MSAC Players to Watch This Summer
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As summer sessions are approaching, there are many players to keep on your radar. These upperclassmen from the Mountain State Athletic Conference are expected to make a difference for their teams in July and in the regular season: Dionna Gray…
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Continue ReadingAs summer sessions are approaching, there are many players to keep on your radar. These upperclassmen from the Mountain State Athletic Conference are expected to make a difference for their teams in July and in the regular season:
Dionna Gray Dionna Gray 5'3" | PG Huntington | 2022 State WV : 2022 5’3 PG Huntington H.S.
Gray was beyond impressive in her junior season, which ended in a state championship win and a nearly undefeated season. She had a great stat line, averaging 17 points, 6 assists, 5 steals, and 4 rebounds per game. Gray could be a contender for the state’s best on-ball defender, if not the best. Her aggressiveness and speed on defense makes it hard on the other team-especially their guards. Gray is not only a threat on defense, but also on offense. She can finish anywhere on the court-whether that is at the rim through the opponent’s largest defender or nearly from half-court with a defender in her face. Gray’s leadership and passion show on the court as she is the first to celebrate her team’s success and the first on the floor during hustle plays. She would already be a great addition to a collegiate team and she still has another season to put under her belt.
Jazmyn Wheeler Jazmyn Wheeler 6'1" | PF Cabell Midland | 2023 State WV : 2023 6’1 SF/PF Cabell Midland H.S.
Wheeler was often left out of conversations during the pre-season, but she sure made a name for herself this year earning first team All-MSAC honors and second team All-State honors as a sophomore. Wheeler is a serious threat to opponents on both the offensive and defensive ends. She is hard to guard on offense as she can score both inside and outside. If the defense places a forward on her, she will choose to take the outside shot and knock it down. If the defender is a guard, she has the ability to take them inside and score. This makes her a lethal player on offense. She is also trouble for teams on defense as she can get her hands on the ball frequently-for a steal or a block. Her size and wing-span makes it easy for her to protect the rim and gather rebounds. Wheeler also has the ability to change the momentum of the game and she is usually the first to celebrate her teammates-both on and off the bench.
Hallie Bailey: 2023 5’6 PG Spring Valley H.S.
Although her team played only 7 games this season, Bailey earned special honorable mention after her short, successful sophomore campaign. She is a strong point-guard with great handles. Her impressive handles allow her to be a drive first guard. While she is able to finish strong and creatively at the rim through contact, she also has the ability to find the open teammate if she isn’t able to score. Although Bailey is a drive first guard, this does not mean she isn’t capable of shooting beyond the arc. She can and will shoot the three if a defender backs off, which makes her difficult to guard. Not only is she great on the offensive end, but she is great at using her length to poke the ball away from defenders. Bailey is an impressive guard that will continue to grow and has the potential to shape into a high-level collegiate athlete.
Jayda Allie Jayda Allie 5'8" | SG Cabell Midland | 2023 State WV : 2023 5’8 CG Cabell Midland H.S.
Allie’s success last season gained her second team All-MSAC and honorable-mention All-State honors. If there is anything people may know or remember Allie by, it is most likely her ability to shoot beyond the arc. She is able to knock down the three consistently, off the dribble or pass. When her shot is not open, she is able to drive and kick or pass from the key through defenders to find her teammates. On the defensive end, her long length gives her the ability to come up with steals. She is also impressive when ripping the ball from defenders as they are trying to score. As she continues to improve over her next few seasons, she will be a great addition to a next-level team.