Eastern District – Breakout 2023s, Part I
In this article:
The Eastern District featured quite a few freshmen who had breakout seasons in 2019-20. Some are building upon those early successes while other 2023s are finally stepping into the limelight. Here’s a quick rundown on a few 2023s who are…
Access all of Prep Girls Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe Eastern District featured quite a few freshmen who had breakout seasons in 2019-20. Some are building upon those early successes while other 2023s are finally stepping into the limelight.
Here’s a quick rundown on a few 2023s who are breaking out or continuing to break out after strong freshman campaigns that I’ve had a chance to see thus far. This constitutes the first few weeks of December. We’ll hit the latter half here next week.
Reagan Vinskovich Reagan Vinskovich 6'3" | SF Belmont Union | 2023 State OH , 6-1, 2023, Union Local
Vinskovich earned her second-team all-Ohio honor last winter with an array of post moves, deceptive quickness for her size and decent handles for a post player. She’s improved upon that debut by adding a degree of physicality in the post, both in fighting for rebounds and muscling through double teams. Defensively, her shot-blocking has improved. What sets her apart from other 6-footers on the block is her ability to pass. UL routinely will flash Vinskovich above the elbow and allow her to rifle passes underneath, taking advantage of backdoor cuts.
Hannah Raper, 5-7, 2023, River
Raper’s transition from 9th to 10th grade has been bolstered by two key factors. Her travel team got in a good bit of work at a number of tournaments, allowing her to hone her skills further. Second, after manning point as a freshman, the addition of Kelsey Harlan Kelsey Harlan 5'5" | PG River | 2024 OH allowed Raper to move over to the two and take advantage of her skills set. She’s responded by displaying versatility on offense from both the perimeter and working her way inside. She can finish with either hand and is a capable rebounder on a team that lacks a lot of size. Being able to focus on scoring and rebounding as opposed to running the offense each trip down the floor has afforded her the chance to flourish; a chance she’s taking advantage of.
Braxton King, 5-5, 2023, Cambridge
King turned in a fine freshman season serving as the team’s point guard and second or third scoring option. But when the team’s returning scorer elected to focus on academics her senior season, it thrust King and fellow sophomore McKinzi Linscott into another role. Main offensive weapons. King has responded, pushing the tempo and displaying a blossoming Euro-step move to the basket. She also easily gets dialed in from the wing or corner and is able to penetrate and find her open teammates through the smallest of openings. Defensively, she’s able to force turnovers and hassle opposing players in man.
Kylie Maxwell, 6-0, 2023, Steubenville
Steubenville hasn’t gotten off the start it likely planned thus far, but that hasn’t stopped Maxwell from turning in some solid performances for Big Red. Defensively, Maxwell makes use of her long body and has developed into a capable shot blocker. She’s also a solid rebounder, though adding a bit more aggression to her game would benefit her on both ends of the floor. That being said, she’s not afraid of contact on the offensive end and knows how to get to the line, where she’s a capable free throw shooter. Maxwell also shows some range.
Lexi Howe Lexi Howe 5'9" | CG Dresden Tri Valley | 2023 State OH , 5-9, 2023, Tri-Valley
Howe’s size and quickness continue to cause matchup problems on both ends of the floor as she’s worked to improve upon a special mention all-Ohio freshman performance. On a team with upperclassmen, this sophomore is the go-to when a big shot is called for a stop is needed on the defensive end. She can explode into a passing lane to intercept apparent open looks or take chances in man defense as her speed affords a quick recovery. Offensively, Howe has both range and the ability to attack the basket.