Defensively and rebounding the basketball, there is not a better player in Georgia right now than Aaniyah. She completely controlled games I saw this season by erasing shots from opposing players and teams routinely as well as completely dominating the boards. What I saw more of that got me excited was Branch gaining confidence on the offensive end as the season progressed. With Munchie’ absence, Branch was forced to contribute offensively and she did, scoring around the basket on outbacks, assists, and short jumpers from six to eight feet. If Branch can consistently be a factor on the offensive end, her recruitment will only pick up with the best of the best programs in the country. I am talking about teams that are in the Final Four every year. She is that good and every bit of 6’4. Aaniyah has the chance to be the best one out of this group and that is saying a lot!

Aaniyah was completely dominant in the paint on both ends for Holy Innocents. Defensively, Branch altered and block multiple shots and served as a deterrent inside for the Galloway guards. Aaniyah has obvious physical gifts, but her anticipation and timing on shot blocks and rebounding is very impressive. Her offensive game continues to develop and she looked much more confident finishing around the basket, something she did often. Branch had three offensive rebounds and put backs for six of her points in two quarters. One finish with her left after a quick bounce off the ground showed just how much confidence she has gained scoring the ball. Aaniyah showed her soft hands catching a quick, bullet pass and calmly knocking down a five foot shot from the baseline. Branch’s potential is through the roof and she will be a very high priority for Power Four programs across the country for the next two years.

The defense of Branch helped stifle Milton in the paint. Aaniyah posted 6 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 blocks. One of the biggest players in the state, Branch is a physically dominant presence. She alters countless shots and is a handful to keep off the offensive glass. In the win, Branch scored on a drive and had two hoops in transition by running the floor. Power 5 schools are recruiting.

Aaniyah brought physicality and presence to the interior all weekend long. She used her size and strength to control space in the paint and battle for rebounds. Her energy and communication were contagious which gave her team a lift from the court or the bench. Branch competed hard and showed flashes of real long-term potential with her elite length and height.

Big-bodied post with developing skill and mobility. Branch runs the floor hard, hits the offensive glass and alters shots defensively. Her upside is considerable as she continues to gain experience. High Major offers have started to trickle in.

Aaniyah has some serious size as a legit 6’4-6’5 post prospect. I was impressed with her soft hands and ability to gather some tough passes in traffic. Her length and frame is going to continue to get her looks at the P4 level. She can really get up too as I saw her make a layup that would have been nearly impossible to block.

Among the laundry list of talent that was on display at the lake and mountains of Guntersville this past weekend were plenty of towering bigs. One of those happened to be on Team Elite Hubbard 15U 3SSB – and she stands at a towering 6-foot-4. When watching how the Golden Bears’ standout performs, one can see why Holy Innocents concluded last season with a 25-2 record. Her versatility proves itself in that she can attack the basket as if she were a guard. Branch threw down an emphatic dunk at the conclusion of last season’s 2A state championship game in Macon against Hebron Christian and her club play is displaying that Branch is just getting started. 

Aaniyah has elite size and moves well. The more reps she gets, the better she will become. She runs the floor for buckets and is adept at getting on the offensive glass. She also drew a charge against Hardaway. Branch came off the bench to chip in 4 points, 4 rebounds and 1 block.