Worth The Minutes

USE CODE "tinnon30" FOR 30% OFF YOUR FIRST PURCHASE OF ANY SUBSCRIPTION   The word "value" comes to mind, especially when it relates to the 2028 class. This class is very versatile and diverse in talent. Not the talent gap, but the different types of skills this class brings to the table. Most of the time, when we look at a prospect, we immediately put them into a category. “Oh, she is a catch-and-shoot kid.” “ She has handles.” “ She is powerful down low.” Examples like these are what many coaches/ scouts tend to do, especially when we first look at a prospect. With the 2028 class, you can't really box up a prospect like that because they do a multitude of things.   Early in my career, you could look at how one plays and kind of get an idea of where she was from. Nowadays, you can't tell by the naked eye because the talent and skills translate all across the board. You can have a catch-and-shoot kid come out of West Tennessee just as if you had a shifty guard from Knoxville. The area doesn't define you as much as it used to; all across the board, kids are getting better.   With the claim that kids are getting better, we often overlook or don't value enough the little things kids do right. Boxing out. Rebounding. Making the extra pass. Like, I wish there were a stat, like in hockey, where two people could get a nod for making an assist. We see the end result, but the how and why are just as important.    I wanted to take a moment to highlight some players that come to mind. It's hard to define who or what they are. Are they overlooked? Underestimated? Hidden gems? Who knows. What I do know is that these are just a handful of the many who bring value to their program that shouldn't go unnoticed. Hard-working kids who help tip the scales in their club's favor. Here are a few girls who are impactful, but may not get as much credit as they deserve.    Has transformed her game over the course of this past season. Had a stellar travel ball season in which she not only improved her game but also increased her stock. This kid plays with a motor. Willing to do the dirty work on both ends. She went from a player who camps out on the block to someone who is always in attack mode and can attack from all three levels. I love the energy she plays with as she is always looking for an edge. She can guard 1-5, rebound at a high clip, and contribute effectively on offense both around the blocks and the mid-range. She's a solid prospect that will help give Goodpasture an edge this upcoming season.     Versatile forward who can stretch the floor. She can bang inside, spot up on the 3-point line, and attack gaps to finish at the rim. I love her ability to compete on the glass. She gives her club extra possessions and always seems to be around the basketball. The kid plays hard and always seems to own the moment. Everything she gets is earned, and when she is on the floor, she makes a difference in some form or fashion. Her role will increase this upcoming season, but you better believe she is going to find a way to impact the game.     Heady ballplayer who has deceptive speed. She is a three-level scoring threat who can knock it down from deep, slash to the rim, and finish against taller players. She has a way of contorting her body and finishing around the rim. From inside hand finishes to scoop layups, she is nice in the paint. One thing she is also good at is delivering timely passes to open teammates. She can foresee something happening and fit the ball right in that window. She will be looked upon to bring it this upcoming season.     This kid is slowly becoming a hot name to know throughout East Tennessee. She has picked up some offers and improved her game along the way. She has done nothing but get better, and her stock is taking off. She is a heady ballplayer with great footwork, a nice shooting form, and the ability to finish through contact down low. She is great in the screen game, where she can roll to finish or pop and knock down the open jumper. She's great on the boards, blocks shots, and can really defend down low. She's hungry and looking to prove herself. Two ingredients that can really inspire someone. Look for her to help this Cleveland club go deep into postseason play. Keep an eye on this young lady as more schools will be looking at her game.     Before you know it, this young lady will be listed in the box scores for multiple things. A hard-working kid who can flat out get after it. She plays the game with such confidence, especially in her shooting. She isn't afraid to pull the trigger from deep or take someone off the dribble and finish at the rim. She is a solid defender, an overall very good player. Look for her role to increase for the Lady Bulldogs of Hickman Co. this season. With Karlie on the floor, you better believe this team will be fun to watch as they look to score in the upper digits.

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