2023 Rankings Update: Stock Risers
My top-five stock risers in the Class of 2023 rankings have played like upperclassmen in high school for the past two years as they’ve each led their team to a final four. Heading into this winter, though, they are actual…
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Continue ReadingMy top-five stock risers in the Class of 2023 rankings have played like upperclassmen in high school for the past two years as they’ve each led their team to a final four. Heading into this winter, though, they are actual upperclassmen, who are more than ready to build off of a successful and prosperous AAU season. Three of these ballers made a significant leap in the rankings, while the other two each climbed two steps up the ladder.
No. 1 from No. 3: 6-2 PF Natalie Potts Natalie Potts 6'2" | PF Incarnate Word | 2023 State MO – Incarnate Word Academy
What stands out to me the most besides her ability to do it all on the court is how extremely well she moves for her height and length. Offensive arsenal is uncanny as she hits daggers from both 3-point and mid range while possessing a variety of moves to attack the basket. Incredible facilitator who speeds up the game by pushing the ball down court, finding teammates for easy buckets and directing traffic. Both a top-notch rebounder on both ends and defender of all five positions. Basketball IQ is simply off the charts.
No. 4 from No. 44: 6-1 SF Tori Rubel Tori Rubel 6'1" | SF Cape Notre Dame | 2023 State MO – Notre Dame Regional
Does everything at a high level and is an impactful, three-level scorer. Has arguably the smoothest shooting stroke in the state in order to swish shots from beyond the arc and in the perimeter. Overwhelming force when taking the ball to the rack while having great touch around the rim. Covers an eye-opening amount of ground due to her wingspan, athleticism and long stride for steals, blocks and deflections. Also smothers ball handlers and is a fluid rebounder. Creates well for teammates by making lengthy passes and setting screens.
No. 15 from No. 64: 5-10 SF Treazure Jackson Treazure Jackson 5'10" | SF Whitfield | 2023 State MO – Whitfield
All-around talent who plays with a lot of confidence and intensity. Creates well for herself while being a dominant force when attacking the basket as she does so with a full head of steam. This also allows her to be a serious deep threat on full-court opportunities. Nice pull-up shot as she is quite the catch-and-shooter or will do so off the dribble. Aggressive player down low when fighting for rebounds or getting right in a player’s grill to swat their shot attempt.
No. 16 from No. 18: 5-8 PG Madison Ayers Madison Ayers 5'8" | PG South Iron | 2023 State MO – South Iron
Incredibly aggressive player because she is either always trying to take the ball away or driving head-on to the basket. With this type of mentality attacking the basket, she usually has a nice trip to the lane or creates contact in order for free trips to the line. Can also catch fire from 3-point range and is opportunistic when passing the ball. Squares up ball handlers well to be a quality on-ball defender with the ability to pick pockets.
No. 20 from No. 42: 5-9 CG Olivia Hahn Olivia Hahn 5'9" | CG Incarnate Word Academy | 2023 State MO – Incarnate Word Academy
Outstanding talent offensively who has the ability to score off the dribble from anywhere she wants. Jets past defenders after one move to either hit a pull-up shot or attack the basket. Draws a lot of attention inside when driving, where she will either kick the ball out to open shooters or hit defenders with a pass fake for an easy lay-in. Plays with a high motor on both ends and is a fast-break score waiting to happen. Reads well defensively for takeaways and is aggressive on the boards.