Ari almost cracked the top 20 and may find herself in the top ten (maybe higher) when it’s all said and done in three years. She had a very solid freshman season, but not many were aware because of where she played. The size combined with her skill makes her a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses, both inside and out. Ari shoots the ball at a high clip from the perimeter and easily over smaller guards when she doesn’t back them down on the block. Her length, quickness, and leaping ability made her unguardable slashing to the basket in the showcases I saw her play this Summer. McElrath has a great set of mits as well, catching quick passes in tight quarters with ease before finishing around the rim. She could be the breakout player of the year after transferring to North Paulding, feasting off defenses trying to stop Kenzie Hinkson Kenzie Hinkson 5'6" | PG North Paulding | 2028 State GA .

Prior to the PGH Georgia Sophomore ID Camp I had no idea who Ari who was. After seeing her compete there and at the Wood Elite Top 50 Earned Not Given showcase, I have no doubt that Ari is ready for a breakout season with North Paulding. At a few millimeters below 6′, McElrath has the size, athleticism, and skill to play multiple positions on the court and create mismatches on the offensive end. North Paulding is loaded with talent, but Ari should not have a hard time finding minutes on the court. When she does, I expect her to impact the game in a big way offensively, defensively, and rebounding the basketball. She has the potential to be a division one player no doubt.

Ari was very impressive again in my second time seeing her at a showcase in less than a month. The first was at the Prep Girls Hoops Georgia Sophomore ID Camp, where she was easily one of the very best players there as well. A true two-way player, Ari blocked and deflected shots in the paint while also getting deflections and steals on the perimeter defensively. She is tall, long, and has great agility and athleticism. Offensively, Ari showed once again that she is a very good shooter from the perimeter, both midrange and from three-point range, knocking down shots on the move in the halfcourt. She finishes with touch around the rim with both hands and does a good job elevating over defenders. I expect her to have a huge sophomore year after transferring to a very talented North Paulding program. She has D1 potential and I have no doubt she will end up, but is an under the radar kid who will find herself ranked very high when the 2029 rankings come out this Fall.

Ari got my attention the first few minutes I was in the gym as she warmed up with a quick and leisurely game of one on one against a brother or cousin. she was more than holding her own and one the college coaches came and said I needed to watch her. At nearly six foot, I was very impressed with her ability to handle the ball on the move and ability to finish around the rim. Ari was particularly effective and smooth scoring on the break and when she had possession on the block. She was quick, but not in a hurry once she had the basketball in her hands in the post and also on the perimeter where she was equally impressive. McElrath has excellent form and follow through on her shot and she did a great job getting her feet right before the ball hit her hands and then quickly squaring her shoulders to the basket. She was very good blocking shots on the ball and with her length and athleticism certainly has the ability to come from the weakside and do the same. Based on her play in the camp alone, I will now make sure I see North Paulding more than once this upcoming season. She looks like a diviison one player to me.