Summer Standouts: Most Improved

USE CODE "tinnon30" FOR 30% OFF THE FIRST PURCHASE OF ANY SUBSCRIPTION   Another successful travel ball season is in the books. Over the next couple of weeks, I will be highlighting some talented kids who competed on the circuit. Let me tell you, our athletes who competed this summer made some noise for this state and themselves. No matter where you were in the country attending the last live period event, you saw our girls mow competition down. We earned respect. Showcased what we were about. We did our thing.   We will get around to those who dominated in the last viewing period. For right now, I would like to talk about some kids, in my opinion, who improved over the summer.   Now granted, if you laced them up this summer, you did nothing but get better. When you challenge yourself and compete against other high-quality kids, it's either sink or swim. I was at countless games this past season, and I saw a ton of Tennessee kids step it up. It wasn't just in the scoring column. No. No. It was in movements. How they got busy and attacked the rim. Seeing their court awareness in how they distributed the ball. How they defended. It was a multitude of things that came to fruition as they went to work. It wasn't always about the Ws, but about seeing their body of work and growing from there. Growth. Competing. All of that played a part in my assessment as I saw kids work.   As I mentioned, there are tons of girls who did their thing. Here are a few names you should watch as they improved their game and got after it this past live period.    A young lady who played a major part for her club this past year. Grew in her versatility as she established herself both inside and out. She banged down low in the paint, finishing tough shots against opponents. She stretched the floor and knocked down 3 balls, swishing the bottom of the net. Not only was she on the boards, but she was solid in transition, showcasing her hands as she received passes over the top and finished. This young lady is primed for a solid high school season. Keep tabs on her as she continues to grow and add to her game.     She transformed herself into a lead dawg. This tournament and throughout the summer, she positioned herself to be someone who could carry the load. She had impressive scoring outputs, but also led in other categories. She improved not only in getting busy going downhill, but her mid-range game grew as well as she sunk bucket after bucket. Not only did she showcase her ability to score, but she also proved she can do it both with and without the ball in her hands. Solid defender, tough competitor, this young lady is growing into a solid prospect that is about to receive her breakthrough.     One thing that is tough to teach is speed. This young lady accepted whatever role was given and did it beautifully. Showcasing not only her ability to be an offensive threat, but it was the way she played D that stood out. She put the clamps on people and really rose to the occasion in multiple games. She's definitely a solid defender who can play at the next level. Offensively, she showcased her ability to knock down 3s, but also get into her bag with a quick first step. It was all downhill as she got past her defender and challenged help side at the rim. Coming into this summer, she may have had very few offers, but I expect in the coming weeks this young lady will be sought after by schools based on her style of play. Solid ballplayer with a whole lot to give.     A young lady who always seems to impress me. From start to finish, she has grown in her all-around game and has not been pigeon-holed into a particular position. One who can get it done on the inside, but also spray from the arc. She's on the boards, defends at a high clip, and is willing to do the little things right to give her team an edge. No matter the platform, she's dialed in and gives maximum effort. This kid has thrived, and every club she has been a part of, whether it's travel ball or school ball, she has done nothing but rise to the occasion and help push her team over the edge. She's a ballplayer and is going to be a steal for whatever program she commits to at the next level. Whoever it may be will be getting a tireless worker who has a high basketball IQ and the will to do whatever it takes to win.     Someone who is a go-getter. For starters, this young lady plays the game with a lot of energy. A selfless ballplayer who has a high basketball IQ. Has great reactionary skills, reads the floor, and has a knack for being around the ball or in the play. She's a hustler, one who is going to go after loose balls, offside rebounds, and does anything to obtain the basketball. She's a solid defender, but on the offensive side, she has a nice offensive game that she displays from all three levels. A kid to continue to follow, she's a difference-maker and thrives in her role. A solid ‘28 who is making a name for herself.     A tough kid who has added to her game in more ways than one. I will say being clutch has become a part of her game. Playing with such confidence, she isn't afraid to let it fly from deep. She's added the ability to attack off the bounce and get downhill. Based on what's given, she's distributed to an open teammate on the perimeter or finished at the rim. She's become a solid defender and one who has contributed in the rebound game. This kid is becoming an all-around ballplayer who is going to be one to watch over the coming years.

USE CODE "tinnon30" FOR 30% OFF THE FIRST PURCHASE OF ANY SUBSCRIPTION