St. Joseph Shootout Evaluations–Illinois Players
I was able to get into the gym after my 5 day excursion to the Caribbean and watch the St Joseph Shootout. Unfortunately the snow came and I had to cut my stay a little short. But, here are evaluations…
Access all of Prep Girls Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingI was able to get into the gym after my 5 day excursion to the Caribbean and watch the St Joseph Shootout. Unfortunately the snow came and I had to cut my stay a little short. But, here are evaluations of the players I was able to see that day:
Illinois Players-
- Que Love is a 2020 point guard from Edwardsville and an SIU signee. Que has always been a pure point guard that can lead her team and run the show. This year she has expanded her offensive game and has become a scoring threat. She has done a nice job hitting catch and shoot jumpers and also getting shots off flare screens. If Edwardsville can make a long playoff run it will certainly be with Que providing scoring in addition to her point guard/leader duties.
- Sydney Harris is a 2022 wing from Edwardsville. Sydney has been the leading scorer for the Lady Tigers since she walked on campus as a freshman. She is the target of the many opponents defensive scheme. Sydney has improved her game to add more mid range shooting and is scoring more off the bounce this year. She is a deadly shooter as you can see by her free throw %. Once you foul Sydney, expect her to put two points on the board as she has been able to convert around 90% of her attempts.Sydney has D1 offers and the she will be a highly sought after player in her class.
- Elle Evans is a 2022 wing from Edwardsville. Elle is long and thin with an excellent outside shot. If she can get an open look this 6ft sophomore will hit it. She can cause issues on defense with her length and is a very willing passer. Her ability to see over the defense allows her to provide good post entry passes and flare screen passes. Elle holds a D1 offer and is a candidate to continue to improve as she gets stronger.
- Katelynne Roberts is a 6’3 2021 post from Edwardsville. Katelynne shows the ability to rebound and contest shots on the defensive end. She has some decent post moves and can finish with either hand. Where she can improve her stock is with increased strength and agility. Her ability to establish and hold position in the lane and play through contact needs some work and is critical for her options at the next level. Right now she is a great JC candidate or a 4 year player at a lower level. If she can improve her body and agility she is would be a D2 option.
- Macy Silvey is a 5’8 2022 guard from Edwardville. Because of the talent of Que Love at the point and the other wings at Edwardsville, Silvey does not play large minutes as a sophomore. She has shown plenty of ability on the AAU circuit and has shown flashes at times for the Lady Tigers. She has made her money coming up in the game as a shooter but this past summer she spent her time showing off increased skills as the point guard. She will be someone to watch her development.
- Arianna Bennett is a 6ft 2022 forward from Edwardsville. Arianna has always had a high level motor that she uses to rebound and defend. She will get the team some easy baskets almost every night as she attacks the offensive boards. Arianna has worked hard to improve her game away from the hoop, trying to improve her ball handling and outside shot. She is making progress and is one to track over the next two years.
- Laylah Jackson is a 2023 guard from Belleville East. Laylah has come out this season as a freshman and been a consistent scoring threat for the Lady Lancers. She has a deep range on her three point shot and is not afraid to let it fly. She is also able to take the ball to the hole and finish in the lane. As her handles and strength improve this will become an even bigger weapon for her. At times now she can get caught up by defenders reaching in and deflecting her dribble or getting a hand on the ball. That strength will come as she matures and works out. Laylah is a good defender that uses her quickness to be a ball hawk.
- Tyler Butler is a 2021 forward from Belleville East. Tyler is a bit undersized to play in the lane at about 5’9, but she makes up for it with heart. She is constantly working to get position on the glass or posting up. She can finish with either hand and is improving her face up game. Tyler has skill that can help a small college team and is definitely that glue/effort player that everyone needs.
- Bria James is a 5’6 2020 guard from Belleville East that shows potential. She is very quick and plays very good defense. Offensively she can get to the basket and finish over taller players. At this point her outside shot needs some improvement but could definitely develop over a career at a 4 year school or utilize a JC to make her improvements.
- Hannah Mitchell is a 6ft 2020 post player from Belleville East. Hannah shows the ability to finish in the lane with either hand and is strong. She is coming off a knee injury that took away her junior year. She showed some signs during her sophomore year of being able to play at the small college level and as she works her way back those skills still flash at times. Because of her size and frame she would be a good project for someone to redshirt and work her way all the way back.
- Grace Riley is a 2021 point guard from Belleville East that shows the ball handling and court vision to play at the next level. She handles the ball well but will need to get stronger and more explosive to play and guard at the next level. The skills and work ethic she has makes her one to keep an eye on over the next year.
This was an excellent event and these two teams from Illinois worked hard with Edwardsville getting a win over Parkway North and Belleville East falling to IWA. Missouri evaluations to come next.