J4 Sports MLK Classic: Standouts Pt. 1

<strong>2021 6-1 C [player_tooltip player_id="195608" first="Jada" last="Session"] – Luella</strong> The Furman-signee is one of the toughest rebounders in the state. A physical enforcer, Session moves opponents out of the way as she gobbles up rebounds and scores inside. She has quality footwork, able to up-and-under defenders. Though her outside shot looks a little unorthodox, she can hit from within 15-feet.  Her defense makes her a stalwart in the paint and a valuable rim protector. <strong>2023 6-2 C [player_tooltip player_id="154590" first="Samiah" last="Puckett"] – Griffin</strong> [player_tooltip player_id="154590" first="Samiah" last="Puckett"] has the size, athleticism and footwork to become a big-time prospect. High Majors are already looking toward the future and see her as a game-changer in the paint. Puckett has good moves with her back to the basket but she needs to improve her finishing. She may be the first player I’ve seen all season with an actual countermove, so the skill is definitely there, she just needs to put the ball in the basket.  Puckett is an intimidating force inside and can block shots at a high rate. Offensively, she can occasionally step out to the three-point line. Once she’s a finished product, Puckett could be one of the best bigs in the Southeast. <strong>2022 6-1 F [player_tooltip player_id="210367" first="Nadiyah" last="Byard"] – Griffin</strong> A defense-first forward that can help defend multiple positions, [player_tooltip player_id="210367" first="Nadiyah" last="Byard"] can always be counted on to provide energy and effort. With her great length she’s able to get into passing lanes and help protect the paint. Her offensive game is predicated on putbacks and points in the paint. She scored on a nice hook shot as she took her time with her back to the basket and made a strong move.  Continuing to gain confidence in her offensive game could go a long way in her development. <strong>2023 5-8 CG [player_tooltip player_id="154597" first="Leah" last="Turner"] – Griffin </strong> [player_tooltip player_id="154597" first="Leah" last="Turner"] handles a majority of the ball handling duties for Griffin, but I like her more when she’s off the ball. She’s a dangerous three-point shooter and can hurt teams on catch-and-shoot chances. Her reps at point guard will help her game long term as she gets hands-on experience handling pressure and being the primary option. She is getting better at playmaking for others and has proven to be an effective defender with her effort. <strong>2021 6-2 W [player_tooltip player_id="118121" first="Brianna" last="Turnage"] – Westlake</strong> Virginia Tech-bound wing Snoop Turnage is one of the elite defenders in Georgia able to defend 1-5 equally as well. Her length and quickness are off the charts when coupled with her instincts. She swoops in for rebounds and can compete with players bigger and stronger than her. She can get off the ground so quick that she negates any weight advantage opponents might have. On offense she’s been more aggressive this year not only as a slasher but as a creator off the bounce that can score from the mid-range.