Haywood remains one of the best guards in the class and can be argued as one of the top guards in the state. Offensively, her scoring comes from all levels, but I think her greatest asset is her ability to get to the rim. She is crafty, strong, and plays with great body control. Regardless of her size, she is a threat every time she puts the ball on the floor and attacks the drive.

Haywood has been one of the more consistent players in her class and a legit prospect to follow since coming into high school. On both ends of the floor, she brings impact. Scoring wise, there is truly no cap on her ability to get going, from beyond the arc to getting to the rim. On the defensive end, she is quick on her feet, her IQ is high and sharp enough to make fast reads, and she has no backdown in her game.

Haywood from downtown! Add another 3 to the scoreboard! That’s her bread and butter! I love her speed and how she looks for the outside shot within the offense. Defensively she’s a pest with her light feet and active hands. You don’t want to get in a track meet with her!

When you watch Haywood play the first thing that comes to my mind is her competitiveness. She won’t take a play off and that is important when you are looking for players that will contribute to winning. As a defense you must know where she is at all times as she can hurt you on and off the ball. When the ball is in her hands she has a functional enough handle to get to her spots on the floor to score it or make a play for her teammate. Haywood off the ball is just as dangerous as you can run her off of screens like elevators and pin downs for her to shoot the three. She attacks closeouts with quick and decisive attacks to the rim or pull up jumpers when the secondary defensive player is coming to help. Lastly, her defense is methodical and she is seemingly looking for ways to turn the other team over with quick hands in passing lanes, or using a rondo like tap behind to get the steal. She’s also not afraid to take a charge. Haywood is a player that I will continuously keep my scout’s eye on to track development in other areas. 

Haywood is part of a big 3 of sophomores that are beyond talented, and what Haywood brings to her team is unique. She is a strong mix of what you need out of a guard, and regardless of her size, she can impact a game from start to finish. Aggressive on both ends and shows that she knows how to take control of the speed and pace as well.

Someone else out of 2028 Class in Illinois also just received an offer as well and that is Keyaira Haywood of Midwest Elite EYBL Meanstreets. Haywood was just offered to begin this week by Sacramento State out in California. This isn’t her first college offer though. She already holds one or two others if I’m not mistaken and that speaks volumes with this only being a player out of the Freshman Class. Haywood competes at the PG spot and she has a calm game. She doesn’t seem to try to get ahead of herself or make too many moves at one time. Instead, she takes what the defense is giving her, she stays calm in her demeanor, and she is always willing to make the extra play for the others around her. Dunlap High School is going to be a problem in the future. With players like Haywood and Gulley, the sky is the limit.

One of the more efficient shooters in this class, Haywood uses her ball handling and quick feet to create space and get her shot off. With multiple levels to her game, she’s rarely left open for easy looks, but when the defense misses a rotation, she makes them pay. The upside is definitely there.

Haywood could make a case for the most all-around point guard in this class, and she’s not even scratching the surface of what type of player she can develop into. Strong playmaking skills, aggressive on every possession, and has the ability to fit into whatever role is needed of her.

Haywood checks off a ton of boxes during the eye test, but when you really break down her game, you can easily imagine what she’ll grow into as she gets older. The main standout is her feel and IQ for the game. At such a young age, she’s already grasped the fine details that all high-tier guards need. Her ability to consistently connect from midrange is another skill that separates her from most players in this class.

First Team Selection – Haywood’s game will translate regardless of her size. She plays with such pace and grace that she’s able to dominate in many ways that don’t involve scoring. On both sides, she shows tremendous IQ, but on the defensive end, she brings out the aggression that many guards are missing. She will be one of the players to keep your eye on.