Class of 2024: Summer Shootin’ & Surreal Swag

We got this “for real” incoming sophomore class on a pendulum in a jungle gym swinging from a swing back and forth, back and forth, back and forth...now higher, higher, higher, now lower..lower... and making that sway from high to low in a fluid manner; taking them into a state of a trance; where there is distant laughter, chatter, and heavy amount of flashbacks and imaginations. This describes what has happened with this Class of 2024, due to the COVID-19. They were current 8th graders, bound to be incoming high school freshmen, at the time the pandemic hit us in March 2020. While many events continued on in the AAU circuit last summer; many tournaments were either pushed back, cancelled, or were limited in terms of how many games were played. There is no question there were probably nerves, fear, and a little anxiety in each kid while competing. So, a lot of tierras here being brought into the mix that made it so each 2024 player started off their graduation of eighth grade playing last summer under hectic circumstances, to their freshman year as a first-year high school student, to now their AAU season as incoming sophomores. These hoopers were probably in the top two classes that took the brunt of the Covid the most in terms of getting that opportunity to showcase their skills to college coaches. However, just like they would be on a swing in their backyard swaying back and forth, high and low, experiencing deep thought; they have also been doing the same on the basketball court throughout these three phases. None of this will bring them down; as these kids are in a good time period to raise their stock, catch coaches' attention, and become the best players they can possibly be as they prepare to take on this critical month of recruiting in “Jittery July.” Jittery, that is, in a “good, jumpy” kind of way. I am now going to discuss five more kids in the class of 2024 who are highly skilled and bring a unique addition to the clubhouse. Wham!   [player_tooltip player_id="246155" first="Makayla" last="Farnum"], 5’10, PF, North Scott, 2024 Makayla is a solid forward who is very aggressive and dominant when her hands touch the ball in the paint. She is a handful down low as a problematic big, which can result in complete harm for opposing teams. Nine times out of ten, when she receives the pass from a guard on the block; that ball is going in the net. She shoots at a high percentage down low; and her creativity to mix up her post moves are at a high level. She understands how to post up well, while allowing good space to either make the move or dish it to a fellow teammate. I like her ability to run the floor and get the easy Dos. She also has a good handle and can drive to the basket as well. She can slide her triggers and tenacity over to the defensive end displaying her ability to rebound the ball and crash the boards game in and game out. A tremendous player to keep your eye on. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15446690/Makayla-Farnum">https://www.hudl.com/profile/15446690/Makayla-Farnum</a>   [player_tooltip player_id="246136" first="Alex" last="Flattery"], 5’10, W, Sioux City East, 2024 Alex is a dynamic, highly skilled player with a sought after upside. I say this because she has the capability to score at will, and does it with a lot of ease. Her prowess to make her way into the paint with a great handle to finish with both hands is incredible. With her talent, I see her putting up 15-20 a game these next three seasons. Is still young yet, so could possibly gain an inch or two; you never know. This kid is very crafty and smooth in terms of her court awareness and basketball IQ. She delivers some terrific passes (dimes) to fellow teammates. She is also a force on the boards and can pull them down without any problem, as she has outstanding athleticism and strength. I also love her ability to get into the passing lanes and pick up the steals. A top-notch athlete. I definitely see her as a wing/slasher; as her guard skills are off the charts. A magnificent player to keep your eye on. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14921439/Alex-Flattery">https://www.hudl.com/profile/14921439/Alex-Flattery</a>   [player_tooltip player_id="246163" first="Grace" last="Knutson"], 5’10, SG, Cedar Falls, 2024 There better be tons and tons of chairs and places to sit in gyms over the course of the next couple of years to watch young Grace play this game. This kid has such a knack for this game; it is very evident after a short minute. Not only is her 3-point stroke one of the best in this class, her jumper off the bounce at the mid-range level is rare for someone this age. She can just flat out stop on a dime and deliver with tremendous body control in the open court or in the half court set. A lethal athlete who can do so much on the floor with her talented instincts and natural ability. Her knowledge of the game and high IQ with her capability to send out assists (dimes) to fellow teammates adds the pivotal edge to her highly talented offensive game. A great rebounder as well. A great player to keep your eye on. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14776073/Grace-Knutson">https://www.hudl.com/profile/14776073/Grace-Knutson</a> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-212315" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2020/10/159-Kendall-McDaniel-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /> [player_tooltip player_id="246148" first="Kendall" last="McDaniel"], 6’2, PF, Indianola, 2024 There is a ton of potential in Miss McDaniel. She causes destruction on both ends of the floor like there is no tomorrow with her physicalness and talent. Her versatility is something that stood out to me right away. Kendall can score on the inside displaying some high-level post moves, can step out and shoot the 3 ball, and can knock down the 15-footer as well. She can also rebound the ball and uses her strength and size to her advantage. She plays in a very relaxed and laid back way; however, she also brings a sense of urgency and a confident demeanor to the table. A high-level player to keep your eye on. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15371754/Kendall-McDaniel">https://www.hudl.com/profile/15371754/Kendall-McDaniel</a> <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-212268" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2020/10/46-Kayla-Reis-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /> [player_tooltip player_id="246119" first="Kayla" last="Reis"], 5’6, PG, Dallas Center-Grimes, 2024 A very natural (one of the top) guard(s) in this crop of kids in 2024. Kayla is another kid with phenomenal upside, who will only be getting better as months and years go on. I see her as a point guard; however, with her 3-point shooting ability, she could easily slide over to the 2 guard position. This kid has a wet shot, and has one of the best release and forms in the class. Is probably in my top 10 purest strokes of all three classes. She also has the range to stretch defenses too. Can also pass the ball, as she has a good feel for the game and can find open fellow teammates while penetrating. Has innate athletic ability, and she uses it to rack up steals and get into passing lanes in a hurry. Can also get to the rim with a nice handle and finish. A kid who thrives in the open floor and transition, she gets plenty of bunnies utilizing her quickness and getting out and running. A fantastic player to keep your eye on. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJz8HVS68_w">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJz8HVS68_w</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T371nAj7eBA">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T371nAj7eBA</a>