5 Players Exploding Into the Scene

January 2025 is arriving and so are up and coming players. Graduations from the previous season always open paths to success for younger former teammates. And, of course, there are impact <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/12/a-quick-look-at-10-impact-freshmen-part-1/">freshmen</a> and other newcomers. Take a look at five.    The 5-1 Buffaloes have themselves one of the top point guards in the class. An elite shooter with parking lot range she is averaging 13 points, 4 assists and 2 turnovers. Very experienced with high level competition she hung 5 threes on Altus (OK) and hit a game winning three to overcome a 2 point deficit to Palmer Ridge (CO). Comments from other media sites trumpet what I have known for a couple years - strong handles to create space, quick trigger and finishing ability off the bounce. Having grown up practicing with many former Gameball D I, D II and Juco D I talents she hit the ground running familiar with HS game speed.         Despite being off to a 2-3 start the Ravens have themselves a strong floor leader. A consistent perimeter threat Nadeau impresses me with her ability to create while leading the break or working in the half court. She has terrific vision to dish to teammates for buckets. Working off the ball she uses her footwork and peripheral vision to challenge passing lanes and get into position to cut cutters. Nadeau is a player.     An already ballhandler rich Olathe South picked up another with Argyle (TX) transfer Brooke Maupin. She has taken over the starting point guard spot. My colleague Simmie Colson had her ranked #34 in the class. Defensively he liked her on-the-ball pressure. Offensively he commented that her first step has gotten quicker, she facilitates well, finishes in control off the dribble and that she continues to knock down pull-up jumpers.     If there is a senior who colleges should flat get in line for it is Phillips. I have had my eye on her years and in this, her senior campaign, she has put it all together. Undefeated after coming from behind late to defeat Hutchinson, the Bulldogs got a big contribution from her. Her game has really matured. And with her size, speed and athleticism she has turned into a serious problem at the small forward spot. By the way she also backs up stud teammate [player_tooltip player_id='539005' first='Saliyah' last='Henderson-Johnson'] at the point. Four games into season she has put up 16 points, 7 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 assist per game. Phillips can flat go end-to-end with speed, shoot the three ball with a swift release, create shots with ball fakes and hit the three ball. She is effective at canning mid-range and short-corner jumpers also. handling the ball. I have long thought she had high potential. Her ceiling has been pushed substantially higher. Watch out for this one.     An North Central Activities Association honorable mention selection in 2024 Thompson has made a serious statement about making first team as a senior and likely different 3A all-state team. Leading the 2-3 Trojans in scoring through 5 games with 16.4 points per game she is pulling down 8.4 rebounds, and collecting a block shot and 2 steals as well. With solid size and length she is doing it on both ends with her feet. She has the size to deny entry passes to most any opposing power forward but she also has enough quickness to stay with the ball on the drive if she has given up a window.

January 2025 is arriving and so are up and coming players. Graduations from the previous season always open paths to success for younger former teammates. And, of course, there are impact freshmen and other newcomers. Take a look at five.