More Uncommitted Kids in the Class of 2024 to Keep Tabs On

Brady Peterson June 21, 2023 @ 05:05 PM

The class of 2024 is beginning to figure out where their next steps will be at the college level. However, plenty of kids in that class haven't decided where they will play, or if they'll play, in college. Today, I want to highlight some kids who I think will be valuable pieces at the collegiate level.   [player_tooltip player_id='444780' first='Lucy' last='Leininger']   Leininger is near the top of the list of defensive prospects in the 2024 class. She may not be the size of an ideal rim protector, but she's been one of the best-shot blockers for the past two seasons. I'd be comfortable lining her up against anyone and expect her to at least hold her own. However, her value goes well beyond blocking shots. She can jump passing lanes like a guard and contain dribble penetration on the perimeter. Leininger has also been expanding on what she can do on the offensive end of the floor. She's at her best in the open floor but does a solid job being an option for guards around the rim when her defender goes to help. She'll continue improving that aspect of her game throughout college.   [player_tooltip player_id='340025' first='Adrianna' last='Gonzalez']   Now that Gonzalez doesn't play her AAU ball in Wisconsin, I feel AAU programs in the state could forget what she brings to the floor. However, she's one of the best scorers in the class. She may be undersized as a combo guard at 5-6. Regardless, Gonzalez manages to score everywhere she's been. Whether she's scoring 26 per game at Indian Trail or tallying double-figures in EYBL games for Midwest Elite, she gets it done.   [player_tooltip player_id='780363' first='Paris' last='Opelt']   The Neillsville wing's length and frame are intriguing. I believe she's a clear scholarship-level player, but she comes from an area where talent usually doesn't come from. However, watching her at the state tournament in 2022 and seeing her play again at Summer Jam, there isn't much she can't do on the court. She can defend, score from the perimeter, attack the basket, pass, and switch on the defensive end. She's a gem, and the staff that gets her will love what she brings to their program.   [player_tooltip player_id='444787' first='Maia' last='Ellis']   Sometimes I feel like I'm on an island with how highly I think of Ellis. She isn't someone who's scoring 20 points every game, grabbing 15 rebounds, or dishing out double-figure assists. However, everyone I've talked to that's played with her or against her speaks highly of her. Ellis is a 5-11 wing who can defend multiple positions. Ellis is a quick, strong, and physical defender. Now she isn't someone who immediately jumps out as a scholarship-level player. However, she makes her team better anywhere she's played and sees significant playing time with scholarship-level kids because what she does makes her team better.

The class of 2024 is beginning to figure out where their next steps will be at the college level. However, plenty of kids in that class haven't decided where they will play, or if they'll play, in college. Today, I want to highlight some kids who I think will be valuable pieces at the collegiate level.