Ellie netted three threes and got to the basket with a pair of And-1s. The Presbyterian-signee used her side-step to get open looks at the basket. Ellie had 15 points and 3 rebounds.

The sharpshooter sprayed three threes and brought her physicality to the paint as a rebounder. When Southards stays out of foul trouble and is locked in from deep, she’s a game-breaker. Ellie recorded 12 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists. I liked that she put the ball on the floor and attacked off the dribble in spurts to diversify her offense.

The Presbyterian-signee drained four threes as Rabun County shook off a sluggish first quarter to capture third place in the Ditlihi Division, topping Scottsboro, AL 50-40. Aside from her sharpshooting, Ellie showcased her trademark toughness underneath the basket, battling for rebounds and scrapping for steals. Southards finished with 17 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 5 steals and 1 block.

The Presbyterian-commit managed to positively affect the game even with her three-point shot not falling. Southards collected 7 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 steal in a 60-25 win over Towns County. Ellie supplied physical defense inside and did a nice job on the glass, collecting a putback during a quick third quarter flurry. Southards converted with her left hand up close and made good decisions on the perimeter as a passer.

Southards’ career appears to be going in only one direction and it is north. She and her Rabun County Wildcats matched up against South Carolina-based Wren in one of the day’s games and the Hurricanes had absolutely no answer for her. Southards began much of the contest by showcasing what she can do from behind the 3-point line. As the game went on, more of her complete skillset began to shine through – including her ability to connect in the midrange game, haul in valuable rebounds and draw contact to get to the free throw line. She also displays her versatility with a knack for finding productive minutes as either a wing or at the two. Her stellar play even earned her an offer from Blue Hose coach Alaura Sharp.

Ellie’s got that dog in her. She plays with a chip on her shoulder, especially when tasked with guarding bigger players. Southards defended a 6-foot-1 post and did a great job denying her position and blocking her out. Offensively, Ellie is a lights-out shooter and is a skilled driver. The gym rat tallied 10 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals and 1 block. NAIA and D-II schools have offered.

Back from missing last season with an ACL tear, Southards has provided the exact scoring punch needed for Rabun County to replace all the points left behind by their potent senior class. Ellie is averaging 16.8 points and 4.9 rebounds per game while shooting a blistering 41.1% from three. On Tuesday night however, it was her defense that really stood out. She did a great job clamping down on Natalee Goff Natalee Goff 5'10" | SF Athens Christian | 2024 State GA , making it tough for her to score as she forced contested shots on the perimeter. Southards is a crafty defender. She’s a stout 5-foot-8, strong enough to defend in the post and quick enough to keep opponents in front on the perimeter. Ellie has active hands, stripping ball handlers and deflecting passes. Southards scores in bunches from beyond the three-point line and has a nice synergy working with Lucy Hood Lucy Hood 5'9" | PG Rabun County | 2024 State GA . Ellie sank three threes as she finished with 14 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 block. She’s a player that will be a target for D-II/D-III/NAIA programs.