Recruiting Report: Maya Whiteside, George Washington 2021
George Washington’s Maya Whiteside is entering a pivotal junior season that always seems to become so crucial as the recruiting process truly heats up for young prospects. With what she did as a sophomore, Whiteside gave herself a head start.…
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Continue ReadingGeorge Washington’s Maya Whiteside is entering a pivotal junior season that always seems to become so crucial as the recruiting process truly heats up for young prospects.
With what she did as a sophomore, Whiteside gave herself a head start.
Averaging an even 16 points per game, Whiteside (5-11, SG/SF) was the fourth-highest scoring sophomore in Colorado’s Class 4A last season. The rest of her stat line paints a picture of all-around balance: 7.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.4 blocks.
Her potential is high, and Whiteside’s interests in a future school are simple.
“I’m just hoping for a good program with a family atmosphere and a team that really cares about winning,” Whiteside said.
So far, Nevada-Reno, Air Force and Colorado State-Pueblo have shown interest in the Patriots’ top 2021 recruit. George Washington head coach Keithan Lyons is convinced Whiteside will play Division-I basketball somewhere.
A powerful driver when she sees a lane to the basket, Whiteside finishes well at the rim and can absorb contact from defenders. She is also a strong on-ball defender and is able to match up on different types of opposing players. Whiteside’s 3-point shot has improved and she has the green light to let it fly after making 25 percent of her 55 long-range attempts as a sophomore.
While her prospect potential makes her intriguing to outside evaluators, Whiteside is intensely focused internally on George Washington’s upcoming season. With an up-and-coming roster filled with maturing young talent, Whiteside and the Patriots plan to factor heavily into this winter’s postseason and are approaching the 2019-20 campaign with a sense of urgency.
“We have high expectations and have a really high defensive intensity that we can turn into offense,” Whiteside said. “We just want to keep the energy high every night and not back down from anyone.”