Grayson vs. Shiloh: Prospect Watch
While the spotlight was on the boys matchup between No. 1 Grayson and No. 2 Shiloh, the prior girls game provided us a look at two teams looking to better their position in the Region 8-AAAAAAA standings. Grayson (10-4) has…
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Continue ReadingWhile the spotlight was on the boys matchup between No. 1 Grayson and No. 2 Shiloh, the prior girls game provided us a look at two teams looking to better their position in the Region 8-AAAAAAA standings. Grayson (10-4) has struggled with injuries this year while Shiloh (4-11) is already closing in on last year’s 6-win total. Much like in the boys game, Shiloh hung around in the first half. The Generals trailed 14-10 after one and 32-22 at the half. Grayson methodically pushed their lead up to 12 after three quarters and then landed the deathblow in the fourth with an 18-4 frame to seize a 62-36 win. Even with the lopsided final score, a handful of players stood out for both sides.
Grayson
2020 6-2 C Malia Grace (Alabama State)
The big post presence got off to a slow start for Grayson, struggling to finish around the rim at first. Grace quickly got her act together in the second quarter and went on to post a D-I worthy stat line of 17 points, 16 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 blocks. Grace uses her frame well against smaller defenders and can shield the ball when going over her shoulder to score. Shiloh had no answer for her on the glass.
2022 5-7 SG Catherine Alben
Alben made a splash last year as a freshman averaging double-digits and is at it again this year, stuffing the stat sheet with averages of 10.7 points, 4 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 3.3 steals per game. On Friday, she did a little bit of everything with 13 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals. She an athletic slasher that looks to get into the paint. Alben has a quality floater and also possesses the ability to hit the open three when the paint is clogged up. She will need to work on her left hand however. She very rarely used it even when dribbling. If teams can take away her right, she will be an easier cover but her quickness makes her hard to stay in front of.
2022 5-9 W Tylia Kemp
With Arkansas State-signee and leading scorer Victoria Dames out, Tylia Kemp found herself in position to make the most of her newfound opportunity. Entering the game averaging 3.6 points, Kemp exploded for a game-high 17, drilling 4 threes along the way. She also collected 6 rebounds and 6 steals. Kemp was in the right place at the right time defensively and on offense, she knocked down both contested jumpers and open ones. Improving her ball handling and ability to get into the lane will help her development down the road but Friday’s performance is a major step in the right direction for Kemp.
2020 5-4 PG Nyelle Lee
The little lefty orchestrated the offense for Coach Robin Potter. Lee is a strong athlete, able to battle for rebounds with her leaping ability. Her decision making with the ball was solid as she racked up 5 assists to go with her 6 points and 2 steals.
Shiloh
2022 5-10 W Chae Harris
From the moment the game started, Chae Harris caught my eye. Not only because of her projectable youth and size at the wing position but Harris is a major athlete with a major motor to boot. She kicked off the game with a strong drive to the hoop but unfortunately didn’t do much else offensively, finishing with 6 points. Even though her shot was off, Grayson still face-guarded her at times during the second half. Harris is a potential game-changer even without scoring. She had 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 7 steals and 2 blocks. She can start her own fast breaks and in the half court, made some penetrating dribble drive moves to open up three-point shooters. Harris does need a little more polish though. Grayson did a good job defending her and at times it looked like she was forcing the issue, taking tough runners in traffic to try and spark her team. Harris is definitely a name to circle and check up on over the next two seasons. She made a positive first impression and will only get better.
2020 5-3 PG Kayla Allen
The smallest player on the floor, Kayla Allen was a scrappy competitor that played with an attitude. She handled the ball fairly well, but did have moments where it got sloppy. She has enough quickness to get into the lane but struggled in traffic. She finished her day with 10 points and 2 assists.
2021 5-8 W Philli King
A high-academic wing, Philli King led Shiloh in scoring with 15 points, 8 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block. King nailed 3 threes on the day and benefited from the drive and kick opportunities from Harris and Allen. King didn’t have any flash to her game and was just focused on being productive. Something I can really appreciate.