She’s the truth. Point blank. Ever since I saw her play earlier in her career, I knew this kid would be special. I loved her ability to make the hustle plays and her willingness to give up her body for her team. This kid could be known as a 3-and-D player, but brings so much more. She brings leadership, heart, hustle, and can score in multiple ways from all levels on the floor. I just love her defense. She plays fearlessly.  Doesn’t matter who the opponent is; she is going to go at them. She helped deliver a state title last season, going up against some pretty tough clubs. She isn’t done yet, and her recruitment game is picking up. A selfless ballplayer, she is the X factor anytime she steps onto the floor.

Coming off a stellar high school season, her confidence has shot through the roof. She’s a kid who can play stingy defense and then turn around and be a difference maker on the offensive end. She is a selfless ballplayer who is nothing but impactful. Playing with a lot of hustle and heart, she makes all the extra effort plays look effortless. She’s all over the floor, and her style of play ignites the level of play of those around her as well. Talented kid who is going to be a steal for someone at the next level.

 I have said it before, this young lady’s stock is going to rise. A few years ago, I loved how she made all the hustle plays: i.e., taking charges, 50/50 balls, diving for balls on the floor. It was something about the way she moved and how she wasn’t going to back down to anyone on the floor. This past postseason tournament, she went through a gauntlet of teams to help her club win the state title. It was how she battled numerous highly touted players and reduced their ability to impact the game. She plays with a motor, has a tremendous work ethic, and just really competes without little flare.

3 and D. The glue girl who is coming off a state championship title. This kid is the heart and soul of her travel ball team, and her teammates feed off her energy. She hit multiple 3s in her games, but it was her defense (as always) that was on display for all to witness. She got a ton of deflections, contributed on the boards, and her play frees up everyone around her. She’s one whose stock is on the uptick. Keep tabs on her, as college coaches will be calling sooner rather than later. A top prospect who is making a name for herself throughout the state and beyond.

In 3 games, she had 56 points, 24 rebounds, 12 assists, 6 steals, and 5 blocks. She is a kid who doesn’t shy away from tough assignments. She wants to guard the other team’s best player and show them why she is the truth. She is a selfless ballplayer who makes the hustle plays. When it’s her opportunity to score the rock, she does so. In my opinion, what truly stands out about her game is how effective she is on defense, neutralizing her opponent. She is one of the top two-way players in the state, and her stock is going through the roof.

Her stock is high, and she has a championship ring to prove how valuable she is to her club. She is a selfless ballplayer who competes at a high level on both ends of the court. She isn’t afraid to do the dirty work. She will put up the stats, scoring in double figures and grabbing boards, but it’s her extra effort plays that set her apart from others. Athletic, versatile, fearless, she just plays hard and plays with a purpose. She is a solid hooper who’s making everyone take notice of her all-around game.

Sevier County High School ended up being the state champions. Helping them accomplish this feat were many standout individual performers, including junior guard Kaliyah Burden Kaliyah Burden 5'8" | SG/PG Sevier Co. | 2027 State TN .

Burden in three games laced in three 3-pointers. This included two makes from distance in the state semi-finals against Blackam High School.

Burden’s ability to locate open space and capitalize on these chances makes her a great shooter. Outside of shooting, Burden at the shooting guard position is also an elite rebounder. Through the three games at state, she had a total of 24 rebounds, with 13 of them being offensive. Her highest rebounding game was in the state championship against Cookeville, where she had 13.

Someone whose stock is going to go through the roof, this young lady has arrived. A gritty player who just plays hard and with a sense of urgency, she just gets after it and leaves everything she has on the floor. Her defense is what sets her apart from others, as she is a menace on that end. Finishing this game with 24 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 steals, she was impressive as all get out as she continued to showcase her exceptional talents. Fearless and competitive, if there was an all-around MVP for the tournament, this young lady would get it because she didn’t back down from anyone. Make sure to keep tabs on this young lady as she becomes a name mentioned among collegiate coaches.

This kid is making a name for herself. She is showing everyone that she’s the real deal. A solid two-way player whose stock is skyrocketing through the roof. She had 16 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block. It’s her defense that’s been creating havoc for opponents in the tournament. She’s not afraid to mix it up on either end of the floor. Playing with such athleticism and power, she finds ways to win battles on either side of the ball. Keep an eye on this young lady as she is becoming a dominating player to contend with.

 Rosie the Rivetter, she can do all things. 16 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks, and 3 steals, she led the club all across the board as she helped take down the Lady Bearettes. She was big-time on the inside as she drew a tough assignment of neutralizing the painted area. She’s a hustler, one who plays with relentless energy. I have mentioned before that she always makes the extra effort, and she did so during this game. A talented kid who not only increased her stock but helped make history as her club defeated the 3x state champs.