2023 Guards: End of Season Stock Risers
At the end of the season, there have been some players who really stepped up for their teams going into the tournaments, trying to advance to the next round. We have had some young shooters playing their best basketball, putting…
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Continue ReadingAt the end of the season, there have been some players who really stepped up for their teams going into the tournaments, trying to advance to the next round. We have had some young shooters playing their best basketball, putting their names out there, showing their ability and confidence to be able to play with the best of them. Here is some Class of 2023 standout guards who have improved their stocks going into next season:
Kalee Easter going to the basket strong. Photo Credit: Carroll NewsKalee Easter – Carroll County
Kalee is a 5’3 guard who plays with intensity throughout the whole game, on both ends of the floor. She uses her shooting ability to make defenders close out hard, then she is able to put the ball on the floor and drive hard to the basketball finishing strong or with a consistent floater. Kalee has great basketball IQ, she can defend the passing lanes, causing steals and turning them into easy transition points. She had 21 points, including 2 three-pointers in Region 3D quarterfinals win against Northside and 15 points, including 3 three-pointers in Region 3D semi-final lost to Abingdon. Kalee has earned 3D All-Region First-Team honors throughout the tournament.
Katie Carroll penetrates hard to the basket. Photo Credit: The Roanoke TimesKatie Carroll – Cave Spring
Katie is a shooter who can spot up and knock down consistent shots from behind the arc. She had games where she scored 18 points, including 2 three-pointers and 12 points, including 3 three-pointers. In a River Ridge district playoff game, Katie had 9 points, all of which came from behind the arc and earning All-District Second-Team.
Shaelee Slaughter – Floyd County
Shaelee is a 5’10 guard who can shoot well, handle the ball, and use her size to step in and get rebounds. She scored a season-high 16 points, including 4 three-pointers and 6 rebounds in the Region 2C semi-finals to help her team advance to the state tournament. Shaelee has improved her game throughout the season and look forward to how well she performs next season.
Keslyn Secrist with the spot up jumper.Keslyn Secrist – Pulaski County
Keslyn is a 5’8 baller who understands the game at a high level, by playing passing lanes, getting steals, running the floor, and scoring in transition. Keslyn also shoots the ball well and is able to penetrate and dish to open teammates when going to the bucket. In her playoff run, she scored 12 points, including 5 rebounds in the district championship loss to Patrick Henry, 16 points in the Region 4D Championship win against E.C. Glass, and 13 points, including 1 three-pointer in a Class 4 State quarterfinals loss to Millbrook to end her season. Keslyn earned River Ridge All-District First-Team and 4D All-Region Second-Team during the postseason.
Ava Hibbs – Cave Spring
Ava is a 5’7 shooter who plays well without the ball, being able to find her spots, and ready to shoot. She also uses her shooting ability to put the ball on the floor and get to the basket. Ava had 12 points, in which were all from behind the arc in a tough River Ridge District tournament loss to Patrick Henry to end her season, however she did earn River Ridge All-District Second-Team honors for the season.
Missy Hazard attacks the lane. Photo Credit: Martinsville Bulletin.Missy Hazard – Patrick County
Missy is a go-get-it guard who plays hard throughout the game on both ends of the ball, pressuring the ball, getting steals, causing turnovers and turning them into easy transition points. She is also a knockdown shooter, scoring 16 points, including 5 three-pointers in a regional tournament game. Missy has earned Second Team All-Piedmont District honors.