Nakiyah was playing with KST Academy when the spring Grassroots season started back in late March. She joined forces with Lady Upward Stars 3SSB 2024 after leaving KST Academy. Kelly can step-out and knockdown the face-up jumper. She shows a good skill set on the floor while making some crafty passes here today. Kelly really looks to work staying active away from the ball and working inside to post up.

Nakiyah keeps to be improving on her game and could she be a Stock-Riser in the future here in the 2024 Palmetto State Class?

Kelly won’t overwhelm you with anyone she does on the floor. Nakiyah can play with her back to the basket and post up. She did connect from the elbow and moments later knockdown a three-pointer. Kelly shows to have good hands down on the block. How good could she be moving forward? Looking forward to see her progress down the road.

The Cavaliers defeated the host Red Raiders on Sunday afternoon at Bill Johnson Court primarily because of the contributions they got in the low post from their star veteran. Kelly led all scorers with 12 points en route to the win for the 5A school. She set up shop on many occasions near the rim and helped Dorman’s scoring and rebounding efforts. Kelly managed to get in position to box out and crash the boards in case of a missed Greenville free throw attempt. The Cavaliers were thankful the week prior to Thanksgiving for every bit of the 5-foot-11 frame she possesses.

In her first season as head coach of the Cavaliers, coach Ashlen Dewart Dorn will be taking over a stacked team that includes this skilled 5-foot-11. Kelly, who played in the grassroots realm with Upward Stars Upstate, adds depth to the Cavaliers frontcourt with what she does as a post player. Entering the 2022 travel campaign, she was one of only two from the class of 2024 on the roster for Upward Stars Upstate 2023 while playing up a year in class. She adds a height dimension to the Cavaliers on both offense and defense and can get from one end of the floor to the other quickly. Kelly is particularly skilled as a transition runner and can get to the rim as if she were a one or two. Ball handling is another element to her game she puts plenty of emphasis on and possesses a 3-point shot as part of her offensive repertoire. Kelly will also make plays in the midrange game along with grabbing rebounds.

Kelly stands at 5-foot-11 and adds a height dimension for when Dorman looks to get the ball into the low post. Kelly also has played her AAU ball for Upward Stars Upstate 2023, meaning she has played a year up in class. She can get from one end of the floor and this particularly shows itself when she runs in transition. Kelly also possesses the skills to complete plays at the cup as if she were a point guard. Her effectiveness extends to the midrange game but she is someone who will also grab rebounds. She places a great deal of emphasis on taking care of the ball, limiting turnovers and a 3-point shot is part of her offensive repertoire as well.