Parkview Tip-off Classic – Top Playmakers

The girls’ basketball season is alive and well here in Georgia. As the start of practices and games are in full swing across the state, you can feel the excitement of the season. I had a chance to cover the Parkview Tip-off Classic which spanned three full days to kick off the Thanksgiving Holiday. Games took place at Parkview High School in between two different gyms, and there was no shortage of talent in either. In this article, I'll cover the top playmakers that I saw at the classic. These point guards did a great job of running the show for their teams. Jones scans Harrison's defense during at the Parkview Classic Trinity Jones | 5'6 | Americus-Sumter | 2020 A true playmaking point guard, she showed her ability to predict what the defense was going to do sometimes two passes ahead of time. She is an excellent passer who should in every offensive pick-and-roll situation. Jones is a floor general on both ends of the floor oftentimes directing traffic when setting up on defense. She showed her ability to put it on the floor and get to the rim when necessary and as well as a nice catch and shoot game from the arc. Katelyn Dunning | 5'2 | Mount Paran | 2022 A small quick guard that sees the floor very well. She is especially skilled at finding streakers and slashers in transition. In the halfcourt, she is a pinpoint passer whether throwing it over the top to feed the post or throwing the on target cross-court pass to setup attacks off of skips. She is a selfless player often giving up her own shot for a better shot by her teammates. She showed an ability to shoot the three when left open. a great way to keep defenses honest when defending her team's skilled bigs. Rowland looks to inbound the ball during her matchup against Newton. Simone Rowland | 5'4 | Forest Park | 2020 Rowland was one of the more poised point guards at the classic this year. She helped lead her team to achieve a big win against Newton High School. Her composure when running the PG is invaluable as she knows when to pick up the pace and when to slow it down for quality possesions. She does a good job of keeping settled and focused on what the team's plan is. She picks her spots well when taking her own shots and does not force shot attempts or passes. Maka'ya Cushion | 5'5 | Newton | 2020 Cushion is a quick point guard with a good understanding of the game. She is shifty with the ball in her hands and uses her ability to change gears to keep her defender on their heels. She does a good job of keeping her team in games by making precise passes as well as recognizing when it is her time to score. She is a great on-ball defender and is usually responsible for guarding the other team's best player. An experienced point guard which is evident by her ability to take control of her team on the floor and ensure that they recognize the situation at any moment of the game. Denim DeShields | 5'6 | McEachern | 2021 A game manager and facilitator for her team, she has good athleticism to complement her high basketball IQ.  Her understanding of pace and tempo in games allows her to make plays for her teammates. She showed a good consistent floater and an impressive layup package to finish contested at the rim. Her court vision in transition leads to many flashy passes and easy finishes for her team. She is a very good defender and that uses her voice to lead her team to quality defensive possessions.