First Round State Playoffs Girls Top Performers
Girls Analysis

First Round State Playoffs Girls Top Performers


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Paula Robertson2026 5-9 SG Paula Robertson – Union County
To no surprise, it has been a breakout season for Paula Robertson in her first year on varsity. Robertson impressed throughout the Sandy’s Spiel Fall League and has given the Panthers a much-needed extra ball handler and scorer. The lefty is a dangerous shooter from the mid-range, good at getting to her spots to hit pull-ups. Her jump shot consistency helps open up the floor and will do so even more as she continues to add range. Paula is a good athlete on defense that helps out on the glass. Robertson finished with 13 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal in a 62-35 rout of Landmark Christian.

Ariel McCarter2025 5-9 G Ariel McCarter – Union County
Ariel netted the 1,000th point of her career, part of a well-rounded performance which saw the junior collect a game-high 15 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals. McCarter has improved each and every season as a ball handler and scorer. She provides reliable energy in the backcourt and a versatile offensive game which sees her score from all three levels. On Tuesday, Ariel hit a three, two long jumpers, scored on a drive and had two transition hoops including an And-1.  The Panthers quietly have one of the better cores in North Georgia and have a chance to really make some noise next season, with a chance to reach the Elite Eight this year still possible.

Katelyn Brown2025 5-9 W Katelyn Brown – Union County
Hustle and effort define Katelyn Brown’s game. She is a physical tough-nosed wing that bangs for rebounds and fights for loose balls. Brown is a solid defender on the perimeter and in the post. She’s good at timing her jumps to block shots and rebound. Katelyn does the dirty work. Most of her offense comes in the paint on drives and putbacks. Brown tallied 12 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 1 block against Landmark Christian.

2024 6-0 PF Lana VanDyke – South Paulding
Physical and tough-nosed, Habersham Central had no answers for Lana VanDyke in the paint. The senior was able to play bully ball, backing her way down off the dribble before drop stepping to score in traffic. VanDyke scored on a pair of putbacks, a post-up, two drives including an And-1 and dribbled her way into a pull-up jumper. Lana did a nice job squaring her shoulders when attacking baseline and drew countless fouls, going 5-9 from the free throw line to guide South Paulding to their first state playoff win in school history, 58-29. VanDyke finished with 19 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals. D-III and NAIA schools are vying for the high academic forward’s service.

2025 6-0 W Chloe VanDyke – South Paulding
Chloe’s size, athleticism and versatility stick out right away. She did a very good job driving and kicking for open threes, especially in transition. VanDyke has the skill set to play 1-5 for the Spartans. She excels at grabbing rebounds and igniting fastbreaks. Capable of playing around the rim, VanDyke was most utilized on the perimeter as one of South Paulding’s primary ball handlers. Chloe has a good feel for feeding the post, dumping in touch lob passes over the defense for easy layups. VanDyke netted a pair of threes and hit a baseline jumper. She shoots from her ear and has a shot that can be difficult to contest for smaller players. Chloe has all the physical tools to climb onto recruiting boards. Another year of development and polishing her game will be beneficial. She posted 11 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal. VanDyke is currently on D-II radars.

2027 5-11 PF Lindsey Henry – South Paulding
Next in line to continue South Paulding’s trend of producing physical interior presences, freshman Lindsey Henry has provided a big boost in Year 1. Her activity in the paint set the tone early against a young and undersized Habersham Central team as she compiled 11 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal. Lindsey has a good feel inside, understanding how to seal for position and the nuances of banging to get on the offensive glass. Henry scored on a lob, two putbacks and went 5-6 from the line. I think she has a great chance to develop into a college prospect. Keep an eye on Henry’s growth, she could blossom into one of 2027’s better post players.