Steele is a dynamic playmaker who continues to get better and will definitely make an impact in college. Shaelyn is one of the best athletes in the 24 class and has improved consistently over her high school career.

Steele is another player who has been hovering in the top of the class since we got started covering it and I think she has the best long term upside in the class. Her best basketball is ahead of her but her current game is pretty darn impressive too.

Shaelyn is a dynamic player who continues to get better. She’s still not reached her athletic peak and is going to be an absolute beast in college because she’s going to get bigger, faster and stronger and she’s already plenty fast and strong. Steele is going to end her career as one of the best to ever come out of Russell.

5 things she brings to the court: Really disruptive defense, strong handles, court vision, 3 level scoring, and tough finishes.

Known Offers: 16+ D1 offers (Columbia, Cincinnati, Northeastern, WKU, James Madison, Boston College, Pittsburgh, Harvard, Penn State, Chattanooga, Buffalo, Toledo, Youngstown State, ETSU, EKU, Marshall)

2022-23 Team: Russell (22-12); Lost by 1 in the 16^th Region Final Four vs Ashland Blazer

2022-23 Individual Stats: 19.8 PPG* // 7.7 RPG* // 42.6% FG (232/545) // 34% 3FG (54/159) // 79.9% FT* (115/144)

22-23 State Leaderboards: Top Scoring Leaders (19.8 PPG) – 26^th in KY // Top Free Throws Leaders (79.9%) – 23^rd in KY

The two big names in the 16th Region are both top players in the 2024 class and they happen to be AAU teammates as well. Steele is a crafty, athletic floor general. She can score at every level and has some of the toughest finishes. Her drives are really hard to stop and she’s an excellent passer as well. She is just as impressive on the defensive end of the floor.

2022-23 Season Stats: 19.8 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 42.6% FG (overall), 34% 3pt FG, 79.9% FT

Steele is as solid as they come. While her stats are impressive, they only tell half of the story. What she brings to the floor goes so far beyond what a stat sheet can show you. Steele is a lockdown defender and she can really control an offense. Her handles and athleticism will instantly stand out when you watch her play. When it comes to hustle plays and 50/50 balls, Steele’s usually going to be the one to come up with the ball in some way or another. She averaged 19.8 PPG and 7.7 RPG this season and is poised to have a huge summer with her West Virginia Thunder squad.

Steele recently hit the 2,000 point milestone to add to her impressive high school career. She is one of the top floor generals in Kentucky, regardless of class, and because teams know how talented Steele is, she often faces double or triple teams. She is a true 3 level scorer who can create for herself or her teammates. Steele is averaging 19.3 PPG and 7.1 RPG, leading her team in both categories.

Steele is so solid all-around. Teams will try to trap her and she’ll dribble right around or through them. Her handles are so impressive, but her court vision is also really impressive. She can create really solid looks for her teammates, especially when she gets into the paint and then kicks it out. What makes her such a tough defensive assignment is her ability to put the ball in the basket. Teams can’t just assume that she’s going to kick it because she can finish tough shots in the paint or around the basket. Steele can also really shoot the ball well and from deep range.

Steele was probably the best defender I saw in day 1. She was able to grab so many steals both on and off of the ball. However, she’s so good offensively as well. She can handle the ball and pressure so well. She makes great decisions and she can create scoring opportunities at all 3 levels. Steele is also extremely tough on the glass. Despite running the point, she can dominate on the boards through her effort and impressive leaping abilities.