Kendall McDaniel Kendall McDaniel 6'0" | C Valley | 2024 State IA starts off our Top 5 countdown in the #5 spot for the 2024 class, out of the state of Iowa. McDaniel is a 6’1 center with a strong presence when she is near the basket. She understands how to rim-run down the floor better than most, usually ending in an easy bucket for herself or another open teammate. I think you could even consider McDaniel a power forward with her ability to spread the floor and catch on the perimeter at times. Being in the Top 5, going into your last live period in July before your senior year is no joke. I’m sure she is going to continue to shine with her Pure Prep team these next few weeks, going into the season this winter at Indianola high school.

McDaniel has always been the post presence for her teams in the middle but this past high school season she showed to everyone that she can spread the floor on a consistent basis and knock down an open 3 or two while doing it. This expansion of her game I think was critical in the fact that it will open up her post game so much more now and give her a lot more opportunity in the post once she catches. Prior to this, teams would just send 2 or even 3 players at McDaniel to make her give up the ball out of the post, now it’s much harder when she is moving all around the floor. Defensively she is solid piece to have near the rim at all times. She moves well up and down the court, getting to her spots before her opponents, a majority of the time. This spring/summer is going to be a big one for McDaniel as she is on a star-studded roster with this Pure Prep 17U E30 team. We are going to see what she can really do with 4 other high-division players on the floor with her at the same time. A challenge I’m sure she is more then ready for.

Post with a nice frame who has really worked on her shooting ability so that she can spread the floor. Has 2 levels to her game, pick and roll or pick and pop for three. Paint presence for her team on defense. Alters a lot of shots. Does well when having to switch onto smaller players in short bursts.

Kendal McDaniel starts off our players rankings update for the 2024 class in the #5 spot after putting together a nice season at Indianola High School. McDaniel is a versitle center with a fairly high ceiling when looking toward the future. She has good size for the center position at 6’1 and has the ability to come out to the three point line to screen and role or screen and pop if need be. When she is in the post she is a good passer when a double team comes and does a good job of rebounding on both sides of the floor on a consistent basis. This year for AAU she will be lacing up for Pure Prep for another spring and summer season as she looks to keep her game in top shape while showing off to a number of high level scouts that she can be a real difference maker in a successful program somewhere out there.

The 6-foot-1 junior patrols the paint for Indianola, making it difficult for opponents to cash in near the rim. She’s skilled for a big with an ability to face up or get her spot in the post. She’s effective shooting with either hand and finds open teammates when doubled.

Kendall McDaniel Kendall McDaniel 6'0" | C Valley | 2024 State IA slips into the #3 spot in this rankings update for the class of 2024 while coming in at the #1 spot for her position at center. McDaniel also comes in as the 2nd best center in the entire state behind Iowa State commit, Audi Crooks Audi Crooks 6'3" | C Bishop Garrigan | 2023 State #42 Nation IA , of the 2023 class. Coming off of another productive season for Indianola High School and Pure Prep AAU, she has received a good amount of high level college interest for her skillset and production in the paint. Receiving a visit from Iowa State and other alike colleges as she tries to figure out where she would like to take her talents for her college career. In high school competition she dominates down low and controls the paint. She is a big, strong, athletic center with good movement and footwork. She can spin off the defense going toward either side of the hoop, can score going over either shoulder, and can finish with either hand. After Crooks graduates this season she will take over as the #1 center in the state for her senior year, showing how good she really is. It’ll be interesting to see where she ends up playing college ball but wherever it is, they are getting a hell of a player.

Kendall McDaniel Kendall McDaniel 6'0" | C Valley | 2024 State IA didn’t see much of the varsity floor as a sophomore at Indianola High School, but is determined to be a difference maker this season. The 6’1 center competed with Lady Pure Prep AAU over the summer as the dominate force in the middle on both sides of the ball. She has worked in the offseason to expand her game and be ready to show her versatility this upcoming winter as she will look to snag a starting spot for the Indians as they have graduated three starters from a year prior. It is pretty early for anyone from the class of 2024 to commit but it will be interesting to see how much McDaniel will contribute for her team after finishing 17-5 overall, 12-2 in conference.