COLUMBUS, Ohio— In most people’s minds the final buzzer of a season’s last game signals the end of something. For others, it represents the start of a new year and the realization that what you do between now and October will be a determining factor of the level of success to come. For over 50 girls, the Gannon Baker National Skills Select event in Columbus offered an opportunity to get on the floor with one of the nation’s premier skill instructors and begin addressing weaknesses, adding depth and taking their game to another level.
Athletes from eight states and Canada were on hand with Baker and staff on the campus of Ohio Dominican University. In the event’s fourth year, the line-up featured a much younger roster of players than in the past, but some very promising prospects none the less. Here are a few who offered up some moments that will have them catching the eyes of recruiters down the road.
Brittany Ward, a 6-0 wing/forward out of Indianapolis, Ind., already has herself on the recruiting radars of quite a few schools. Currently a sophomore, she brings to the floor a combination of length, athleticism and a willingness to leave it on the court. Her first step covers a lot of ground and leaves defenders sealed on her side hoping to recover. She slashes effectively in traffic and can find her shot or the sharp pass as defenders rotate. Spotting up, she appears to have solid form, decent touch and some range to force opponents to close out. A few attempts saw her turn her body to some degree which might lead to consistency issues at some point. On the catch she sees the floor and made several sharp passes from the wing and the trail spot in transition. The effort was there on the boards and Ward hit the floor several times in an effort to come up with loose balls. With two more scholastic seasons and two more summers of club ball, the possibilities are something college coaches will be smiling even more about.
Sydney Bordonaro of Lower Burrell, Pa. is someone you would much rather be playing with than against. With a relentless approach, the 5-7 point guard is assertive and attacking on virtually every possession. The sophomore has the ballhandling skills to navigate defenders and has no hesitation about taking it straight at the bigs who shift her way on penetration. If overplayed for the shot she is more than adept at delivering some pinpoint passing to create opportunities for her teammates. There is a physical aspect in her play on both ends of the floor that is often difficult to find in high school basketball and should serve her well down the road at the next level. She demonstrated a good touch on the perimeter and knocked down a couple of pull ups that will be essential to keep those matched up with her guessing. Defensively Bordonaro doesn’t give an inch on ball but occasionally becomes ball oriented on the weakside making her vulnerable to cuts by her own match up.
Another 2015, Susan Bossler of Reading, Pa., showed plenty of promise on the perimeter as well. Playing more of a combo spot at 5-7, she was consistent at creating her own looks or capitalizing on defensive breakdowns. Getting out on makes, misses and turnovers, she presents herself as an option in transition time and again. Her build is on the lean side at this point but she still took some hits on penetration without reservation. She connected on several looks from the 15 foot range but has more of a two handed release that might need some refinement in the future to keep it a threat. Bossler worked equally well on the defensive end and showed off some vision and anticipation on the weakside of the floor. She may well grow a bit more and will definitely add strength as Mother Nature does her thing. Plenty of promise.
As if Texas doesn’t already have a long list of prospects in the next several classes, jump ahead to 2017 and take a look at Gabby Connally of San Antonio. Her willingness to attack as an eighth grader makes those watching anxious to see where she takes her game down the road. Her sharp ballhandling includes an impressive use of change of speed and pace highlighted by a hesitation move that will draw even the best defender out of a stance. She sees the floor well at 5-6 and isn’t hesitant about giving the ball up to a teammate with better options. Even without the ball Connally is a threat. Her cuts are assertive and with purpose as well as advanced for a player with just a middle school résumé. Athletic and strong for her size, she has the tools to be a stout defender and is already a pit bull on the ball.
Taylor Sutton and Tyler Collins both call the state of Georgia home and are part of the Peach State’s 2018 class. While just 5-4 (keep in mind her 7th grade status) Sutton is quick and explosive with and without the ball in her hands. Her acceleration leaves bigger and even quicker defenders scrambling and calling for help in the halfcourt or on the break. Making her even more challenging is the penetration that she gets even against the most effective helpside defensive rotations. Age and size made some finishes difficult but the skills and form are already in place when the physical attributes kick in. Her pull up served her well at times and the ability to stop on a dime and elevate was that of a much more experienced player. Just like Sutton, Collins hasn’t gotten on the growth train as of yet either. However the speed and quickness she calls upon would make plenty high school seniors jealous. Her individual ball skills allow her to create both shots and pass plus combine with a lightning fast first step to blow buy opponents. While there’s a narrow base on her pull up and spot up jumpers she’s consistent and has a quick release that’s difficult to anticipate. Sutton calls Hampton, Georgia home whole Collins hails from Fayetteville. These two standouts may not be a full size hamburger yet but they’re sliders that will make their way onto a lot of recruiting menus in the very near future.
