With the departure of Londyn Lane to Oklahoma (10.6 ppg/10.6 rpg), someone is going to have to step and lead an Eagle’s Landing team that really struggled a year ago (4-17). Zoe is coming off a sophomore season that saw her average 10 points per game, nine rebounds per game, and three assists per game to go with two steals earning her second-team All-Region. If her play at the Prep Girls Hoops Expo was any indication of how she will play this season, then I expect Hill to average closer to 15 points per game and get her rebounding average over double digits. Zoe was at her best slashing to basket, whether she had the basketball or not, and then finishing quickly before the defense could react. Zoe also looked competent and confident shooting the basketball from the perimeter.

Zoe did not need the basketball a lot to score or impact and affect the outcome of her team’s games. It is a showcase and the ball does not get passed more than once or twice each possession generally. Hill didn’t wait for the ball, she went and got it by snatching rebounds out of the air, jumping in the passing lanes and creating steals/deflections, and she was quick to any loose balls in her vicinity. When Hill had the ball, she was effective and efficient putting it in the basket. Whether it was on short jumpers, where Zoe elevated over her defender, or a quick putback on a missed shot, Hill made the most of her touches. At 5’7 with good strength she has the build to be a guard in college already. She is an intriguing prospect who I definitely want to see more of. She did a lot of things well and did not force anything when it would have been very easy to do.

Zoe showed several ways to stay involved in the game. She brought a quick release on the three-ball, competed on the glass, and converted putbacks. Her activity level allowed her to create scoring opportunities both away from the basket and around the rim. She also showed a good feel for the game through her willingness to pass and cut, creating movement instead of watching the possession after giving up the rock, and often times the ball found her in better scoring positions. Zoe was at her best in the open floor. She ran in transition and showed the ability to rebound and push, allowing her to help move the game from a defensive rebound into an offensive opportunity. There were also flashes of creating her own offense. Tightening her handle, particularly when pushing in transition or trying to create against pressure, and playing from a lower base will help her connect her flashes with more control.

Hill made a living on the offensive and defensive boards. A player that doesn’t let her size deter her from being inside banging through the contact. Playmaker.