…Would win the award for top newcomer. Before ever stepping foot on a high school basketball court, Pettigrew proved she can hold her own against some of the top talent in Chicago. What makes her special is her handles and the way she drives to the hoop. Pettigrew has the ability to make opposing players two or three years older than her miss and feel embarrassed. Pettigrew also has a pretty shot – a sharp fadeaway jump shot and mechanically sound free throw shooting that will serve her well as she continues to grow into one of the top prospects in Illinois girls basketball.

There is a consensus among almost everyone in Illinois that Joy is the top prospect in this class and one of the best young players in the state. Her game is beyond her years, and it’s the poise and control she plays with that points to a very high ceiling, not to mention coming from a family of high-level athletes. Even though there’s a gap between herself and other prospects in this class, there is still room for growth, and that will come with time. As of now, she’s a player you have to watch in person. Film simply doesn’t do justice to how talented she truly is.

Pettigrew is the best incoming freshman in the state, hands down, and is already crossing into the conversation as one of the best 2030 prospects in the country. Her game is far beyond her years, and having a family full of high level athletes is a big reason why. She plays with confidence, smoothness, and a strong sense of stability, never seeming to waver or get bothered. The handle is strong, the shot making is there at all levels, and defensively, she is not easy to get by. Excited to see this kid keep growing.

I cannot believe she’s a 2030- let’s start there! The performance she’s putting on is unreal! She can score and create scoring for her teammates from anywhere.  Her crossover moves are wow good!  The way she gets herself out of serious traffic and splits the defense is so impressive!   (Featured Photo)

As of now, I haven’t seen any 2030 with the skillset and IQ of the game like Joy. She had a moment earlier this summer where she stood at the top of the key, unbothered, court mapping with her defender right in her face. Most players can’t courtmap, let alone do it without being bothered. The potential is out of the roof for this kid. In my opinion, the best 2030 in the state.

What a pretty floater in the lane! Great things happen when Joy has the ball from the top of the key! She beats opponents with her swift feet and dribble penetration. I like her passes on transition!  (Featured Photo, shooting)

Looks like a rising star in the class of 2030 with an elite skill set and mature feel for the game.
Pettigrew has proven she can do it all on the offensive end. She plays with exceptional pace and poise, creating opportunities for herself and others while consistently making the right reads. Whether it’s attacking off the dribble, knocking down shots, or facilitating in transition, her versatility makes her a matchup nightmare.

Joy Pettigrew is one of the best young talents that the nation has to offer out of the 2030 Class level. Pettigrew possesses noteworthy size at around 5’10, she is extremely coordinated and athletic, she has a great touch on the ball, and she is very knowledgeable in the game of basketball as a whole already. This past week in AZ, Pettigrew put on a show with her EYBL Midwest Meanstreets crew. She was hitting deep shots off the catch and dribble, she would take her defender off the dribble for a simple look at the rim or for nasty step back jumpers, or she would even play off the ball and create opportunities in those sort of ways as a slasher. All in all, this is someone to watch for. I wouldn’t be surprised if she is ESPNW ranked one day for her Class.

Joy has an argument already for the best player in the class of 2030, and if you watch her for an entire game it’s not hard to understand why. Outside of her ability to score whenever, her control and understanding of pace, speed, and patience of this game is way beyond her years and it’s amazing to watch. She had multiple moments this weekend where you have to question if she’s actually only a 7th grader. If you’re a college coach or a national scout, this kid needs to be on your radar. Tremendous potential and upside.