STANDOUT SENIORS
Sandy Jackson (North Little Rock) – Arkansas State may have had as much reason as anyone to be smiling in the stands in Memphis. This explosive 5-7 guard headed their way next year played with an aggressive approach to every touch. Her quickness and first step created easy looks time and again. She was efficient getting all the way to the rim and finishing in traffic but just as reliable with the pull up inside 10 feet. On the times that defenders came her way she provided her teammates with some sharp and instinctual inside passing. Though she played the off guard most of the time she has the tools to play the point and more than likely will do so in the future. Physically cut and strong, Jackson is already well suited for competitive play at the next level. On ball defensively she’s assertive but also willing to use her strength to the extent that the folks with the whistle will allow. More often than not her matchup is looking to get rid of the ball rather than taking on her challenge.
Taylor Manuel (Incarnate Word) – The difference between potential and reality is often very slim and just one or two facets away for any athlete. This 6-3 post from St. Louis, Missouri has the potential to do almost anything she wants on the floor. There are instincts and skills with the ball in her hands that a lot of guards would love to have. There are explosive first steps and spin moves that create space and provide open looks at the rim time and again. The ability is there to play on the block or at the elbow and to be an impact player. There are moments when you can see her being in the position to do anything she wants. However the game is more than just moments and Manuel is still fighting with conditioning issues to get herself in a position to make the most of her considerable potential. Should she embrace the Army motto of “be all that you can be” the folks at Purdue will be very happy and the person in the mirror will be ecstatic. Opponents….probably not quite so much!
Pachiyanna Roberts (McEachern) – It would be shortchanging this Syracuse bound 5-11 wing to sum up her weekend based on the 75 foot game winner she dropped on Memphis Central Saturday night. The Powder Springs, Georgia native’s play found her scoring from the perimeter and paint, off the dribble and off the cut and even getting more than her share from the line. Calling her active isn’t descriptive enough for her approach offensively. On the break and in the halfcourt she’s constantly in motion and quick to exploit defensive mistakes or lapses. Her lean, athletic build has some length to it and requires the same from opposing defenders. She got out on the break time and again and simply outworked transition defenders for some simple looks in numbers situations. On the defensive end, that same agility and length puts her in a position to be an effective on ball defender from the point to the wing. The possibilities in trapping situations are endless.
Morgan Tuck (Bolingbrook) – While there’s little that can be said about Tuck that hasn’t already been offered up at least twice before; her play in Memphis was well worth taking note of. The cliché “woman among girls” should have the 6-2 Connecticut bound forward’s picture next to it anytime it’s used. Tuck played with a confident, fluid and diverse game that would challenge the best of defenders at any level. Physically she’s stronger than ever and using that strength judiciously in her offensive and defensive attack. Her ability to score effectively on the block, from the midrange and out on the perimeter keeps opposing defenders and their coaches scratching their heads and looking for the lesser of evils to concede. Watching her read the floor on the catch and even as she drives is impressive and demonstrates the experience and maturity in her game. What may have set Tuck apart from the majority of the crowd throughout her high school career has been her ability to continue to improve and add to her game even after establishing herself among the best in her class.
