No one played harder than Safari and I am not sure anyone scored more points, other than maybe Ava Zenner Ava Zenner 5'9" | PG Franklin Road Academy | 2028 State TN . Underdue was relentless on the offensive glass where she cleaned up missed shots and got multiple conversions on easy put-backs. She also ran as hard or harder than any player on the break with or without the basketball and scored several times in transition. In the half court, Underdue showed a very nice combination of footwork and fakes before knocking down a tough fadeaway jump shot. That is becoming somewhat of a patented move for her when I watch her play. In a loaded 2029 class in the state of Georgia, Safari continues to push for a higher ranking with outstanding play. I have Langston Hughes marked on my calendar and look forward to seeing her play with the basketball in her hands more often.

Safari is a long power forward whose defensive reach affects scoring opportunities inside. She contested and altered shots, making her presence felt even when the possession did not result in a block. Her competitiveness on both ends gave purpose to those physical tools. Offensively, she ran the floor and supplied scoring near the basket, establishing an interior role built around activity and getting into scoring position. Defensively, the priority is connecting the contest to the finish of the possession by recovering position, and locating a body and pursuing the rebound. She contributes through floor running, inside scoring, and shot disruption. More polished finishing and attention to what happens after the contest will strengthen her frontcourt role.

Safari has gone from a relative unknown a few years ago to being ranked in the top 10 in her class in the state and holding two P4 offers heading into her sophomore season. It was easy to see why on Sunday. The 6′ inside-out threat looks the part now with three years left in high school. She is a strong kid with broad shoulders and good strength who powered over and through defenders in the painted area. One fadeaway with her back to the basket, after a little shoulder shimmy, that she hit over another six-footer was very impressive. Underdue handles the ball well now and looked competent and confident attacking defenders on the perimeter, before pulling up and knocking down jump shots or getting to the rack and finishing. Safari has earned offers from St. Johns, Mercer, and the last coming from Sam Purcell and the Mississippi State Bulldogs. She will visit Clemson on October 24th for the game against Virginia Tech. She could easily find herself in the top 5 in her class in Georgia with a solid sophomore season.

Safari was knocking on the door of the top ten at the end of the high school season with Langston Hughes. Her size and length combined with HER Elite athleticism give Underdue the physical tools to play at the Power Four level in college. Her continued offensive development is evident when you watch her play. She is becoming more and more consistent scoring around the rim and expanding her game to the midrange and beyond. Her play at Live at Lakepoint drew the interest of multiple teams in the SEC, with one school extending a silent offer to Safari and coach Bernard Pitts.

Long agile forward. High academic. Plays tough inside. Scores in the paint as a springy finisher. Strong rebounder in traffic. Gets good post position. Alters shots. Growing her off the dribble game.