Top Scorers in the Class of 2023
We will break down some of the top scorers or “bucket getters” in the Class of 2023 here in Arizona. The value of scoring and how it’s evaluated has evolved, and right now efficiency is king when it comes to…
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Continue ReadingWe will break down some of the top scorers or “bucket getters” in the Class of 2023 here in Arizona.
The value of scoring and how it’s evaluated has evolved, and right now efficiency is king when it comes to being an elite scorer. To enter this realm, you need to provide high-volume scoring in the most efficient way possible. It won’t always be easy to be efficient when on a high volume due to the responsibility and workload compared to a role player with less of a burden.
Getting buckets isn’t just about the raw counting stats, it’s about team context and assuming the role that your team needs from you. Being able to attack from multiple levels of the floor is also important when countering the defense. Three-level scorers are a dying breed these days.
We’ll analyze some incoming juniors in the Class of 2023 based on how their sophomore seasons went and projecting what type of season could be in store for them next year and beyond.
Reilly Clark Reilly Clark 5'10" | CG Catalina Foothills | 2023 State AZClark is ranked 3rd in the state in our 2023 Class Rankings for a reason, as she’s a dynamic scorer that can fill it up in a hurry. Her team was limited to just 10 contests during her sophomore season, but she made the most of that short time period, averaging 20.4 points per game to go with 8.4 rebounds per game.
At 5’10” she is a combo guard that can play the forward position as well, giving her versatility on both ends of the floor. She is a three-level scorer with her ability to score in the interior, mid-range, and out on the three-point line. Keep an eye out for her next season as she looks to solidify herself as one of the top players in the state of Arizona.
Khamil Pierre Khamil Pierre 6'2" | PF Perry | 2023 State AZPierre has shown the ability to score the ball extremely efficiently and at a high volume, checking the two most important boxes on the list. She is listed at 6’2″ on MaxPreps, and she certainly uses her size to her advantage as she put up a ridiculously efficient 60% mark on two-point field goals.
She only attempted three shots from long distance, so she plays to her strengths by slashing, finishing over smaller defenders, and cleaning up the glass. The long forward has just scratched the surface of her potential and I believe some gaudy numbers are on the horizon during her junior campaign.
Ashiian Hunter Ashiian Hunter 5'5" | PG Mesa | 2023 State AZHunter is another top ten player (6th) in the state on our 2023 Class Rankings and for good reason. She is a 5’5″ combo guard that can light it up with the best of them. Ashiian played in 18 games for the Jackrabbits last year, posting 20.9 points per game to go with 3.1 assists and 3.9 steals per game.
She shot 46% on two-point field goals, 70% from the charity stripe, and 30% from deep on a high volume. There is room for improvement in the efficiency department, which bodes well for her offensive production from a projection standpoint considering how complete of a player she already is.
Victoria Cazares Victoria Cazares 5'5" | PG Pueblo | 2023 State AZCazares is a 5’5″ scoring guard that has the potential to light it up during her junior season. As a sophomore, she averaged 17.3 points per game for her Warriors squad in 17 games played. She shot a decent percent from deep (33%) but must improve the efficiency from the charity stripe (56%) and two-point field goals (35%) to take that next leap that she is surely capable of.
Under The Radar Scorer
Mackenzie Nielsen Mackenzie Nielsen 5'10" | SG Sunrise Mountain | 2023 State AZNelson was one of the most efficient scoring guards in the state as a sophomore for the Sunrise Mountain Mustangs. She put up 13.3 points per game on a sparkling clean 38% clip from three on 130 attempts (high volume). Along with that, she shot 59% on two-point field goals and 64% from the line.
The keys are there for her to take a leap in terms of offensive workload next season, so be on the lookout for a breakout season from the 5’9″ guard.