Southern Illinois Top Players Incoming Class of 2024: Part 1
In this article we take a way too early look at some of the incoming 2024 talent in Southern and Central Illinois. This is part 1 of 2 and the next article will be tilted a little more towards Central…
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Continue ReadingIn this article we take a way too early look at some of the incoming 2024 talent in Southern and Central Illinois. This is part 1 of 2 and the next article will be tilted a little more towards Central Illinois. But, either way if you missed getting any names in there is more to come so reach out to me and let me know who I have missed.
This group has some excellent talent. There are girls here that show early signs of potential D1 talent and the size to match. Many should contribute right away as freshman. Hopefully we can see them on the circuit this summer.
- Amiah Hargrove is a 6’2 Wing from Christopher. Amiah has a very high level set of skills and athletic talents. She already has D1 programs salivating over the opportunity to have her come to their school and she has not played one second of high school ball. Amiah plays at 1A Christopher and is the type of player that everyone should plan to see. At 6’2 she plays like a small forward with the ability to run, shoot and handle. What has impressed me the most is her ability to pull up in the mid range, rise above her defender and hit jump shots. Not unlike the beauty we just watched by a certain Bulls player in The Last Dance.
- Sophie McCartney is a 6’1 Post from Jacksonville Routt. Sophie is very long and uses her frame and build to excel on the defensive end of the floor. She has a nice offensive game inside and is working to expand out that range to the mid range. Sophie averaged a double double in middle school and has a chance to contribute on the varsity level next year.
- Tessa Crawford is a 5’5 Guard from Jerseyville. Tessa has a very special set of skills you do not often see at this age. She can handle the ball very well, executing behind the back and between the legs moves in tight quarters. Probably the most impressive thing you see is a repeatable step back move that she can hit behind the 3-point arc. Most girls her age are struggling to get the ball to the rim off a catch and shoot from 20 feet, Tessa can go hard at the rim, stop her momentum, pull the dribble back, get her feet set and drain the three. Special.
- Jilyan Burgener is a 5’8 Guard from Central A&M. Jilyan has the size and the skill to come in and compete at the varsity level right away. She if left handed and can shoot the ball on all 3 levels. Jilyan brings the strength and aggressive style that will allow her to be comfortable and hold her own with girls 3 years older. She has a high ceiling that her work ethic will help her reach.
- Katie Campbell is a 5’11 Guard from Greenville.Katie has a great feel for the game and attacks the rim where she can finish with both hands. She is athletic and works hard at the game. Katie can execute in the lane while on the move and has a chance to step in and get some varsity minutes at a good program like Greenville.
- Kloe Froebe is a 5’8 Guard from Lincoln.Kloe is a very skilled player that holds IESA middle school state tourney scoring records. She can score at all 3 levels and is extremely skilled. Kloe comes from a good family background of academics and basketball and shows a great IQ for the game of basketball.
- Karley Hawkins is a 5’2 Point Guard from Chatham Glenwood. Karley can play off the ball but at this point is showing some true point guard type skills . Her best skill is her ball handling and shows an ability to see and read the floor. Karley is also a very good on ball defender that can pressure the opposing players into turnovers.
- Denver Anderson is a 5’11 Wing from Mt Zion. Denver is a typical high quality young player that ends up playing wherever the team needs her. With her height she is able to power up over most younger kids and score in the paint. Her future is bright because she can also handle the ball and sees the floor very well. Denver does a good job anticipating passes and getting steals that can be turned into a run out and easy scoring opportunity on the other end.
- Grace Nelson is a 5’8 Guard from Altamont. Grace is a combo guard that can do it all and will likely play some extensive varsity minutes as a freshman. She uses her track speed and jumping ability to excel on the basketball court. Grace can play defense and will score inside and outside in the half court game. In track she has excelled in the long jump, hurdles and sprints.
- Katey Moore is a 5’9 Forward from Tolono. Katey is a good young post that is showing the ability to score and defend in the paint. She is very aggressive inside and has shown a variety of post moves that she can use to create scoring options for herself.
- Shawnice Adams is 5’6 Guard from Belleville East. Shawnice is a very strong defensive player that brings the speed and quickness to the floor that seems to be a staple right now for the Lady Lancers. She has a smooth shot that she has shown some ability to hit from deep range. Shawnice played middle school ball with Laylah Jackson Laylah Jackson 5'6" | PG O'Fallon | 2023 State IL and Shannon Dowell Shannon Dowell 5'9" | SG O'Fallon HS | 2023 State IL and comes from great stock being the daughter on Rita Adams that had a big career at East St Louis.
- Avery Hesseldenz is a 5’5 Guard from Freeburg. Avery is a hyper athletic guard uses that lateral quickness to be a top level defender on the perimeter. She was able to get 6.9 steals per game in her 8th grade season at Smithton. Avery is a hard working and humble kid that is explosive off the dribble and can impact the game in a variety of ways.
- Landry Smith is a 5’5 Guard from Lewistown. Landry is extremely quick and is already reminding some folks around Lewistown of the speed brought by All Stater Anna Heffren. She will have a chance to get some varsity minutes with graduation of the 3 seniors that led the team. Landry defends very well and can score the ball inside and out. She puts in the work with top level trainers and is a kid to watch as Lewistown tries to reload.
This is the first in my articles of 2024 talent. As almost happens I am expecting to hear about many more girls after I send this so I have left off some girls in Central Illinois that will make the next list and expect to hear even more about the Southern Illinois girls, especially in the deep south where I have not had much response yet.