War Games 28.5
Girls Analysis

War Games 28.5: 2023 Top Performers

Aaliyah Hunt6-3 C Aaliyah Hunt – FBC Black Nxt-Gen JG – Peachtree Ridge
One of the most effective posts in the event, teams had no answer for Aaliyah Hunt inside. Over three games, she averaged 10 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2 blocks. Hunt would have dominant stretches, using her size to gobble up rebounds and her soft hands to catch lobs and finish. For as big as she is, Hunt has nimble feet. Her most impressive moment came on a rebound and coast-to-coast finish, beating defenders down the floor as she handled the ball. Her ability to shut down the paint on defense by blocking and altering shots without fouling can completely change opponents’ game plans. Her strongest performance came at ATL SummerSlam, posting 17 points, 11 rebounds and 3 blocks vs. Gauchos. With a Stony Brook offer already in hand, I could see Low Majors and Mid-Majors coming in strong over the next two years.

Mataya Gayle5-7 PG Mataya Gayle – FBC Hoopstarz UAA – River Ridge
The hottest point guard in the 2023 class that saw Georgia State come through with an offer earlier this month, Mataya Gayle shined as the top offensive option in the FBC Hoopstarz backcourt in a 45-43 loss to New Heights NYC. Gayle had 12 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 steal. Her elite athleticism gets her to the rim in a blink. She’s a shifty ball handler that is dangerous in the pick-and-roll with how she can shoot overtop screens. When getting downhill, Gayle has good vision and can leap to make tough passes. Defensively, her lateral quickness makes her a nightmare. She’s a Low Major to Mid-Major prospect that should have offers roll in.

Clara Morris5-7 SG Clara Morris – Atlanta Cagers BlueChip-Myers 2023 – South Forsyth
The Atlanta Cagers closed the season red-hot with all their pieces fitting together. Clara Morris plays her role extremely well. She’s a great floor spacer that is quickly becoming one of the best shooters in her class. She stripped the nets all week and hit 4 threes to finish with 12 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals in a 61-59 win over FBC Legacy. Morris is a good decision maker with the ball and has a floater in her arsenal. She may not be as good an athlete as some others, but she’s a very sound team defender.

Ava McGlockton6-0 C Ava McGlockton – Atlanta Cagers BlueChip-Myers 2023 – South Forsyth
One of Ava McGlockton’s best games came against FBC Legacy, making a statement with 17 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 block, scoring the game-winning bucket with seconds left after corralling her own miss and scoring on a putback. McGlockton pursues rebounds well. She’s always involved when crashing the boards and uses her size and strength to her advantage. Ava is capable of sealing hard and has a hook shot in her repertoire.

5-9 W Aaliyah Duranham – FBC Legacy UAA – Griffin
You’ll be hard pressed to find many players that play as hard as Aaliyah Duranham. She’s a high motor athlete that battles for the full 32. The lefty is at her best in the paint, using her quickness and leaping abilities to get clean looks. She gets on the glass earning multiple putbacks. When on the perimeter, Duranham is power wing, looking to slash to the basket. She is an effective defender capable of guarding 1-5 in spurts. Aaliyah has room for refinement with her offensive game, giving her an attainable ceiling. She had 15 points, 4 rebounds and 2 steals in a narrow loss to the Atlanta Cagers after posting 7 points, 5 rebounds and 1 steal in a blowout of the Carolina All-Stars. Kennesaw State offered in mid-July.

5-6 PG Crystal Henderson – Zone 6 Celtics Black – Kell
With a nice array of weapons at her disposal, Crystal Henderson didn’t need to score as much as everyone is accustom to. Instead, Henderson showcased her playmaking ability, tallying 9 points, 3 rebounds and 10 assists in a 71-61 win over SLAAM Grate. Henderson’s ball handling and passing makes everyone around her better. While there may be questions about her size and ability to get her shot off routinely at the next level, Henderson is as good as they come at the high school level and has a High Major skill set. Schools that can overlook her size will be rewarded. Vanderbilt offered back in February.

5-8 W Caylee Simpson – GA Storm – Carver-Columbus
Caylee Simpson uses her size to get downhill. The big lefty is sneaky good at getting to the rim and is a skilled finisher. She had 15 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals and 1 block in a loss to the North Georgia Magic. Simpson will play a huge role in the Carver-Columbus offense this upcoming season and is a player to keep an eye on come senior year.

5-7 SG Jakayla Geiger – GA Storm – Carver-Columbus
The corners were home to Jakayla Geiger. She caught fire, draining 6 threes on her way to 20 points. Geiger is a three-point specialist that shoots with confidence off the catch.