Most Intriguing Prospects: Prestonwood vs John Paul II
I was in Plano Friday night where I got to see the John Paul II Cardinals host the Prestonwood Lions in a conference matchup. This was a tightly contested game through the first three quarters. However, the Cardinals really started…
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Continue ReadingI was in Plano Friday night where I got to see the John Paul II Cardinals host the Prestonwood Lions in a conference matchup. This was a tightly contested game through the first three quarters. However, the Cardinals really started to heat up from the field in the fourth and ran away with this one. PCA ultimately ended up falling on the road to JPII by a score of 60-42, but I saw a bunch of good things from both teams during this contest.
Here are seven intriguing prospects from the game:
Nevaeh Tot – 2020 5’6 Point Guard (DFW Elite EYBL) John Paul II HS – This is only the second time I’ve had the opportunity to see Tot play, but she was equally as impressive this go around. Her speed with the ball and change of direction is phenomenal. She is sensational whenever she has the ball in her hands. She is an incredible ball handler overall, but she is particularly effective in pick and roll scenarios. Furthermore, the Oklahoma commit can hit a variety of different jump shots from the field while still maintaining her role as a facilitator.
Kate Valle – 2021 5’11 Combo Guard (Pro Skills 16U National) John Paul II HS – The Junior possesses solid size and length at the guard position. She has great defensive instincts which allows her to anticipate and get into the opposing team’s passing lanes. She is no slouch on offense either. Valle can drill threes from the catch and has no issue leading the break and capitalizing at the rim with a crafty finish or assisting to a teammate following a steal.
Delinah Hailey – 2020 Shooting Guard John Paul II HS – Hailey provides the Cardinals with a third guard who can score and handle the rock. She moves well off the ball and showed that she can make triples from the catch or off the dribble. She really came alive in the second half of this contest once she started to attack the basket from the drive. The senior two-guard is also a solid passer. In my opinion, her performance was the difference in JPII’s victory over PCA.
Nevaeh Parkinson – 2020 6’3 Power Forward/Center (DFW Elite EYBL) John Paul II HS – Parkinson is so good when it comes to carving out space for herself down low. The senior big has soft hands and goes up quick when she gets a touch in the paint, but she can do some damage with her passing out of the post as well. Additionally, the New Mexico commit sets good screens, boxes out well at both ends, and does a great job of finishing through contact and getting to the foul line for three-point play opportunities.
Jordan Webster – 2020 5’10 Combo Guard (Pro Skills EYBL) Prestonwood Christian Academy – Although her team was unable to get the win Friday night, Webster would still be my selection for player of the game. She was an absolute monster vs. JPII. The No. 16 ranked player in our 2020 rankings finished with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and two assists. She impacts the game in so many different ways. The senior guard is insanely crafty as a scorer while also seeking out contact when she gets into the teeth of the defense. Her excellent rebounding skills allow her to immediately start the break, and her high IQ is especially apparent in transition. She has a bright future ahead of her.
Kiersten Johnson – 2022 6’3 Power Forward (Drive Nation 16U EYBL) Prestonwood Christian Academy – Johnson is a stretch four with a ton of upside. She has tremendous size and length which really shows up on the defensive end. The sophomore is an incredible rim protector, accounting for five blocks vs. the Cardinals. She also contributed six rebounds, crashing the glass hard and showing that she has a knack for high pointing the ball like a wide receiver on a fade route. This is a very promising young prospect.
Kendall Parker – 2021 5’5 Point Guard Prestonwood Christian Academy – Parker moves the ball extremely well. The junior floor general pushes the tempo and has solid vision in both transition and half court sets. She is a much more traditional point guard who pairs well with Webster in the backcourt. Her unselfishness is noticeable. She has a nice-looking floater in her arsenal too. I also liked the energy she plays with at both ends. There is a lot to like about her game.