soon. The talented Wayzata forward has always had the length and mobility, but her confidence has taken noticeable steps forward over the past year. She looks more comfortable, more assertive, and more willing to trust what she can do. We think there are great things in Samantha's future.   Watching the three of them together, I kept coming back to the same thought: this is what the modern wing position is supposed to look like – long, versatile, competitive, and capable of impacting the game in a variety of ways. It'll be fascinating to see where each of them goes from here.   Here are three more prospects – one from Minnesota and two from South Dakota – who raised their stock at Summer Jam.    Harris continues to trend in an upward direction. Playing up a year on coach Nia Hollie's [program_tooltip program_id='714566' first='Minnesota' last='Stars'] 16U 3SSB squad, the Minnehaha Academy standout looked bigger, stronger, and more confident than ever. Listed at 6-foot-1 but appearing even taller now, Addison impacts the game in countless ways despite not posting huge scoring numbers. Harris rebounds at a high level, defends with physicality, and consistently makes her presence felt in the paint. What stands out most, though, is how much smoother and more assertive she has become. With added strength and an expanding perimeter game, Addison's trajectory is intriguing. We have her at 17th in the Prep Girls Hoops Class of 2029 prospect rankings and she looks every bit like a D1 prospect.     Flatten is one of those players who catches your eye immediately because she simply moves differently. The Colman-Egan guard from the Warwick 15U Skye squad is long, lean, and remarkably fluid, slipping through openings that don't appear to exist for most players. Time and again, she attacks the basket, weaving through traffic before finishing with soft touch around the rim. Defensively, she impresses just as much, dropping low into her stance and using excellent lateral quickness to stay attached to opponents. Jolie is also sneaky athletic, elevating for deflections and rebounds while competing with constant energy. Add in a quick first step, a confident jumper, and a willingness to attack, and you've got one very intriguing young prospect. Every time I watch Jolie work I like her upside more.     There is a smoothness to Hofer's game that immediately stands out. The Sioux Falls Jefferson guard, who also plays on the 15U Skye team, handles the ball with confidence, keeps her eyes up at all times, and seems to process the game one step ahead of most players. Watching her play brings to mind shades of Underwood (Minnesota) standout and MSU-Moorhead commit [player_tooltip player_id='675971' first='Trinity' last='Baker'], particularly in the way she moves and creates opportunities. Samantha shoots it beautifully, especially in catch-and-shoot situations, and possesses range that forces defenders to extend well beyond the arc. She's also a gifted passer with the creativity and court vision to make difficult plays look routine. Add in her athleticism and defensive quickness, and there's a lot to like here.

I didn't spend a ton of time watching coach Nate Nelson's North Tartan 2029 EYCL squad this weekend but when I did one thing stood out: the improvement of Samantha McFarland Samantha McFarland 5'10" | SF Wayzata | 2029 MN , Ady LaValley Ady LaValley 5'10" | SG/SF Prior Lake | 2029 State MN and Sydney Clemens Sydney Clemens 6'0" | PF/SF Providence Academy | 2029 State MN . The tall, lengthy threesome are at different stages of their development but all three are trending in the right direction. That's why they are included here in part 2 of our review on some of the Summer Jam stock risers.