Emma O’Brien
Emma O’Brien
About Emma
Expert Analysis
Byron Xerxes Livsey | Prep Girls Hoops Scout
Emma has remained one of the top players in this class over the past few years, and her ability to stretch the floor is why she will be so effective at Cornell next summer, along with her playmaking skills as a true stretch forward. Her senior season will demand a little more from her, but with her ability to adapt, I do not see that being difficult.
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Read EvaluationByron Xerxes Livsey | Prep Girls Hoops Scout
O’Brien’s ability to be a true wing threat has been on display for the past couple of years, and now, as the offers are rolling in, it’s clear that D1 coaches believe her skill will translate at the next level. She has the length to shoot from deep, and also doesn’t see, to get bothered by defenders, and can adjust even if the defense closes out quickly.
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Read EvaluationByron Xerxes Livsey | Prep Girls Hoops Scout
What makes Emma stand out to college recruiters is her ability to be versatile at all moments, as well as being able to be impactful on and off the ball. Her shooting is key to why she’s a focal point, but I also believe her passing and IQ get undercooked sometimes. She can see things happen as they unfold and even before. The potential is there.
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Read EvaluationBrandon Bradley | Prep Girls Hoops Scout
Emma was one of the more impressive prospects I saw Saturday afternoon, and not because of anything flashy that she did. She has an athletic frame, nice length, and she’s a smooth, fluid athlete in all directions. She played a point forward type of role for her team, and she did so with patience & poise. She rarely got rattled, she was able to initiate the offense and find open teammates, but she also showed the ability to score the ball by making open rhythm jumpers and slicing to the basket. Additionally, she was steady at the defensive end.
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Read EvaluationByron Xerxes Livsey | Prep Girls Hoops Scout
Conversations about Emma’s potential to compete at the next level are heating up. She’s a lengthy wing that can stretch the floor at a consistent rate, and can put up high numbers in multiple stat categories. The last month of AAU could bring up some more offers, and with her HS season coming up, shell more in a dominant role, so chances of seeing her in another gear could be possible as well.
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Read EvaluationJeremy Brooks | Prep Girls Hoops Scout
When I first sat down to watch
Emma O’Brien
Emma
O’Brien
6'0" | SF
Lyons Township | 2026
State
IL
and her Lady Lightning 17U team, I didn’t think she was going to be able to shoot it from deep but man was that incorrect. O’Brien is listed as a 6’0 SF and she has an impressive shooting ability off the catch. In her games on Saturday specifically, most matchups didn’t respect Emma or that she could shoot that shot and she made everyone pay because of it. In one contest she was 3/3 in the first half from behind the arc and that helped her team stay in it as they came back to win in the second half. O’Brien also has the ability to screen on the outside and pop or she can seal and role for a look near the hoop.
All in
all, there is always stuff to continue to work on but this weekend was a great showing for O’Brien.
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Read EvaluationByron Xerxes Livsey | Prep Girls Hoops Scout
When you think of this LT squad, it’s hard to not give Emma the flowers that she deserves. She can absolutely light up a box score and her length allows her to be a problem on the boards and the defensive side as well. Off the ball is where she shines, catch and shoot, or a catch and rip is usually how she gets her buckets. The potential is there.
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Read EvaluationByron Xerxes Livsey | Prep Girls Hoops Scout
A huge leap in the 2026 class is due for Emma. Shes been dominant, confident and has shown flashes in multiple games of being a top tier forward. Her length is a major factor in how impactful she is on both sides of the floor. She can score at multiple levels, can facilitate from multiple positions, while still keeping the mindset to defend. Size and high IQ are the things needed to translate at the next level, Emma has a head start. High potential.
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Read EvaluationByron Xerxes Livsey | Prep Girls Hoops Scout
The confidence in her ability is present, and the problem her length causes for an opponents offense is noticed immediately. Her size allows her to play more of a point forward and effect the game from multiple positions and angles. She score around the rim and the mid, while also being able to guard the perimeter and post. The vision and patience are key standouts to her complete package as a player.
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