UNDERCLASSMAN WORTH NOTING
Nakiah Bell (Incarnate Word) – Despite her smaller stature, less than her listed 5-4, this sophomore’s contributions are nothing but big come game time. Lots of quickness and speed make her a demanding assignment for opposing defenses but that’s hardly their biggest challenge. Bell is one of those rare and all too hard to find pure shooters. Odds are if you lose track of her or you’re late on your close out she’s going to be dropping the three on you. The quick release that the Florissant, Missouri native has makes her shot all the more difficult to contest and just for good measure she has range well beyond the three point line. Even if opponents arrive on the catch she can exploit their assertiveness with a lethal step back or an aggressive drive to the rim. Oh, by the way, the luxury of interior starters that both stand 6-3 provides some effective screens for Bell and also some nice passing options when rotations come on penetration. On the defensive that same speed and quickness serve her well offsetting the inches she may be giving up physically.
Kelsey Briggs (Overton) – Memphis, Tennessee has had it highs and lows in terms of the number of prospects it produces in women’s basketball and recently the high seems to be sustaining itself. As you look at this year’s junior class it’s hard not to zero in on this 6-2 wing/forward and the potential she’s demonstrating each time out. Long and lean, all of her movement on the floor is athletic and fluid. There’s some ballhandling in place and she makes good decisions with the ball. The perimeter shot is fundamentally sound but needs refinement and repetitions to make it a reliable weapon. Athletically she’s explosive both in her first step as well as getting off the floor. One noticeable aspect of her play is the ability to utilize her reach to pull in errant passes as well as extend and finish near the rim. Her size combines with her agility to make her a strong defender and there’s no hesitation on her part to get in a stance and dig in. Well suited for the next level.
Kennedy Cattenhead (Bolingbrook) – It’s hard to call Cattenhead’s performance “breakout” since she’s already a known commodity and established performer at a high level. However, it was hard not to take notice of the 5-9 combo’s confidence and mentality in the Bolingbrook wins over Riverdale and Twinsburg. The lefty played that sound, aggressive, multifaceted game that coach’s usually only dream about. She was solid with the ball in her hands making plays herself or creating options for her teammates. Off the ball she cut hard and got to the offensive boards a time or two as well. On the break she can handle it or is equally as willing to get out and run the lane if she’s not the outlet. Defensively she was active, aggressive and playing with a contagious intensity both on and off the ball. Morgan Tuck may be Bolingbrook’s go to player, and rightfully so, but if you’re looking for the gas on their fire take a close look at this junior.
Te’a Cooper (McEachern) – Since her extraordinarily early commitment to North Carolina this 5-8 point guard has been on the radar of opponents and evaluators alike. Combining impressive basketball instincts with sharp fundamental skills makes her a threat any time she has the ball in her hands. The freshman from Powder Springs, Georgia is looking to push the ball from makes, misses and turnovers and has a court awareness usually reserved for players with much more experience. Her one on one skills may catch your eye but she’s just as quick to use them to create the pass as she is her own opportunities. Her crossover and hesitation moves are hard for any opposing defender not to bite on and come out of their stance. There is an odd aspect to her perimeter shot that has her almost setting the ball on top of her shooting hand and elbow. Nothing about it is drastic or shot changing but it’s definitely something noticeable. Physically she’s beginning to mature and play with more strength in her game at both ends of the floor.
Treece McKenna (Incarnate Word) – There are times that it’s truly difficult for a prospect to stand out on a talented roster. While this 6-3 forward from St. Peters, Missouri catches your eye with her size and build alone her play shines through even in the bright light of some of her teammates. High profile senior post Taylor Manuel and sophomore shooter Nakiah Bell make some eye catching plays but the consistency and effectiveness of Mckenna’s play are critical to Incarnate Word’s long term success. Active and agile, she’s a factor both offensively and defensively for the Red Knights. In transition or off the cut the sophomore is a challenge for defenders. Effort never appears to be an issue and she’s more than willing to go to the floor for the loose ball. Her post work down low seems well schooled and the ability is there to work in the high post as well, including a 15 footer. Working day in and day out with a teammate like Manuel has to be serving her well in preparation not only upcoming opponents but for the level of play she’ll find at the colligate level.
Ashley Morrissette (Twinsburg) – This 5-8 junior combo guard from Twinsburg, Ohio has been making her mark since her freshman season and demonstrated that she has the ability to carry the load when called upon. She scored effectively off the drive and in transition but also connected from long range to keep defenders honest and closing out. There’s never been any hesitancy on her part to look for or create her own looks but the maturity she’s now showing in shot selection makes her more efficient and difficult to defend. Watching her attack it’s difficult to determine her strong hand from her weak making her a challenging match up for opponents as well. She’s more than willing to give it up and has a knack for delivering the interior pass off penetration as defenders rotate. There still needs to be greater consistency to her production but that may well be impacted by her slight build. As time, Mother Nature and the weight room do their part you may see the kind of guard emerge that can compete, contribute and influence any game she plays in from tip to buzzer.
Tyisha Petty (Riverdale) – To say that Petty had some explosive moments in Riverdale’s two games would a gross understatement. She almost single handedly brought them back in their loss to Bolingbrook with her second half onslaught and was dominant from start to finish in their win over Hoover. Mixing up her perimeter game with explosive penetration the junior kept her match up out of her stance and guessing on every possession. Despite her small size, 5-6, she’s effective in traffic and has no reservations about taking any bigs that might come her way to help. The hesitation dribble she confidently calls upon is hard for opponents to resist and her first step out of it leaves them struggling to recover. The answer might be to back off and create some space but there’s a price for that as well. Her multiple threes in both games eliminates zone as an option and necessitates arriving on the catch. Playing with standouts like Shacobia Barbee and Alexa Middleton and the evolving Olivia Jones just makes Petty that much more effective.
Bria Pitts (East Central) – Easily one of the better shooters on hand in Memphis, this 5-9 guard from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma commands constant attention from defenders. The form is text book and her range is well beyond the arch. Additionally, Pitts is adept at relocating and spotting up where her teammates can find her for the open look. What makes this junior an even greater threat is her ability to put it on the floor and create. Defenders overplaying her shot are left trying to recover as she penetrates for both shots and passes. Her vision, passing and willingness to give it up make her more than just a scorer. Despite her effectiveness there are times you get the impression she’s holding back or waiting on the game to come to her. Frustration at one point led to some explosive attacks that will be an asset if she can find a way to take that approach from the tip. Physically strong and athletic she has the tools to be a strong defender at almost any spot on the perimeter.
Marques Webb (Hoover) – The college level isn’t the only place that transfers can impact a team. The addition of Marques Webb to the Hoover roster makes an already talented team that much stronger…literally! Few posts or forwards play with the aggressive and physical style that this 6-1 junior brings to the floor. Whether it’s attacking the rim with the ball, fighting for post position or battling on the boards you can count on her mixing it up and embracing any contact that might come her way. Down low she conscious of where she gets the ball and is quick and well read on her post moves. Her drive from the elbow is authoritative and not one too many opponents would want to look to take the charge on. Being more of a threat from the 15 foot range would keep defenders honest and create more of those drives from the high post down the road. On the defensive end she pushes the boundaries with her aggressive play but does get herself caught behind her match up at times and in turn defending after the catch. Lots of tools and possibilities are in place now and in the future.
Tia Wooten (Memphis Central) – Coaches will tell you that the nice thing about freshmen is that they become sophomores. Wooten was an instrumental part of Central’s state championship effort last season but now appears ready to assume an even bigger role in the Lady Warriors effort to make a run at a second title. This 5-10 forward is active and physically aggressive on both ends of the court. She cuts hard in the halfcourt and is willing to get out and run the floor in transition. She can create her own looks in traffic but is going to need additional refinement to allow her to finish with more consistency. There’s no fear on her part operating among the bigs but ultimately she’ll need to have some more elements in her game that will allow her to work further away from the rim. Defensively she’s more than willing to put a body on opponents and she’s assertive in getting to the boards. Long term the wing may be in her future and the agility is there but for now she’s the interior threat to compliment the impressive backcourt of Danielle Ballard, Aaliyah Whiteside and Nina Davis.
