Prospect Spotlight: Ariyana Rhodes (2020)
Mercer County Senior Ariyana Rhodes is anxious to get on the court for Mercer County this winter. After playing 12 games of her Sophomore season at Henry Clay, Rhodes suffered a torn ACL and hasn’t gotten to play in a…
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Continue ReadingMercer County Senior Ariyana Rhodes is anxious to get on the court for Mercer County this winter. After playing 12 games of her Sophomore season at Henry Clay, Rhodes suffered a torn ACL and hasn’t gotten to play in a varsity game since. She transferred after that Sophomore season and sat out all of last year due to her injury and the KHSAA transfer policy. Now at Mercer County for her Senior season, Ariyana is ready for a great year and hoping to have a lot of fun. I recently caught up with Rhodes to discuss her game, her recovery from the ACL tear and the latest in her recruitment.
The 5’8 wing guard told me that she is a player who thrives on fast pace. “I love to get after it and I thrive in an up tempo game. I’ve always been considered an active defensive player due to quickness and aggression but my offensive game has come a long way. I can get to the rim or knock down the open shot.” When asked to identify some areas for growth in her game, Rhodes told me, “I need to bulk up and just work on getting stronger. I have definitely been living in the weight room lately.” One of the hardest parts of the last couple of years for Ariyana has been sitting and watching while she healed up. She told me, “Unfortunately due to my ACL tear and transfer rules, I’ve been a little off the radar.”
Part of getting back on the radar with college coaches is a productive AAU season. Rhodes is playing her 17u year with Nike Lady Gymrats Crimson. So far the season has been a good one, “There is so much talent on this team and we’re working on getting the pieces put together. We have so much potential and are definitely a team to watch!” As it stands, Ariyana has one scholarship offer and is hoping to garner more over the next few months. “I got my first offer last summer from Converse College! After that, I tore my ACL so it put me back off the radar for colleges. I had a visit and was offered by Grace College and am getting interest from Indiana University-East and Lincoln Trail College.”
Regardless of how her recruitment shakes out, Ariyana Rhodes is looking forward to a fun season at Mercer County. She told me, “My goal for next season is to have fun! I just want to be able to enjoy my last season of high school basketball since I haven’t been able to the last couple of years. I definitely want to work hard, help lead my team and prepare for the college basketball journey.” If you’re able to catch a game at Mercer County this winter, look for Ariyana on the court. She’ll be the one playing hard and keeping a smile on her face. After two years of sitting on the sidelines, she’s earned a season of fun (and hopefully a lot of wins).