ATL Summer Slam
Girls Analysis

ATL Summer Slam Standouts

2023 6-1 PF Ariana Dyson – FBC Legacy UAA – Luella
After watching her consistent play over the weekend, I fully expect Ari Dyson’s stock to skyrocket and for her recruitment to kick off sooner rather than later. Dyson’s mixture of size, strength, mobility and skill has her set to become one of the best posts in Georgia for the 2023 class. She gets the job done on both sides of the floor. Dyson finishes strong in traffic with both hands and is patient when gathering herself to power through the defense instead of rushing inaccurate attempts. Blessed with quick feet, Dyson can attack off the dribble in the half court and uses pump fakes to get defenders off balance. She is a tenacious rebounder that can clear the glass and start her own fast breaks. Dyson is aggressive inside and has a good motor to boot. She posted 8 points, 4 rebounds and 4 blocks with FBC Legacy Jr. National before double-doubling with FBC Legacy UAA, collecting 11 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals. Heading into her sophomore season with a new look roster, I would be shocked if Dyson doesn’t emerge as a go-to option in the low post. She’s a budding D-I prospect.

Misia McKinney2021 6-0 PF Misia McKinney – FBC NextUp Kay – Westlake
A hidden gem that has been stashed away on three-time state champion Westlake’s bench since transferring from North Springs, Misia McKinney looks ready to improve upon her 8 minutes per game and step into a much bigger role in the low post for the Lions. McKinney has a solid frame that can make an impact inside with her strength. She’s got quality post moves on the low block. She had a sweeping left-handed hook, a spinning drive and a two-dribble middle, drop-step back baseline power move in her impressive 20-point, 9-rebound effort against Dream Team 941. She even drilled a three at the buzzer to end the first half. I don’t know how much longer McKinney will be a sleeper, but schools in need of some toughness and scoring inside will want to check in with her before the secret is out.

Catherine Alben2022 5-7 W Catherine Alben – FBC Playmakers – Grayson
A blur in the open court, Catherine Alben was at her best in transition when she was able to blow by defenders and get to the cup. She is one of the best athletes in her class and uses her agility to her advantage. In the half court, Alben is still primarily a slasher. She did hit one three off the dribble and drove the lane for short pull-ups – a welcome sign. She had 15 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals in a win over Dream Team 941 as she was able to run wild in transition. In a loss to the Douglasville Tigers, she was unable to burst out of the pack on fast breaks and was held to 9 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist and 3 steals. Her ability to put pressure on the defense with her speed is her most reliable source of offense, but when teams are able to get back in transition and make her play in the half court and keep her out of the lane, Alben will need to further craft her developing jump shot to remain effective.

2022 6-0 C Ava Hunter – EOTO Black – Union County
One of North Georgia’s most productive post players, Ava Hunter had no issue finding points and rebounds against a potent FBC Bouncenation J. Hunter hung 14 points, 11 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block in a tough 42-38 defeat. She used her broad shoulders to score in traffic and was able to keep the ball away from any shot blockers. Ava kept the defense honest with her eagerness to attack from the high post and drive the ball to the basket. It was a strong overall performance from the all steak, no sizzle needed performer.

2021 5-11 PF Ranajah Verdell – EOTO Black – Stephens County
Don’t be surprised if Ranajah Verdell starts to pop up on some college radars her senior season. She’s a sneaky good forward that can hurt teams in a variety of ways. She did a good job on the glass and defensively she was active both with her rim protection and her lively hands that caused deflections and bothered those who tried to score inside. Verdell scored around the basket and had a nice baseline jumper from 15-feet out. She’s got mobility and can help defend anywhere 3-5. Ranajah finished with 6 points, 8 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block in a solid showing against high level competition.

Cayla Cowart2022 5-7 CG Cayla Cowart – FBC Black JG – West Forsyth
Cayla Cowart had a terrific stock rising performance against Team BWright and had some “wow” moments along the way. The near ambidextrous playmaker sliced up the defense with her unpredictable game. She made some great passes in transition and made sure FBC never blew any advantage opportunities. As good as her passing was, her finishes with her left hand dazzled. First it was a pretty lefty scoop, then a floater and lastly a near impossible bucket with defenders draped all over her. Cayla’s ability to score with either hand on Friday was the most impressive I’ve seen all offseason. Aside from her craftiness, she even drilled 2 threes. Cowart had the full offensive package on display as she went for 14 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals. D-II schools will want to start the bidding for her services.

Adrianna Jones2021 5-6 CG Adrianna Jones – FBC Black JG – Greenforest
Known for her well-rounded floor game, AD Jones did it again, compiling 7 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals. Jones can be plugged into either guard position and get the job done. She plays under control and knows how to play to her strengths. Her pocket passing led to easy buckets for teammates. For her size, Jones is a willing rebounder and an opportunistic defender. Her on-ball defense blew the game open in the second half with her aggressive pressure.  Jones is a nice option for a program looking for a smart playmaking guard that can shoot it from distance.

Takia Davis2021 6-2 C Takia Davis – FBC Black JG – Calhoun County
It was Takia Davis’ best game I’ve witnessed in person. She put it all together and made it clear to see why USC Upstate was the latest school to offer. Davis has always had solid footwork but sometimes struggled to score against physicality. On Friday, Davis went to work on the low block and used her length to her advantage as she would drop step and shoot over top of unsuspecting defenders. Davis’ soft touch gives an added dimension to her burgeoning low post game. Add in her knowledge to keep the ball high and her shot blocking abilities and you have yourself a solid long-term prospect. She finished with 14 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist and 5 blocks.

Alana Gibbs2021 5-3 PG Alana Gibbs – FBC Bouncenation Kay – Douglas County
The little playmaker was as steady as when I last saw her during the high school season. Gibbs knows how to run a team. Her calm presence is never rattled by defenders as she’s able to get to her spots, even though she’s usually the smallest player on the floor. Though she lacks height, Gibbs has a strong compact build that is low to the ground and hard to knock off balance. She’s got a good handle and sees the court well. Alana has a consistent mid-range jumper and can also get all the way to the rim. She’s a pest on defense and does all the things necessary for an undersized guard to standout. She poured in 16 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 7 steals in a rout of the Jacksonville Lady Rams.

2021 6-1 C Rachel Wilson – EOTO Sisters – Central-Carrollton
The size and strength of Rachel Wilson caught my eye. Wilson is well-built at 6-foot-1 and has the top to bottom frame that can log rotational minutes at the college level. Wilson has good hands and rebounded in traffic, snatching the ball away from others. On offense, she hit a little turnaround jumper off the low block. Small schools needing size and upside will want to track Wilson’s progress. She had 4 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal and 2 blocks vs. Lady TRU Elite.