Category Archives: Girls Analysis

CTC Comeback: Girls Evaluations

Please visit @CTCAthletics on Twitter and on Instagram for highlights from Sunday’s event.

Off The Dribble HypeSouth Media Network provided film from Court 1. Each team played four games on the day with two being broadcast. You can view the replay HERE.

Team 1

Cayla Cowart
2022 5-10 CG Cayla Cowart – West Forsyth – FBC NextGen JG – GPA: 4.0
Coming into camp as one of the higher profile players, named Class 7A Second Team All-State and Most Improved Player, Cayla Cowart showed flashes of her high upside. She plays with a terrific motor and is at her best when getting downhill where she finishes with either hand. Cowart is a good passer off the bounce. Cayla’s athleticism and nose for the ball make her a really good rebounder which will translate to the next level. Continuing to improve her outside shot and staying in front of ball handlers will help her reach her potential. She’s a priority D-II recruit with D-I upside.

Sabrina Russell
2023 5-10 W Sabrina Russell – Stephenson – FBC Black Future JG – GPA: 3.0
Equipped with long arms and mobility, Sabrina Russell has some interesting tools to work with. She can help defend multiple positions. She blocked a handful of shots and earned deflections on defense. On offense, she scored up close and even stepped outside to bury the three.

Nevaeh Mack
2024 5-5 PG Nevaeh Mack – Warner Robins – Middle Georgia PUSH – GPA: 3.5
Coaches will want to circle Nevaeh Mack’s name and check back in the future. She’s a great athlete that can really push the tempo in transition. When she wants to, she can break down her man and get to the basket. She plays with energy and isn’t afraid to mix it up on the glass. Defenses have to press up on Mack with her willingness to shoot off the dribble from deep.

Casey Miller
2023 6-2 C Casey Miller – Woodstock
One of the best rebounders in the camp, Casey Miller used her size and strength to her advantage. She can move bodies when battling for rebounds and posts up hard on the low block. She showed nice footwork and patience inside, using an up-and-under to score. When fouled, Miller converted consistently from the charity stripe.

Leah Smith
2022 5-8 SG Leah Smith – Whitewater – Lady Warriors – GPA: 3.2
Known for her three-point shooting, Leah Smith did just that but also showed some other dimensions of her game. She kissed a floater off the glass from a tough angle and later took a hard drive straight to the basket where she scored through traffic. Balancing her outside shooting with an attacking mindset on the perimeter helped keep defenses on their toes. Smith made some plays on defense as well, using her length to alter shots at the rim.

Laney Brock
2022 5-5 SG Laney Brock – North Paulding – HoopDreams – GPA: 3.87
When Laney Brock got hot, she got red-hot. She drilled 3 threes vs. Team 5. Brock is a strongly built guard that uses her physicality to muscle smaller guards. She was an effective rebounder and played within herself. Her name was circulating among college coaches.

Marlie Battle
2025 5-4 G Marlie Battle – Campbell – EssenceXtreme – GPA: 3.85
One of the youngest players in camp, Marlie showed her Battle savvy as she more than held her own against the competition. Much like older sister Laila, Marlie is a heady guard mature beyond her years. She has a projectable frame that could squeeze out a few more inches as she grows. Battle liked to drive left and draw contact getting to the hoop. Her one-dribble pull-up really highlighted her textbook play.

Anna Marie Plant
2021 5-7 W Anna Marie Plant – Unity Christian – GPA: 3.2
Anna Marie Plant provided strength on the perimeter. She played both inside and out. Plant was a capable rebounder and as camp went on, started to find her offense. She helped space the floor from the three-point line and had some hard drive and kicks to open shooters.

Kennedy Snead
2023 5-2 PG Kennedy Snead – Lee County – FBC Blazers – GPA: 2.68
Coming all the way from Leesburg, Kennedy Snead made a positive impression with her pace of play and activity. Snead plays an attacking style of basketball and likes to speed up the tempo. She is good at getting into the paint where she can snap off floaters over the defense. Her ability to get both feet in the paint often led to positive possessions.

Des'Teyn Seaton
2024 5-7 W Des’Teyn Seaton – Northside-Warner Robins – Middle Georgia PUSH – GPA: 3.4
We fell in love with Des’Teyn Seaton and her overall aggression. Only a rising sophomore, Seaton has the natural competitive instincts to become a household name in Middle Georgia. A very good athlete, Seaton plays with relentless energy. She crashes the boards with authority and can push in transition when starting her own fast breaks. Des’Teyn scored most of her points in the paint on putbacks and even hit a turnaround jumper out of the post. Her hardnose play at such a young age is something that bodes extremely well for the future.

 

Team 2

Becca Ledford
2022 5-6 PG Becca Ledford – Fannin County – GPA: 3.7
“Becca Ledford is cut from granite” is what one college coach had to say about the chiseled lead guard that would have no issue stepping into a college weight room and outworking teammates from Day 1. Aside from her physique, the gritty guard turned heads with her steady play. She looked good playing the pick-and-roll, able to slip in tight passes to the roll man. Ledford took pride in her defense and pressed up on opposing ball handlers to make them uncomfortable. With her work ethic and winning ways, Ledford is one of the best guards in North Georgia. She feels like the prototype guard that will have great success at the next level.

Laila Battle
2022 5-6 PG Laila Battle – Campbell – EssenceXtreme 2022 – GPA: 4.063
A genius in the classroom and a whiz kid on the floor, Laila Battle always finds a way to impress without having to be flashy. Battle handles pressure exceptionally well and always has her head up to survey the floor. Laila is a good passer that makes her teammates better. She did a nice job of attacking the basket and drawing fouls. Battle tends to shoot from her chest, but she’s accurate with her shot and can hurt teams from deep and at the line.

Haley Johnson
2022 5-9 G Haley Johnson – Cass – Atlanta Celtics – GPA: 3.8
Sometimes overshadowed playing with All-State players Londaisha Smith and Claire Davis, Haley Johnson has quietly had a very strong career. She’s a solid guard that can help organize the offense. Johnson is patient when attacking the basket and will jump stop to let shot blockers fly by before gathering herself to finish. Haley is a reliable rebounder for her size and can fit in wherever she goes.

Kaylynn Kirklen
2022 5-11 F Kaylynn Kirklen – Mt. Paran – Nike Team Elite – GPA: 3.6
Kaylynn Kirklen was mightily impressive at camp. She played freely and with confidence. Kirklen showcased her versatility hitting a handful of threes, starting her own fast break off rebounds, attacking the rim and facilitating. She had a strong year at Mt. Paran playing the high-low game with Kara Dunn and parlayed that success into a great showing. With her well-rounded game both offensively and defensively, don’t be surprised if Kirklen starts garnering college interest over the summer. She was one of camp’s top performers.

Ellie Southards
2024 5-8 G Ellie Southards – Rabun County – EOTO – GPA: 4.0
Ellie Southards doesn’t play like a rising sophomore. Southards is tough as nails. She is a dangerous three-point shooter but also gets to the rim and finishes through contact as she squares her shoulders and powers into defenders. Southards consistently hits from the mid-range and can get crafty attacking the basket, finishing with scoop shots. The size and physicality of Ellie stands out. She’s an aggressive rebounder that can outwork bigger opponents. Southards takes pride in her defense and can make opponents shy away once she puts her body on theirs.

Tresha Gorman
2021 6-0 C Tresha Gorman – Marietta – GPA: 2.6
A possible late bloomer, Tresha Gorman had some good moments at camp. She’s a big body that rebounds in a crowd. On the low block she has a developing up-and-under move and is comfortable stretching out to the three-point line. Gorman grabbed a few rebounds and went coast-to-coast.  Tresha has the tools that could be refined and flourish at the right level.

Nekaya Williams
2022 5-9 G Nekaya Williams – Brookwood – EssenceXtreme – GPA: 3.0
Every time Nekaya Williams steps on the floor you can count on her to provide infectious energy. She can play and defend 1-3 when needed. Williams is bouncy and gets off the floor quickly. She snatches rebounds and immediately looks to push the ball and ignite the fast break. Her quick first step and downhill mentality make her hard to stop. Williams can hit the three on offense and is a tone setter on defense.

Lyra Roberts
2025 5-7 F Lyra Roberts – Unity Christian – Impact – GPA: 4.0
Only a rising freshman, Lyra Roberts found her niche as a rebounder and defender. She was able to block out and limit second chance opportunities. It was a valuable experience playing alongside some of the best players in camp.

Shakayla Smith
2022 5-5 G Shakayla Smith – Marietta – Lights Out Ballers – GPA: 3.78
Shakayla Smith provided a well-rounded game. She was solid on offense, hitting threes and scoring up close. She showed switchablity on defense as she could defend different positions without batting an eye. Smith has a solid body which helps her play a little bigger than her listed size.

Jalayzha Williams
2023 5-10 C Jalayzha Williams – Northeast-Macon – Georgia Dream Team – GPA: 4.0
Jalayzha Williams added toughness in the paint. With her size she was able to rebound the ball and clog up the lane. Williams altered shots in her area. She found much of her offense on putbacks, using her strength to move smaller opponents out of the way.

 

Team 3

Caelan Ellis
2022 5-6 SG Caelan Ellis – McEachern – Atlanta Celtics – GPA: 3.0
One of the best shooters in the entire state, Caelan Ellis let it fly at CTC Comeback. She drilled 3 threes vs. Team 4 and did so off the dribble on pull-ups. Once Ellis connects from deep, it opens up driving lanes. Ellis has a good low crossover that can shake defenders and allow her to get all the way to the hoop where she finishes with either hand. Multiple D-I schools have already offered. With a strong travel season, expect plenty more to pile in.

Jayla Cook
2022 5-5 G Jayla Cook – Redan – Nike Team Elite – GPA: 3.6
The Energizer Bunny had college coaches talking with her non-stop motor and overall effort. Listed at 5-foot-5, Cook routinely plays bigger than her size. She flies around the floor for rebounds, steals and of course, buckets. The more you watch Cook, the more you come to appreciate her game.

Kenley Woods
2021 5-7 PG Kenley Woods – Coahulla Creek – FBC NextUp Legacy – GPA: 3.4
A true table setter, Kenley Woods looks to get others involved first before searching for her own offense. She has advanced court vision and was just named Class 3A Best Passer with how she can deliver assists in a variety of ways. When she does decide to score, Woods has a quality outside shot that can loosen up the defense. Kenley is a sneaky defender that can play olé defense only to poke the ball away from behind.

A'ryn Jackson
2022 5-7 F A’ryn Jackson – Sequoyah – ATL Cagers 17U BlueChip Storms – GPA: 3.0
The tough-nosed undersized rebounder was a reliable teammate. A’ryn Jackson knows her role and often plays it to a T. She outworks and outhustles bigger opponents inside and wins 50/50 balls. Her offensive repertoire is starting to open up. The lefty showed improved range from the three-point line and is still a capable driver when she is presented with a mismatch.

Mackenzie Franklin
2021 6-0 C Mackenzie Franklin – Kell – Atlanta Cagers – GPA: 3.0
Mackenzie Franklin is an interesting prospect still available. She has great size with a physical build. She’s a consistent rebounder that can score up close. What separates her from most bigs is her shooting touch. Franklin is a stretch-five that can space the floor and shoot from the perimeter. She has a similar archetype to that of Taylor Christmas, another unsigned senior with upside. Franklin’s versatile inside-out offensive skill set will land her somewhere.

Mia Walker
2022 5-6 CG Mia Walker – Archer – Shecago Bulls – GPA: 3.9
A tweener guard that can play either the one or two, Mia Walker is wired to score and can get buckets especially when playing off the ball. She had some nice strong drives to the basket as she managed to get downhill. Walker knocked down a few threes on the day to balance her output.

Jayla Bennett
2025 5-2 PG Jayla Bennett – Grayson – FBC Hoopstarz
Among the youngest players in camp, Jayla Bennett didn’t try to do too much and instead did a very good job of blending in with her team and playing the role of distributor and perimeter defender. She has a strong build for her age and can help apply pressure on ball handlers. For her size, she proved to be a quality rebounder that could start fast breaks when needed.

Adeja Bacon
2022 5-8 F Adeja Bacon – Parkview – Team Power – GPA: 2.8
Adeja Bacon really caught our eye with her aggressive rebounding. Listed at 5-foot-8, Bacon plays much taller with her long arms and high motor. She gets off the floor in a hurry and snatches rebounds. Bacon got her offense on putbacks and layups. While she can still fine tune her ball handling, Adeja was able to attack off the dribble and score at the rim. Energetic rebounders tend to win close games.

Riley Bryan
2022 5-9 W Riley Bryan – Lanier – EssenceXtreme – GPA: 3.9
An inside-out presence, Riley Bryan was a three-level scorer at camp. She hit threes, converted from the mid-range and scored tough buckets up close. She impressed with a turnaround jumper on the block. Riley is a solid athlete that competes on both ends of the floor. She helped defend multiple positions and would close out possessions with rebounds. What really stood out was her ability to be a good teammate. We challenged our campers to do the little things and that’s what Bryan did, helping up teammates off the floor and encouraging them throughout camp.

Libby Hein
2023 5-9 G Libby Hein – Mt. Paran – E33Eagles 2022 – Watson – GPA: 3.5
A jammed finger early in camp didn’t stop Libby Hein from putting together a strong day. Hein is wiry and athletic and holds upside as a defender. She really stole the show later in camp with her offense, scoring off the dribble, finishing through contact and hitting mid-range jumpers. Hein is probably at her best as an energy slasher, but seeing her knockdown shots is an exciting area of growth.

Kaitlyn Robinson
2022 5-5 G Kaitlyn Robinson – Druid Hills
Kaitlyn Robinson made the most out of her time at camp, using a lightning quick release to drill three after three. She was one of the better shooters we had in the gym. When she was able to get her feet set, she nailed long balls from the top of the key while also helping run the offense and get others involved.

Team 4

Aliyah Washington
2022 5-9 F Aliyah Washington – North Paulding – Atlanta Celtics – GPA: 3.35
A monster. That’s what Aliyah Washington was during the 1-on-1 King of the Court station. She’s a dominant physical force that can play either forward position. Her game has gotten more refined since we’ve last seen her. Washington still has her trademark soft touch in the lane and the ability to play bully ball but she’s improved her ball handling and her perimeter shot. Aliyah has High Major toughness and motor. It will be interesting to see which colleges are wise enough to offer. Her pitbull mentality will allow her to be successful at any level.

Katelyn Dunning
2022 5-4 PG Katelyn Dunning – Mt. Paran – Atlanta Celtics – GPA: 3.27
Katelyn caught college coaches’ eyes with how she had the ball on a string and was able to pick apart defenses out of ball screens. She played the two-man game with Aliyah Washington beautifully, hitting her in stride on rolls to the hoop. When Dunning got into the paint, she was able to score in traffic.

Mia Geveke
2022 5-8 SG Mia Geveke – Harrison – Celtics-Perry – GPA: 4.0
Mia Geveke opened up camp with a bang, shooting lights out with four threes in the first game of the day. Geveke got her feet set and drilled bombs all camp. Colleges fell in love with her three-point stroke as she fits the everlasting need of floor spacer at the next level. While she still has room for growth off the dribble, her elite level shooting will always open doors in the college ranks.

Gaby LoPresti
2024 5-9 W Gaby LoPresti – North Cobb Christian – GPA: 4.1
Named Newcomer of the Year in Region 7 A-Private, Gaby LoPresti brought her high IQ to camp. LoPresti was able to positively influence games without having to score. She proved to be a solid rebounder and a smart passer as she racked up 4 assists in the opening game of camp. LoPresti has an inside-out feel to her game and helped space the floor with her outside shot.

Madison Boadu
2022 5-10 F Madison Boadu – Brookwood – Top Tier – GPA: 3.0
One of the most consistent post presences in camp, Madison Boadu had a strong showing on both ends of the floor. She has a strong frame and a soft touch inside. The lefty scored with her back to the basket and gobbled up rebounds at a high rate. Madison was tough to keep off the glass, earning multiple second chance opportunities. She played even bigger than her listed 5-foot-10 height. Boadu could be one to track her senior season.

Reagan York
2022 5-8 W Reagan York – Fannin County – GPA: 3.95
Reagan York is the type of player that can help a program immediately with her toughness and willingness to buy in. Though she did shoot the ball well from the perimeter, York didn’t need to score points to make an impact. She was a good on-ball defender that could defend 1-3. York got on the glass and into passing lanes. Expect the slasher to have a strong senior season.

Hannah Miller
2023 5-7 G Hannah Miller – Buford – Team Elite – Hubbard – GPA: 3.6
Hannah Miller has an athletic projectable frame. She did a nice job of not forcing the issue and taking what the defense gave her. Miller provided active hands on defense and was able to both get in the lane and shoot the three on offense.

Amaya Johnson
2021 5-5 SG Amaya Johnson – Sprayberry – FBC NextUp/JustUs League – GPA: 3.45
Schools looking for a high character off-guard that can knock down shots and provide energy on defense may want to check in on Amaya Johnson. She hit open threes and competed hard on the glass. She totaled 5 assists in two games on Court 2. Amaya is a willing defender that could fit the mold of a 3&D in college.

Karina Lopez
2022 5-6 G Karina Lopez – Lanier – EOTO – GPA: 3.5
With plenty of firepower on the roster, Karina Lopez was able to showcase her floor game as a lead facilitator. Lopez got the ball to the right spot at the right time as she piled up assists. For her size, Lopez rebounded well and showed good instincts on defense as she rotated and helped pick up steals and deflections.

Katherine Robinson
2022 5-10 F Katherine Robinson – Druid Hills
Katherine Robinson projects as a stretch-four. She’s a reliable rebounder that can battle in the paint. Robinson has finesse in her game as an outside shooter that must be marked at the three-point line. Katherine used her length to guard different positions when switched.

Team 5

Brooke Moore
2023 5-11 W Brooke Moore – North Cobb Christian – E33 Eagles – GPA: 4.0
Brooke Moore shined as one of the top prospects in camp. Named Class A-Private Best Shot Blocker, the multi-positional standout used her quickness and length to disrupt opponents. Moore blocked shots without fouling, gathered rebounds and excelled in transition. Moore has a quick first step which is long and covers ground. She has nice footwork in general, snapping off an up-and-under inside. Moore shoots the three well. She hit three of them in two games on Court 2. Her versatility gives her a chance to be special. Brooke can defend 1-5 and is an overall matchup nightmare. D-I programs will want to become familiar with Moore and track her progress.

Brooklyn Begley
2022 5-7 SG Brooklyn Begley – Greenbrier – Team Elite Peake – GPA: 3.9
Coming over eight hours straight from Illinois, Brooklyn Begley’s dedication to the game is admirable. Even after camp, it was straight to AAU practice nearly three hours away to continue to hone her craft. Named Class 5A Best Shooter earlier in the day, Begley did not disappoint, draining long range bombs all camp long. Begley doesn’t need much air space to fire away. She proved she was more than just a shooter. In the 1-on-1 station, she pulled out some crafty finishes with her left hand to score around the defense. With her shot making and work ethic, Begley could appear on college radars sooner rather than later.

Sophia Gallimore
2023 5-10 F Sophia Gallimore – North Paulding – E33 Eagles – GPA: 3.9
In an era where the three-point shot is king, Sophia Gallimore provided some old school toughness in the low post. She’s a sturdy presence that rebounds in crowds and can score through contact. Sophia has a soft touch from the baseline and was able to block shots on defense.

Alyssa Green
2024 5-9 PG Alyssa Green – Buford – FBC Black Future JG – GPA: 3.8
Alyssa Green is an athletic guard with a good body. She has tools to work with when you consider her handle and speed. Green successfully was able to get into the lane and make plays. She has a nice outside shot which balances out her game. Green has a chance to develop into a strong on-ball defender.

Aaliyah Ferrell
2022 5-7 G Aliyah Ferrell – East Coweta – Celtics – GPA: 3.6
Undoubtedly the biggest stock riser in camp, Aliyah Ferrell had a terrific day. Ferrell did it all. An athletic guard that can play 1-3, Ferrell was all over the floor on both ends of the court. Her outside shooting was on point, drilling 5 threes over two games on Court 2. Her energy was through the roof as she flew around collecting steals and blocks. Ferrell crashed the glass hard and started fast breaks. Ferrell converted two And-1s as she drove to the hoop and powered through contact. Aliyah’s length and athleticism coupled with her skill needs to put her on recruiting boards after Sunday.

Makiala Bullock
2023 5-4 PG Makiala Bullock – Hiram – FBC Reign – GPA: 3.4
A strong bodied compact guard, Makiala Bullock gets into the teeth of the defense and sets up teammates for easy buckets. Bullock stays low to the ground and can get her shoulders past defenders. She provides nice effort as an on-ball defender.

Chassidy Fedd
2023 5-7 G Chassidy Fedd – Landmark Christian – Team Elite – GPA: 3.7
Chassidy Fedd played with confidence at camp. She’s a sneaky good prospect in 2023 that has a chance to develop. She understands the nuances of the game. Chassidy used head fakes on the perimeter and a quick first step to get to the hoop. She finished tough floaters and reverses. Fedd proved to be an active defender and used her wiry frame to help rebound.

Camryn O'Neil
2023 5-7 G Camryn O’Neil – Hiram – Lady Vols – GPA: 3.8
Camryn O’Neil is getting better every time we see her. She’s got a strong build for a young guard. In the 1-on-1 station we got to see how she could create in isolation settings. Camryn does a good job of using her strength to her advantage, putting defenders in her back pocket as she attacks the hoop. She scored in a variety of ways throughout the day, hitting threes, scoop shots and pulling up on a dime. O’Neil stuffed the stat sheet across the box score.

Emily King
2024 5-4 G Emily King – Unity Christian – GPA: 3.3
An athletic guard, Emily King was able to hit open shots when they presented themselves. King knocked down baseline jumpers and showed range on her three-ball. She helped handle the ball vs. pressure and used her foot speed to stay in front on defense.

Chelsea Lewis
2022 5-2 PG Chelsea Lewis – Campbell – EssenceXtreme 2022 – GPA: 2.7
One of the smallest players in camp, Chelsea Lewis relied on her blinding speed to turn up the tempo. Lewis pushed the ball as well as anyone in transition and would get downhill in a hurry. Lewis is athletic and active. She rebounds exceptionally well for her size. Lewis was comfortable with the ball in her hands. She made some good decisions and often led her team in assists. Chelsea balanced her offense with a few three-pointers. In an up-tempo game, you want Lewis on your side.

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2022 5-9 CG Ta’Niya Latson – Westlake
One of the best athletes in the entire nation, Ta’Niya Latson and Raven Johnson form possibly the best backcourt in the country. The two toyed with Forest Park in their 70-34 destruction of the Panthers. Their activity and ability to turn live ball turnovers into points is incredible. Westlake sit in a 2-3 zone but Latson and Johnson make it feel like a full court press. The duo takes turns earning deflections and scoring on fast breaks. Latson has elite speed and lives in transition. She gets a vast majority of her points on layups. Latson has enough creativity with the ball to shake her defender and then elevate over rim protectors to finish. She’s one of the best scorers at the rim there is. Her outside shot and ability to score in the half court have been potential question marks, but on Monday she was able to knock down the mid-range shot and hit the open three. As those two areas of her game get better and better the more complete of an offensive player she will become. But when you’re as good as Latson is at getting to the rim, the vast majority of the time her outside shot isn’t even needed. She poured in 29 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals in three quarters.

2021 5-10 PG Raven Johnson – Westlake
The length, IQ and activity of Raven Johnson was the key factor in shutting down Forest Park. The South Carolina-signee was everywhere on defense. Known as a lockdown on-ball defender, Johnson used her instincts and quickness to deflect passes and pick up steals to ignite fast breaks from Westlake’s 2-3 zone. The Lions are dominant in transition. Teams have to sprint four players back on defense every time a shot goes up. No one can compete with Johnson and Ta’Niya Latson when it comes to fast break offense. Johnson earns a handful of assists on her steals atop the zone, pitching ahead for Latson to streak down the court and lay up. The Queen of the GHSA got busy on offense as well. She hit tough mid-range jumpers off the dribble with hands in her face. Johnson’s ability to score equally as effective at all three levels and her court vision make her impossible to stop at the high school level.  Raven finished with 16 points, 8 rebounds, 9 assists and 3 steals in three quarters. We are witnessing history; arguably the most impressive dynasty ever in the GHSA led by Johnson, who has never lost to a school from Georgia over the course of her career. Winners of 101-straight in the Peach State, I can’t foresee anyone challenging Westlake in their quest for a four-peat. In the state’s toughest classification in recent memory, only COVID-19 could pose a threat at slowing down the Lions.

2023 5-6 PG Crystal Henderson – Kell
Instead of pouring in her customary 20+ points, Crystal Henderson played the role of facilitator in Kell’s 58-44 win over ELCA. Henderson finished with 10 points, 6 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 steal and 1 block. Pound-for-pound the best scorer in Georgia, Henderson’s electric play makes Kell one of the best teams in the state. She’s got limitless range and can catch fire quickly. She’s a shifty playmaker that can make the tough pass. Her size may scare off some programs, but Henderson is a no-brainer D-I guard and one of the best players in 2023.

2021 5-8 SG Sylvia Kahoro – Kell
The beneficiary of Crystal Henderson’s passing? Sylvia Kahoro. A rotational player a year ago, Kahoro’s role has increased tenfold, making her invaluable to Kell’s success. She’s a three-point specialist that spaces the floor and gives Henderson room to work. Kahoro is a solid ball handler, but she’s not known for her playmaking or slashing. Having an elite skill like shooting will put her on college radars. She netted 6 threes and finished with 20 points and 2 rebounds. Schools looking for a plug-and-play knockdown shooter will want to check in with Kahoro. She’s blossomed into one of the very best floor stretchers in Georgia.

2023 5-10 F Jada Green – Kell
Jada Green’s versatility really impressed me vs. ELCA. Standing around 5-foot-10, the energy of Green was apparent. She had a nose for the ball and found herself involved in almost every play. Not only did she score around the rim, but she got to the basket using a eurostep. She competed at a high level on the glass and flew around on defense, able to help defend multiple spots. Green finished with 11 points, 12 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals and 3 blocks.

2021 5-7 PG Cortney Gardner – Luella
Last Friday Cortney Gardner committed to Coppin State. On Monday, Gardner put on a show in Luella’s 59-39 win over Griffin. The southpaw is a shifty quick guard that makes plays off the bounce. She gets into the lane with ease and can pro-hop horizontally to avoid the defense. Gardner creates space on the perimeter with step backs and can score with either hand at the rim as a skilled finisher. She gets the Lions off and running and sets the tone with her pace of play. She’s dynamic in the backcourt.

2023 6-1 F Ariana Dyson – Luella
D-I schools don’t want to want too long on Ari Dyson. I targeted her as a breakout candidate back in July and she hasn’t let me down. At her size, her skillset is unique. She can be a bruising post when needed, able to clean the glass at a high level and score inside, but Dyson is also capable of going coast-to-coast and finishing like a guard. Dyson’s versatility helps her play a variety of positions. Her footspeed makes her a mismatch when pulling out opposing bigs to the perimeter or when facing up downlow. On Monday she impressed me with her passing. Dyson is patient and lets plays develop before delivering dimes over the defense to open cutters. If she is able to stretch her range out to the three-point line, she may be able to see more minutes on the perimeter in her future, but I like how effective she is inside the arc with her power around the rim. She finished with 13 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, 5 steals and 2 blocks.

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Cayla Cowart2022 5-10 CG Cayla Cowart – West Forsyth
Cayla Cowart shined again, this time leading the Wolverines to a 49-43 victory over a shorthanded Archer team. Cowart’s blow-up season continued, pouring in 24 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 6 steals and 1 block. She has been one of the most consistent guards in the state and it’s her ability to impact games aside from scoring that makes her special. Cowart plays with tremendous energy and has an uncanny nose for the ball. Couple those traits with her athleticism and she’s able to crash the glass effectively and wreak havoc with her quick hands on defense.  Cowart is a premier slasher that finishes with both hands. Her outside shot still needs work. She tends to push the ball flat instead of getting under it and shooting the ball up, but it is fixable and she has been taking 500 shots a day to shore up her one perceived weakness. Off the dribble, Cowart is a playmaker. She sees the floor well and can fit in tough passes to open teammates. When she gets all the way to the basket, all defenders can do is foul her. She struggled from the line going 6-15, but her relentless attack keeps pressure on the defense and opens up clean looks for perimeter shooters. She is shaping up to be a D-I player. D-II schools should stop waiting and offer her as quickly as possible before the rest of the state takes notice of her high-level skill.

 

Chloe Sterling2022 5-7 PG Chloe Sterling – Marietta
The effortless ability of how Chloe Sterling can control games has taken Marietta to another level. Back in Georgia after living on a military base in Japan, Sterling is a dynamic playmaker with a smooth feel. The lefty is a nightmare in transition. Not only can she rush the ball down the floor and go coast-to-coast, but she can ignite fast breaks without a single dribble, using her elite outlet passing as she drills teammates in stride down the floor. Sterling snaps off accurate passes in the blink of an eye before defenders know what hit them. When the ball is in her hands, Chloe is shifty getting downhill. She can eurostep through the defense and finish in a variety of ways. Her three-point shot was locked-in against Dacula, casually draining 5 threes, hardly ever touching the rim. Her easy release off the dribble is pretty to watch. She tallied 21 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 4 steals in a 79-48 rout. Sterling should be on Mid-Major radars ASAP.

2021 6-1 F Janae Charles – Loganville
A blend of skill, size, IQ and mobility, Janae Charles is among the best post players left in the 2021 class. She doesn’t need to dominate scoring the ball to affect games. Charles is a smart passer and can handle the ball when needed. When teammates cut without the ball, Charles can see overtop the defense and deliver assists with pinpoint accuracy. Rockmart had no answer for her inside. Charles posted up hard and helped get Keyarah Berry in foul trouble. Janae converted every opportunity she had in the paint and used her length to rebound in traffic. She finished with 18 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 block. Gardner-Webb has shown interest.

2021 5-11 W Keyarah Berry – Rockmart
On the verge of being the all-time leading scorer in the state of Georgia, the Indiana-signee had her usual “wow” moments in a loss against Loganville. Keyarah Berry has overwhelmed opponents at the 2A and 3A level over the course of her career. She is unstoppable in transition, able to beat everyone down the floor and elevate for easy layups. Berry has developed her game into being more than just a freak athlete however. She has the deepest range in the state, able to pull up from 30-feet when needed. With her tremendous strength, she can fire away from well beyond the arc without losing much accuracy. Becoming a better playmaker will be an area of growth at the next level. Facing double and triple teams with a supporting cast that doesn’t have much firepower, Berry has had a heavy burden to carry her entire career. Playing with fellow D-I players will make life easier for her on the offensive side of the ball in college. She buried 4 threes and finished with 27 points, 7 rebounds, 4 steals and 1 block in a 62-39 loss to Loganville, Berry scoring the first 17 points of the second half for the Yellowjackets.

De'Mauri Flournoy
2021 5-8 PG De’Mauri Flournoy – Carrollton
It was a dazzling display for De’Mauri Flournoy in Carrollton’s convincing 62-41 win over Newton. The Vanderbilt-signee can do it all. She’s not the most physically imposing guard in the state but aside from Raven Johnson and Kayla McPherson, she may be the most well-rounded and maybe most skilled. Flournoy is an elite three-point shooter that uses her range to help open up driving lanes. She has the ball on a string as she manipulates defenders before getting exactly what she wants. Flournoy is a complete player on offense. She can get into the lane and finish with floaters or tough layups. Flournoy is a playmaker that breaks down defenses and sets up teammates. She moves well without the ball and teamed up with Kehinde Obasuyi for a handful of backdoor cuts. De’Mauri’s quickness to every ball stood out. She snatched every long pass that was tried against Carrollton’s defense, playing a gold glove centerfield. Flournoy tallied 18 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists and 6 steals.

2024 5-8 PG Sanaa Tripp – Newton
The future – and even the present – is Sanaa Tripp. She’s a blue-chip guard that has a chance to be the best player in Georgia and one of the best in the nation. Tripp blends terrific athleticism with eyepopping skill. She’s great in transition, bursting out of the pack and using in-and-out dribbles and more to leave defenders in the dust. Tripp is a dangerous shooter as well. She stops and pops on a dime and has three-point range off the bounce. She knocked down 4 threes as she finished with 22 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist and 4 steals. Her lateral quickness makes her an above average defender that could cement herself as a lockdown guard. Tripp has the makings of becoming a High Major point guard.

2024 5-9 PG Danielle Carnegie – Rockdale County
An Essence Xtreme teammate of Sanaa Tripp, freshman Danielle Carnegie might not have the athleticism or flash of Tripp, but Carnegie’s skill and mature approach to the game has been invaluable for the Bulldogs. Carnegie always stays under control and is a true point guard that knows how to set the table for others while still finding the time to put up points. She does a nice job attacking the basket and keeping the defense off balance. She’s got a nice pull-up jumper and can float in buckets over shot blockers. Carnegie is active. Her well-rounded floor game led to 13 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals in a 72-66 loss to Grayson. With Danielle on the floor, Rockdale will always have a chance to win any game.