Since the consolidation of Rockville and Turkey Run High Schools, the resulting Parke Heritage has been rather competitive year to year in girls’ basketball. As for Birkley, she is one of a few quality guards in their backcourt, and she brings a nice combination of basketball IQ, strength, athleticism, and skill. She is more of a plug-and-play kid who can fill whatever role is asked of her. She can shoot it from 3-point range, drive it North/South to the rim for scores, or she can initiate the offense, manage a game, and find open teammates. Additionally, she is tough and physical on defense, and she rebounds.

Birkley just looks like a coach’s kid. She plays with a great motor, toughness and grit, she has a very fundamental skillset, plus she is always aware of what’s going on around her. Birkley has broad shoulders, long arms, and she’s a nice North/South athlete. She can handle it a little and push in transition, but I felt like she was such a skillful wing, you’d want to get her open for shots. She has some touch outside, plus she can attack the basket and finish.