Za’Nariae joined the DistinXion 17U group in May, and she instantly stood out. She is so strong, she’s very athletic, and she plays with a motor. She looks like a running back attacking the rim, and once she gathers it and goes up, you aren’t going to stop her from scoring. At the same time, she is quick and crafty with the ball, she’s a more-than-willing passer, and she can be an elite defender who can utilize her strength or her speed/quickness. She’s one of those kids who I’ve had her name for a couple of years, but after finally getting to see her this Summer, she could rise very quickly up the list.

Za’Nariae made as much of an impression as anyone last weekend. She is a tough-nosed, powerful, physical, athlete. When we re-rank in September, she’ll go through a positional change as well, because she is for all intents and purposes a point guard at the next level (her own high school lists her primary position as a small forward on MaxPreps). She has a little length at her height, but she does a nice job of playing compact when exploding through gaps and slicing through the defense. She is an improving shooter, but she is a talented defender. She is one to watch moving forward!

Inch-for-inch, Za’Nariae is one of the most productive wings in this 2028 class. While she isn’t 6-feet tall, she is strong and athletic at her size, plus she almost always comes up with ways to impact a game. She can get downhill, absorb contact, and finish inside, she has a solid mid-range jumper, and she is starting to be more consistent from the perimeter as well. She has a solid handle and can create a little off the bounce, plus she plays with good effort and can defend multiple positions. I think she could be a very productive small college prospect.