2024 Watch List Newcomers
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December may be consumed by the holidays, but basketball is still taking over. High school season is in full swing, and holiday tournaments are coming up where schools across conferences and even states will be able to compete against one…
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Continue ReadingDecember may be consumed by the holidays, but basketball is still taking over. High school season is in full swing, and holiday tournaments are coming up where schools across conferences and even states will be able to compete against one another. Here at Prep Girls Hoops we have been making our own “nice lists” updating the rankings. Make sure to check out these athletes who were added to the 2024 rankings.
Erica Mathews is a three level scorer and dominant ball handler. She’s patient handling the ball knowing when to make her move to create space. She gets to the hoop easily finishing on both sides of the rim, and she can step outside the arc for her shot. Her ability to lose her defenders with in and out moves and jab steps is fun to watch as she blows by for her own points or making a smart dish to her teammate on the block.
Highlights
Lauren Arnold has great size to be able to compete in every position. This is apparent, too, with her ability to use a variety of moves like behind the back dribbles and up and under moves to create space for her to get some points. She’s tough in the paint getting rebounds, and she can use power dribbles to reposition for her points off the offensive glass. She attacks the defense drawing opponents towards her and finding her open teammates for their own points.
Sydnie Demiter does a lot for her team from grabbing steals to pushing the tempo to attacking the basket. She jumps into passing lanes and pushes it up the court for some solo fast breaks. She doesn’t shy away from contact on either end of the court. While she can certainly attack the rim, she can also step outside and shoot some from deep. She creates space for her teammates, too, repositioning herself to make the best pass into her teammates.
Kirstin Smalls plays for a dominant Panther Creek team making a big impact on the block for her team. She seals off opponents well, gets into position to rebound on both ends, and runs the floor in transition whether she is getting the offensive pass or making a steal on defense. She works a good high-low post option always keeping her eyes peeled for her open teammates, or she can make a move on her own to score her points.
Elliott Jessup is one of the versatile athletes for RJ Reynolds that is helping make them successful so far this season. She can step outside and drain it from deep, and she can drive against anyone who may be trying to block her path. Her height allows her to use some moves in the paint, and this translates well to the defensive side of the ball blocking shots and grabbing these for steals. She does a nice job getting inside to help with rebounding, and she doesn’t hesitate kicking these boards up the court for some transition offense.
Kamea Davis is averaging a double-double making sure she is known for her ability to score on all levels and get inside for the rebound. She sees the floor well knowing how to make her move on the way to the basket including some nice spin moves to create space. She also slides into the gaps on defense being ready to put up her shot from beyond the arc. Her ball fakes as she drives to the hoop move her defenders out of the way to show off her finish at the rim.