…Would win the award for most elite rebounder. Ellis towered above the competition on Monday. A great rebounder in the paint and one of the top players in the state, Ellis was nearly automatic on the boards when the ball came her way. Ellis’ unique athleticism and skill-set was also on display – she could routinely split defenders with her handles, which you don’t often see with a post player. Ellis was also scary in transition, overpowering opponents with her distinctive blend of height, length, and passing. Ellis proved why she’s one of the most talented players on the floor when the top girls in Chicago square off.

Ellis has been one of my favorite players to scout in this class. Her growth has been consistent and significant, and each time I’ve seen her, it seems as though she’s either added something to her skill set or become more comfortable in whatever is needed from her on the floor. As a top ESPN prospect, there’s always a lot of eyes on her, but she never seems to play like it. She’s rarely in a rush, plays under control most of the time, and has shown the ability to contest without fouling. She is nowhere near her peak and still has some things to sharpen, but given how much work she’s put in, there’s no doubt she’ll remain one of, if not the top prospect in this class.

Jordyn was consistent and effective for Example Sports Wolfpack 17U on both ends of the court throughout the PGH Great Lakes Region Finals and she added an exclamation point on Sunday. Jordyn’s speed, length, aggressiveness, and instincts stopped opponents in their tracks. She protected the rim with authority, rotating and sliding into position against drives, then timed her blocks to perfection. Jordyn swatted multiple shot attempts with strength and made good entry passes into the post for assists. She caught passes with soft hands and finished well at the rim. Jordyn showed her downhill quickness on a drive from the top of the key, muscled through a defender with a strong shoulder, then scored the contested layup. She used good pivots in the low post to get the angle, then finished with touch off two feet. Jordyn was a force on the glass, working hard to secure offensive rebounds and stuffing the stat sheet in every category. She delivered an impressive effort in the Championship Game, receiving MVP recognition, and has been selected to the All-Tournament First Team.

I am a huge fan of players who consistently show growth, and from the first time I saw Ellis two years ago to now, the change has been complete. She still has so much room to grow, too. The offensive ability stands out first. She can put the ball on the floor with confidence, she shoots the mid range and the three with no hesitation, and she has found her comfort around the rim for put backs or catches in the post. Defensively is where she is always going to leave her mark. Her length is a big part of that, but it is also her ability to contest and block shots without fouling. Great potential.

Jordyn is such a strong presence, outstanding  on the break. Long and athletic, starts the break with great vision, deep pass and creates scoring ops for her team. Outstanding hands, good rebounder, and she makes a difference in the paint! 

Ellis showed she was a standout talent in multiple moments this summer, and the offers reflected that. Heading into the next stretch, the attention will only increase. From a prospect standpoint, coaches will want to see how effective she can be without the ball in her hands. She has flashed that ability, but continuing to prove her versatility will be where her value truly rises.

Ellis made her presence known in a positive way in both games for Whitney Young. Ellis has great size and skill for a young player, but it’s the footwork for me that was so impressive. Ellis used a number of up and under and spin moves in the post, her pivot foot never leaving the floor. Jordyn is far from a finished product, but the work on her post moves was very evident. She is a great athlete with a long wingspan. She rebounds and blocks shots effortlessly. The continued development of her offensive game separates her from other post playing prospects in her class. Ellis shot the ball well from 10-12 feet as well as making her free throws at the line.

Ellis has seen a major rise in her stock over the past couple of months. The offers were constantly rolling in, and it’s not difficult to see why. The size and frame alone are a perfect building block. On both ends of the floor, the potential to be a game changer is there. She can put the ball on the ground to score, she can be a tough matchup in the post.. and defensively she is a paint blanket who also can guard the perimeter.

Ellis is on track to be another high-tier prospect out of Whitney Young. Over the past couple of months, high major offers have been rolling in. If you’re a college program, you’re looking at her athleticism and length first, and then what she’s done to sharpen her skillset. You can tell she has the work ethic and the drive to be dominant, and is showing signs of becoming a threat from all positions. The upside is high, and the potential feels limitless.

Ellis has been a name to know even before she stepped on the high school scene. She has the length and height to put her in her own category as far as intriguing prospects, but the skillset has been growing, and scouts over the nation are taking notice. Whitney Young is known for having some of the best prospects to come out of Chicago, let alone the state. Ellis can be another name on the list.