2023 Introductions: Point Guards
If word wasn’t out already, it likely is two months into their first season…this point guard group in 2023 is loaded at the top. On the whole, this position group is strong throughout, even with regards to potential small college…
Access all of Prep Girls Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingIf word wasn’t out already, it likely is two months into their first season…this point guard group in 2023 is loaded at the top. On the whole, this position group is strong throughout, even with regards to potential small college prospects. Below is a more in-depth look at the Top-10 point guard prospects in Indiana’s Class of 2023, with additional comments on each.
1. Ashlynn Shade, 5-9 G, Noblesville H.S.
Ashlynn has been on my radar for a couple of years now, but I’ve really begun following her in detail since the March grassroots season started. She was outstanding all Spring & Summer, often playing against 2020 & 2021 guards, and she has carried that experience over into this season. She leads Noblesville in scoring (17.7 ppg), rebounding (6.9 rpg), and steals (3.3 spg), and she’s second in assists (2.5 apg). Right now she is more of a combo guard, but she has point guard skill & instincts, and she’ll likely play more of a lead guard role at the next level. I’ve compared her style of play to 2015 Indiana Miss Basketball Ali Patberg for some time now, and I’m starting to see others consider the same comparisons.
2. Ashlynn Brooke, 5-6 PG, Pioneer H.S.
This Ashlynn also had an oustanding grassroots season going, playing in the 16U age group against 2021s most of the time. She is quick with the ball, she has range to 25-feet, and she can score the thing in bunches. I was really excited to see what kind of numbers she could/would display at Class 1A Pioneer, but she was unfortunately sidetracked by an ACL injury in mid-July, and that has kept her on the mend for the entirety of this season. Ashlynn does already possess at least one Division-I offer, if not other offers already, and I’d anticipate once she regains her health, she’ll showcase that same skill and ability that put her on the map in the Spring.
3. Karsyn Norman, 5-5 PG, Bedford North Lawrence H.S.
Karsyn is one of the smaller point guards in this class, and it’s not as if she is that tiny. She is one of the headiest, instinctual playmakers I’ve seen in some time. She is always head-up scanning the floor for teammates, and she plays with a great poise to her, as she’s rattled by nothing. She delivers the ball on-time, on-target to teammates, but she can score it as well. She’s good at getting inside a defense and understanding how to finish, plus she is a consistent perimeter shooter who just needs rhythm and a little space. She earned a Division-I offer at an elite camp over the Summer, and she’ll have a lot more interest coming her way very soon.
4. Olivia Brown, 5-7 G, Hamilton Southeastern H.S.
Olivia is someone whose recruiting will likely prosper more down the road than immediately, when compared to other girls on this list. She is a nice talent with really good upside. She has good speed, quickness, and explosion, plus she can play either guard position. I like the fact she can shoot/score, plus she’s good creating for others. She has gotten a little opportunity for the defending Class 4A State Champs, but she should see an increased role next season, once five experienced Seniors graduate in the Spring. Look for Olivia to have a nice Spring & Summer on the grassroots circuit.
5. RaShunda Jones, 5-6 G, South Bend Washington H.S.
I saw RaShunda for the first time at a couple of Fall showcases. She has great length, speed & quickness, and she is just a nice all-around athlete. She has been huge early this season for Washington, as she has scored the ball at a high level. She has earned her share of Division-I attention already, and it should only continue to build as she gets stronger and continues developing her skillset. I think with her upside, she can become a Top 5-10 prospect in this class, and she might already be there, but I would like to see her a little more thoroughly this Spring. I also think she can become an elite defender on the ball.
6. Abby Fleetwood, 5-7 PG, Brown County H.S.
Abby is what you would call a typical Indiana point guard. She has good strength at her size, she’s tough-nosed, plus she is skilled and plays with a good basketball IQ. She can handle the ball and run offense, she’s a capable perimeter shooter, plus she does a nice job of getting defenders on her hip and drawing fouls. She could stand to be just a bit more explosive in all directions, but she is a really nice lead guard who I think will draw her share of college interest as she displays her ability to run the show.
7. Sydney Horton, 5-6 G, Roncalli H.S.
Sydney is another solidly built, fundamental, and skilled guard prospect. Her ability to be productive at either guard spot helps her stand out. She can knock down shots consistently from the perimeter, and you can run her off of motion screens. At the same time, she’s strong with the ball and can act as a good game manager. She gets the ball where it needs to go, doesn’t turn it over often, and she plays with a very good motor. I think she is very solid, and she has already been productive for Roncalli this season.
8. Kailyn Terrell, 5-5 PG, Brownsburg H.S.
Kailyn is a joy to watch. She plays with a great motor, she is gritty and tough-nosed, plus she does a nice job of bringing energy and picking up her teammates. Offensively, she takes care of the basketball well, she delivers it to open teammates on time, but she can also knock down an open rhythm jumper. Defensively, she is willing to mix it up, she uses some physicality on the perimeter, plus she’s a capable rebounder at her size. I really like a lot of the intangible qualities she brings to the floor as well.
9. Mariah Robinson, 5-6 G, Bishop Noll Institute
I am not quite as familiar with Mariah as other girls on this list, but I’ve gotten great feedback from a couple of informed sources in her area of the state. She is a nice all-around athlete with a solid frame, she plays with a good motor, and she does a lot of different things well. She plays a little more off the ball right now because of upperclassmen on the team, but she does have ball skill and a solid basketball IQ. I really like her willingness to rebound and defend as well.
10. Ella Hobson, 5-5 PG, Center Grove H.S.
Ella isn’t the biggest kid in the world, but she is very long for her height, she’s quick/fast, and she is very feisty, tough-nosed, and unintimidated by much. Last Summer, she mostly played against 2021s, so she came into high school fairly well-adjusted to the size and speed of a Varsity game. She is a shot-maker, and in the opportunities she’s had so far this season, she is 8-14 (57%) from 3-point range. Because of her frame, I’d anticipate her continuing to grow and improve at a faster rate than several of her peers, so her best days are likely still well in front of her.
Feature image is of RaShunda Jones of South Bend Washington High School. Image is courtesy of Mila Reynolds‘ Twitter account.