Checking on a Few CIML Sophomores
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Today, I want to look at some sophomores in the CIML who may not get as much shine as they deserve. The CIML’s competition was head and shoulders above all others in Iowa last season, and I’d like to highlight…
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Continue ReadingToday, I want to look at some sophomores in the CIML who may not get as much shine as they deserve. The CIML’s competition was head and shoulders above all others in Iowa last season, and I’d like to highlight some kids who had good seasons without being All-State Level kids.
In her first year at Ankeny Centennial, Crawford helped her Jaguar team reach the State Semifinals, where they fell just short to Johnston. What Crawford did for Centennial went deeper than looking at box scores. She gets after it on both ends of the floor and does her best work around the basket. The Jaguar finishes in traffic, rebounds at a high rate for a guard, and loves attacking the basket. Crawford also plays the game with extreme emotion, and her teammates respond to the energy she brings to the floor.
The Urbandale guard plays with plenty of confidence and is comfortable scoring with volume. Shooting percentages didn’t represent her talent and didn’t paint the whole picture. Carlile can hurt defenses on the wing, attacking the basket or stopping and pulling up from about 15 feet. I also love the simplicity of her game. She puts in the work and repeats everything to get her shot, floater, and handles where she wants them. Watching her attack the basket with a left-handed dribble and finish with her left hand after dribbling around the defense is absurd, but it works.
Finley Blackmore Finley Blackmore 5'11" | SG Ankeny Centennial | 2025 State IA
The Ankeny Centennial reserve played a role where she usually spaced the floor and cut from the perimeter this season. She provided a spark when her team needed it on occasions and was crucial in a few Jaguar wins this season. Her jumper is repeatable and consistent, and that shot will play over the next few seasons with more opportunities for her. Also, her cutting is a little underrated. She reads the game well and times cuts well, but she also has good hands and catches passes in traffic. I believe she’ll play a significant role at Centennial next season.
Marin Heller
I love Heller’s ability off the dribble. She’s quick, has a tight handle on the ball, and shoots off the dribble when the space is there. Heller also moves without the ball and floats into open pockets of space. When she catches the ball, she’s dynamic and gets into dangerous positions to help her team put points on the board.