Top 250 Expo Report: 4 freshman we’ll be watching
The first Prep Girls Hoops 250 Expo is in the books but the important stuff is only just beginning. That would be the player evaluations, and there will be a ton of them over the next couple of weeks. Mason…
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Continue ReadingThe first Prep Girls Hoops 250 Expo is in the books but the important stuff is only just beginning. That would be the player evaluations, and there will be a ton of them over the next couple of weeks. Mason Asher and I will be rolling out reports daily, separating the athletes into categories of interest. Hopefully we’ll be able to touch on just about every player who participated in the showcase – more than 125 in total – as we recap this very successful event.
In installment #1 we bring you information on four freshmen we will be watching closely this winter. Here they are listed in alphabetical order by last name.
Janayia AndersonJanayia Anderson, 5’4 guard, 2023, Como Park
Anderson is a defensive force. She plays with intensity and passion and doesn’t back down from bigger, stronger players. In fact she plays with big energy on both sides of the ball and has a kind of inner toughness that’s not easy to find. Janayia has had a very good summer with Como Park and could play a significant role this season for the Cougars off the bench. Anderson does well in transition and loves to take the ball to the basket, but she is working to develop a jump shot while honing her offensive game in general. She’s got a good basketball IQ and you have to love her aggressiveness.
Myah MaulMyah Maul, 5’6 guard, 2023, Apple Valley
Myah is tiny but talented, and utterly fearless. She’s got a strong basketball IQ, too, and a solid set of skills. Maul will play at Apple Valley this winter but it’s not clear where she fits coming out of travel ball. Eagles coach Bryan Doughty is all about defense and he demands excellence in that department. That can take some time for young players to learn. She’ll need to adapt to the speed of the high school game and the strength of the opponents, too, which are always formidable challenges for small freshmen with limited experience. We’ll be watching to see how Myah does.
Isabelle NelsonIsabelle Nelson, 5’8 guard, 2023, Edina
The Class of 2023 at Edina has been very strong but entering high school a number of those kids have moved to private schools which will open the door for Nelson to have her shot. She’s a player who goes about her business with no fuss, no muss and may be the unsung hero of the group because of it. Nelson would be considered a “glue player” who may become a very important piece for the Hornets long-term. She’s definitely crafty, has been improving steadily in recent months and her best basketball is ahead of her. Nobody can question Nelson’s passion for the game.
Camryn SmithCamryn Smith, 5’7 guard, 2023, Spring Lake Park
One of the most important assets a young player can have is her willingness to put in the work. From what we can glean via her Spring Lake Park teammates, Camryn’s work ethic is excellent. Smith has spent the summer honing her ball handling skills with Panthers point guard Averi Dunbar, who knows a thing or two about the topic. As a result Smith is much improved. She’s not exactly graceful, but she’s definitely quick and can get to the rim through traffic. Her shot has improved over the summer, too. Camryn played travel ball last winter. Like many of the other freshmen we watched at the PGH Top 250 Expo, it may take her some time to adapt to the high school game.
Top photo: Freshman Janayia Anderson of Como Park, being guarded by her teammate Kaylynn Asberry, should bring energy off the bench this winter for the Cougars. (Photo by Chris Drake)