NY ‘24 Summer Evals: The Top 5

After a fun spring and summer filled with competitive AAU basketball, I have finally released my evaluations of the '24 class. Between being in the gym and watching film, I got a glimpse of the New York basketball landscape. Below are the top 5 players I saw who represented the state. How I distinguish the top 5 vs. everyone else is their individual talent combined with how they use it to maximize a team's ceiling. For example, if you surround a prospect X  with four "C-grade" level (average) players around her, does prospect X have the skill and intangibles to elevate those "C-level" players to "B-level" (above average) production or better. Additionally, can they do so in the most competitive setting? Let's look at who made the list.    #1   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/08/770CB679-068D-480B-B3F9-10B8F4D197D3-crop-1365x897-1659799278.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-473057"/><figcaption>Photo: JT Shotz</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='413838' first='Leah' last='Harmon']| Exodus EYBL|5'6''|PG   Harmon can score from anywhere on the court and is one of the most unselfish playmakers. The physicality Harmon plays with is why she finds so much success on the offensive end. She absorbs hits, protects the ball when driving, and executes through contact as well as anyone. Harmon's vision and offensive awareness pop out at you specifically in transition. She can control the game's tempo and seamlessly incorporate her teammates into the offense. Harmon can be productive as the team's secondary ball handler at the off-guard spot.    #2   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/08/8612A81E-64D0-4B6B-8CDB-E64652D605F3-crop-1537x1010-1659799152.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-473055"/><figcaption>Photo: Anna Kitch</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='415744' first='Zahra' last='King']| New Heights|5'10''|CG   King showed her high-level two-way impact throughout July during the Select 40 series. She defended multiple positions, showed the lateral speed to shut down the perimeter and athleticism to alter shots at the rim. King's transition defense is game-changing, and she made huge plays for New Heights at critical times. Her shot creation and slashing ability caused problems for the defense due to her size and length.    #3   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/08/D20E9336-B224-4E63-9355-DA3D6CB351E1-crop-1365x897-1659799046.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-473053"/><figcaption>Photo: JT Shotz</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='382696' first='Kate' last='Koval']|Exodus EYBL|6'5''|PF/C   Koval is one of the most physically imposing and dominant players not just in New York but the entire Northeast. When she catches the ball in the post, defenses must send over additional help immediately. Koval is too strong and skilled on the block and will destroy anyone one on one in the post. She has a smooth jump shot and can be the team's anchor on defense with her rim protection.    #4   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/08/A876C268-7CF8-41D8-8B6F-BD00A5D3317A-crop-1242x816-1659798894.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-473050"/><figcaption>Photo: Anna Kitch</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='384798' first='Ariel' last='Little']|Castle Athletics|5'4''|PG   I've seen Little cook some of the best players and teams during the winter, and she carried that momentum into the spring and summer. Her confident handle and ball control are fascinating, and she isn't frazzled by intense defensive pressure. Little has proven she can be an elite shot creator and tough shot maker at her size, even when heavily contested. Most importantly, when the game is at its most crucial moments, you can trust Little to play with poise and be dynamic to put her team in a position to win.    #5   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/08/5EC04FDF-479E-4232-93EC-C485363577EE-crop-1537x1010-1659798660.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-473046"/><figcaption>Photo: Anna Kitch</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='413855' first='Kayleigh' last='Heckel']|Exodus EYBL| 5'9''|PG   Heckel can fill up the box score effortlessly and has the skill to impact the game in all phases. She is an efficient three-level scorer with the size and quickness to get to spots on any defender. Heckel's ability to get downhill and beat you with her scoring and passing ability is one of the many reasons she is considered one of the best '24 point guards. Heckel's rebounding separates her from other prospects at her position. She will get physical, pull down defensive rebounds, and self-start the break where she is at her best as a playmaker.

After a fun spring and summer filled with competitive AAU basketball, I have finally released my evaluations of the '24 class. Between being in the gym and watching film, I got a glimpse of the New York basketball landscape. Below are the top 5 players I saw who represented the state. How I distinguish the top 5 vs. everyone else is their individual talent combined with how they use it to maximize a team's ceiling. For example, if you surround a prospect X with four "C-grade" level (average) players around her, does prospect X have the skill and intangibles to elevate those "C-level" players to "B-level" (above average) production or better. Additionally, can they do so in the most competitive setting? Let's look at who made the list.