10 Unranked 2022 Guards to Watch
Next to players in the class of 2021, the 2022s are the most affected by the pandemic. Decisions by the NAIA, NJCAA, and NCAA have substantially affecting coach recruiting efforts, player eligibility, and more are recruiting game changers that potentially…
Access all of Prep Girls Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingNext to players in the class of 2021, the 2022s are the most affected by the pandemic. Decisions by the NAIA, NJCAA, and NCAA have substantially affecting coach recruiting efforts, player eligibility, and more are recruiting game changers that potentially will affect the number of players suiting up for college ball. Like the 2021s, the 2022s have energetically taken to the limited opportunities to compete and attend camps and events over the summer and fall. Efforts to help players gain exposure by Prep Girls Hoops Kansas has resulted in a July ranked list composed of 171 players. Several dozen more are on a watch list. A number of those players will be added to the upcoming November refresh. Below is a list of ten unranked guards that can be expected to appear in the refresh.
Point Guards
Serenity Jackson, 5’3″, PG, Wichita South — An impact transfer from Derby, Jackson was a player I saw at the Kansas PGH Top 250 Exposure event a short while back. She consistently showed quickness off the bounce and the ability to elevate on finishes when challenged by bigs, effectively using the glass. Athletic with speed, Jackson is a strong 100m sprinter and was a member of the Derby 4x100m team that set a school record in 2019.
Anna Kyle, 5’4″, PG, Norwich — While watching video of a teammate I discovered Kyle. Having good speed with the ball, three point ability with range, and IQ and defensive quicks to help from the wing on basket drives from the point what especially stood out was she clearly was the team’s floor leader.
Shooting Guards
Kaylee McLain, 5’5″, SG, Leavenworth — McLain also played in the PGH Top 250 expo but on team #2. Slim and quick with transition speed, she showed some mid-range and three point ability. McLain absorbs contact on basket attacks well.
Karoline Cool, 5’6″, SG, Blue Valley North — Cool has solid speed with the ball. A perimeter shooter with solid range, she can stop and pop quickly in transition with elevation. A heady, active defender with quick hands, Cool can finish with both hands at speed off the steal. She competes on the boards but boxing off the ball needs improvement.
Mary Crossland, 5’8″, SG, Blue Valley North, KC Dream — At the Kansas PGH Top 250 Exposure event Crossland joined Serenity Jackson, above, on team #1. Fundamentally sound on both ends of the floor with deep three point range, just getting a step quicker will find her causing even more problems for opponents.
Kalysa Hamel, 5’6″, SG, Salina South, Wheat State Elite — A player who set the school record for made threes in a season last year obviously should be recognized. From what I have seen from her teammate below, she has a good shot of breaking her own record in 2021.
Marlaysha Ziegler, 5’4″, SG, Heights — No Boundaries/MaxLab Training provided me with an opportunity to watch their open invite scrimmage a week ago. Ziegler hit bombs from everywhere around the arc and hustled the entire time.
Shooting Guards
Kylie Arnold, 5’4″, CG, Salina South, Wheat State Elite — Arnold was among the few players college coaches attending the September I-35 Showcase who asked me “who is that?” A high IQ, high motor player with good vision, she ran the floor with speed and her eye on ball at all times. Arnold did a terrific job of creating space out of movement, turning catches into perimeter shots and quick basket attacks, and handling in trap situations to get out of trouble.
Denae McElrath, 5’5″, CG, Wichita East — McElrath is returning to the court after missing time a season ago due to injury. At the No Boundaries/MaxLab Training scrimmage got on the floor for loose balls, showed a quick first step, and hustled with speed. Fast with the ball, she has the handles to finish.
Hayley Numrich, 5’4″, CG, Blue Valley Northwest, Kansas Elite — Numrich was a teammate of Kaylee McLain, above, at the Kansas PGH Top 250 Exposure event. Numrich is quick and decisive to the basket and is athletic and tough on contact drawn from her drives. A very strong defender, she locks in on anyone she guards. She makes plays, is a threat on the perimeter, and handles well.
.