Class of 2024’s Top Scorers (Uncommitted)
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Defense wins championships, sure. But, defense only goes so far unless you have people putting the ball in the basket to help the hard efforts pay off on the other end. Here are five of the top 2024 scorers still…
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Continue ReadingDefense wins championships, sure. But, defense only goes so far unless you have people putting the ball in the basket to help the hard efforts pay off on the other end. Here are five of the top 2024 scorers still uncommitted to a college home:
Alaira Evans Alaira Evans 5'9" | SF Chapmanville | 2024 State WV , Chapmanville, W, 5-9 – Evans possesses many different ways to put the ball in the basket. From post moves to scoring after moving without the ball, and from 3-point shots to high percentage jumpers inside the arc, her arsenal is brimming with options. She shoots a high percentage from every one of them, too. Any D-II, D-III or NAIA school would be lucky to add her scoring prowess to their bench.
Trinity Balog Trinity Balog 5'7" | SG Parkersburg | 2024 State WV , PHS, SG, 5-8 – Trinity just puts points on the board. Easy as that. After learning how to score against some of the best teams and defenders in the Mountain State Athletic conference, she uses a wide variety of shots for her points. It certainly shows in her game. Where her repertoire once consisted of her driving hard to the bucket and simple ISO plays, she’s developed into a kid who can ISO up, but also hits her shots off the dribble and behind the arc. Her Eurostep isn’t half bad, either. She may not always beat her opponent off the dribble, but she’s strong enough to weather the contact and finish at the rim. She undoubtedly will be the Big Reds’ offensive leader this coming winter, but she should have a college home before the high school season starts. I am looking at you, coaches.
Sophie Nichols Sophie Nichols 5'11" | SG Ripley | 2024 State WV , Ripley, SG, 6-0 – Nichols handles her role as the chief scorer in the Ripley Vikings’ offense well. Very well. More often than not, she makes the shots that decide the contest. Take her performance in the two biggest games of the Vikings’ season one year ago. In the second game against Wayne, Mackennan Hall and she began the 3-point party early with a barrage of behind-the-arc shots. The good fortune and hot shooting ignited the Vikings for the rest of the game. They cruised to a victory. Then against North Marion in a Class AAA semifinal, she took over in the second half, nearly leading the Vikings to a come-from-behind victory. If you are a coach who needs a kid who gets big points, you should definitely look at Sophie.
Ella Simpson Ella Simpson 5'7" | SF University | 2025 WV , University, W, 5-8 – Simpson can score on all three levels with multiple options for her attack. She’s great at receiving entry passes in the post for post points. She excels on the fast break. She can take an opponent off the dribble. She hits the 3 consistently enough, on or off a dribble. Also, she’s a great leader who plays when the lights are brightest. If Simpson were just a few inches taller, she would be receiving some Division I attention. As of now, though, any Division II team that signs her will receive a multi-faceted threat who likes to attack, attack, attack. Don’t be surprised to see this young lady land on a high-caliber Division II squad.
Sophi Aldridge Sophi Aldridge 5'5" | CG Cabell Midland | 2024 State WV , Cabell Midland, SG, 5-6 – Don’t be surprised if Sophi shows up on a list of explosive scorers later in the year. The girl just has a nose for the basket. And she can score points in a hurry thanks to an array of options. One of her favorite ways to score is the 3-point shot, she can hit from all-around the arc and they can come in droves. When she’s feeling that shot, her team benefits. Yet, she’s not just a 3-point shooter. Her Eurostep is on point and she can also finish through contact. She’s deceptively strong for her size. It will be interesting to see how she handles herself as Cabell Midland’s leading scorer this upcoming winter. Without Jayda Allie and Jaz Wheeler, she’s going to have to generate a lot more offense. The good news is she is creative enough moving without the ball that she can easily slip away from a defender for a quick shot.