Licensed to Drive: Inside Scorers and Playmakers
So much of an effective offense is based on the ability to do damage in the paint. Getting inside and finishing around the rim opens up the rest of the floor and these players are keenly aware of how important…
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Continue ReadingSo much of an effective offense is based on the ability to do damage in the paint. Getting inside and finishing around the rim opens up the rest of the floor and these players are keenly aware of how important paint touches are. Take a peek at these hoopers who break down the defense by getting inside and making plays.
Atika Haji, 5’9 G/F – Blueprint Basketball Class of ’25
It seems like Atika can get to the rim at will. Haji has a nice hesitation dribble and an explosive first step which sets her up to get into the second layer of the defense. She cups the ball well on her drives, protecting it from anyone trying to rip the ball off her. Once she’s within the teeth of the defense she can finish over the top with her athleticism or jump stop in the lane and make a second move to finish at the rim. Haji is certainly able to make great kick outs to shooters, but she shoots such a high percentage inside that you can’t argue with her aggressiveness at the hoop. Haji scores at will within the paint and eats up second chance points.
Cherise Shamp, 5’10 G/F – Blueprint Basketball Class of ’23
Shamp is a crafty player who can get a shot off inside in myriad ways. Cherise can blow by a defender on the perimeter with her hang dribble and finish strong at the cup, or she’ll slow it down within 10 feet and make plays from there. Shamp is an adept scorer due to her solid footwork and she has an array of pass and shot fakes in her bag, opening up scoring pockets and causing the defense to foul. If the defense doesn’t bite, Cherise will set teammates up for easy finishes with a quick dump pass or a kick to shooters. Once the ball is on the rim, Shamp is fighting and clawing for boards. She’s a consistent double-double threat and is someone who gives 100% on both ends of the floor.
Karsyn Bellomo, 5’6 G – Blueprint Basketball Class of ’23
With a killer crossover going left or right, it’s a flat out guess as to which way Bellomo is going. Pair that with Karsyn’s knack for staying low and exploding out of her cross and you’ve got a point guard who can collapse a defense for 30+ minutes a game. Bellomo has a nice lay-up package with solid hops which allows her to challenge taller players around the rim. She can also pull up in the short range and knock down eight-twelve footers. Nonetheless, Karsyn is a playmaker. Bellomo has great offensive instincts and patience, allowing her to set teammates up for success with smooth bounce passes in tight spaces or with on target kick outs for shooters. Bellomo has great endurance and wreaks havoc in the paint all game long.
Yvonne Roberge, 5’5 G – Blueprint Basketball Class of ’23
Gritty comes to mind when I watch Yvonne hoop. She’s strong with the ball and has a tight handle so if defenders give up a lane or take chances on the perimeter she’s going to drive to the rack. Roberge has a no-frills lay-up package where she attacks hard and finishes at the rim either off one foot or two regardless of which side she’s on. If the defense collapses, Yvonne has the awareness and skill to set shooters up; and it’s not just to the shooter one pass away, but it may be to the opposite side of the floor or to the top of the key. Roberge keeps defenses guessing.
Nicole Norton Nicole Norton 5'8" | CG Colchester | 2024 State NewE , 5’7 G – Lone Wolf Athletics Class of ’24
Norton is a flat-out slasher and she’s got the elevation to meet forwards at the rim even after a long step. She’s so quick, whether off the dribble or in triple threat, that her first step can get her within 10-12 feet of the hoop and she’s elevating to the rim before forwards are able to rotate over. Moreover, Nicole is willing to sacrifice her body amongst the trees, picking up lots of contact and ultimately lots of free throws. Don’t get it twisted though, Nicole isn’t a player who drives blind or out of control; she has a great sense of how defenses are rotating and can tease out if she can hit a cutter, drop a pass to a forward, or set up a shooter.
Sydney Herrington, 5’10 G/F – Manchester Mavs Class of ’24
Herrington is one of those players who doesn’t just hoop but she’s also with the weights too. She’s got a long frame this is often wiry as a teenager, but Sydney has added balanced muscle tone to her physique. She’s explosive off the dribble, getting past primary defenders with hesitations, in and outs, and crossovers. Once she’s within that second layer she’s able to go body-to-body with forwards who are used to out-muscling wings. Sydney can finish on either side of the rim or in the short range, regardless, she’s patient in the paint. Herrington puts up clean looks and if nothings there she has the strength and awareness to remain calm, dishing out passes or faking out defenders with a counter move. Calm, cool and collected, Sydney is an efficient playmaker and inside scorer.