Coming off injury, she is primed and ready to get back to work. This young lady is tough in the low block area. She’s a finisher. One who can not only utilize her deadly dropstep and finish over either shoulder, but can knock down the mid-range jumper as well. Her main attributes are her ability to defend at a high level and to rebound. Making it difficult for the opposition is what she prides herself on. This upcoming season, look for her to contribute to her club in multiple ways, but also help spearhead a lethal attack with bigger goals on their minds.

The first thing that stands out about Emily Patterson Emily Patterson 5'11" | PF Cleveland | 2027 State TN as a player is her effort.

Patterson is constantly looking for a gap that she can jump a passing lane for a steal, and if her assignment on defense gets the ball, she does everything she can to not allow them to score. She does a great job of reading their movement and adjusting her defensive stance to prevent a bucket. Her effort alone and detailed defensive approach helps her generate a surplus of steals and blocks in some games. In the 2025-2026 season, she had multiple games with two or more blocks or steals.

Coming off an injury, she is looking good as she gets back to her old self. She’s a very physical low-block player who doesn’t make it easy for the other team. Has a nice array of back-to-the-basket moves, contributes on the boards, and defends like crazy. This will be a big year for her as her squad looks to go deep into state contention. Look for her to be a solid piece of a talented squad.

A true fan of this kid who is an absolute workhorse. Suffered a injury toward the end of the season, but will bounce back because that is the kind of person she is. She is a tough kid who plays her role well. She was big on the boards on both ends of the floor, but her ability to create opportunities away from the ball and then go exploit an area was great. She could set a pick on the back side and then pop to the open area to receive a pass. Her defensive ability was solid as she would bang with the best of them. Look for her to rebound and pick back right where she left off. A old-school hooper who just played the game with relentless energy and passion.

the garbage player of the game. This kid was big time on the boards, getting second chance opportunities that put points on the boards for her ball club. The Lady Raiders of Cleveland won the Thanksgiving Tournament at Silverdale, and Emily was a key component in that victory. She’s a hard nose player who battles down low around the blocks. Not just on the offensive end, but the defensive end as well. I loved her ability to be utilized in the screen game, she was phenomenal about grabbing a rebound and finding her outlet guard to start a transition break. I already mentioned her ability to keep possessions alive by getting second chance shots. This kid is a young player who is coming into her own. Look for her to continue to grow and be an intricate part of the Lady Raiders ball club.

Personally, one of my favorite ’27 posts. Coach Hensley called her a “workhorse that plays hard, is a great rebounder, and makes the right play.”

I’ve always lauded her ability to make high-level passes out of the post, which I think really makes a team better. She’s a relentless rebounder that generally scores on put backs, and is developing a back to the basket post game. Really like this kid’s game.