Game Observations: Sophomore Prospects Show Off In The Dungeon

On December 12, I scouted two very young squads at Topeka High. The Trojans have just one senior and junior on their roster. Manhattan has a couple more upperclassmen, but both teams rely heavily on young prospects.   Here is a look at athletes who impressed me during Manhattan's 54-29 Centennial League victory. None of the Manhattan starters played in the fourth quarter so all of the totals for the Indian prospects came in three quarters.   [player_tooltip player_id='817405' first='Emery' last='Ruliffson'], 5'6”, G/F, Manhattan, ‘24   Even though it looks like she will play college soccer, Ruliffson is an impressive basketball player who could play the college game on the hardwood or the soccer pitch. She converted on her first four field goal attempts of the game. She finished with nine points, six rebounds, and two steals. The Indian senior is very quick, takes care of the ball, and is a solid passer.   [player_tooltip player_id='875332' first='Isabelle' last='Peabody'], 5'9”, SF, Manhattan, ‘25   Peabody is an athlete a college coach would love to have as a role player. She can put the biscuit in the basket, but what she can do on the defensive side of the ball is what makes her special. She was playing at the top of Manhattan's full-court press and created multiple turnovers. Peabody scored six points, grabbed four rebounds, and had three steals.   [player_tooltip player_id='959943' first='Jorah' last='Parcell'], 6'1”, PF/C, Manhattan, ‘26   Parcell was one of two sophomores who played well against Topeka High. Parcell is an interior player who is going to score from the paint all season. She finished with nine points while shooting 4-of-5 from the field. She also worked hard on the glass grabbing five rebounds. She plays smart defense and works hard to stay out of foul trouble.   [player_tooltip player_id='621235' first='Kat' last='Ball'], 5'2”, CG, Manhattan, ‘26   Ball plays the game fast. She looks to score first but also takes care of the ball. Like Peabody, she was impressive playing in the Indians pressure defense. She scored nine points on 4-of-9 shooting from the floor. She has a nice jump shot and can score from the wing. She added three assists, two rebounds, and one steal to her stat line.   Keimara Marshall, 5'5”, CG, Topeka, ‘26   Marshall was the most athletic guard on the court and played best at the point. She is super strong and working on a pair of forearms to compare with Florence Griffith Joyner (look her up youngsters). Marshall loves to dribble and drive and can go to her right or left to score. She scored seven points and collected five rebounds, two steals, and two blocked shots. She can play shutdown defense. Marshall needs to work on taking care of the ball and slowing down the game in high-pressure situations.   Ahsieryrhuajh Rayton, 5'7”, G, Topeka, ‘26   If they both stay together for the rest of their high school careers the Trojans will have a solid guard combination in Rayton and Marshall. Rayton is longer than Marshall and has a better jump shot. She is not as quick as Marshall, but is handles the ball better. She finished with a game-high 11 points. Rayton does a nice job of getting to the free throw line and scored 3-of-4 from the charity stripe.   Sasha Gotru, 6'1”, PF, Topeka, ‘26   Gotru is a legit board monster. She finished the game with 10 rebounds and she blocked out better than any post player I have seen early this season. She has a big frame and can eat up space. She scored six points and all but one of her baskets came off an offensive rebound. Gotru can create her own shot and she and Parcell battled in the paint for three quarters.   In the junior varsity game, I was impressed by two Manhattan freshmen in the Indians' 49-7 win over Topeka High.   Avery Ingram,  5'8”, G/F, Manhattan, ‘27   Ingram understands the game of basketball and plays it well. She is good at anticipating where the ball is going and jumps into passing lanes for steals. She has a nice jump shot and scored nine points in the Indians' win. Ingram has a big reach and plays technically solid defense.   Jelena Depusoir,  5'9”, PF, Manhattan, ‘27   Depusoir is a post-player who will be a handful to deal with as she gains more experience. She scored a game-high 12 points. She rebounds well, plays physically, and has a quick power move in the paint. Don't be surprised to see both Manhattan freshmen added to the PGH Class of 2027 Watch List.

On December 12, I scouted two very young squads at Topeka High. The Trojans have just one senior and junior on their roster. Manhattan has a couple more upperclassmen, but both teams rely heavily on young prospects.