The July club evaluation period is where we want to highlight some of the recruits who stand out.
Which is the best pure scorer? Do you think the best passer is? What's the best ballhandler?
The players are outstanding in their own way. Are they the greatest? We pick the best things to say about a prospect.
F Montaya Dew
2023 espnW 100 ranking: 9
Centennial High School (Nev.) | Vegas Bulldogs
Committed to: Arizona
It's easy to get caught up in point guards' dynamic ballhandling and long range shooting, but in the new era of spacing and small ball, more hybrid players are emerging as facilitators. When Dew wasn't as aggressive of a scorer, it almost became a liability. Her size allows her to come off of ball screens and see the floor as a point forward, which causes mismatches in opposing personnel and defensive rotation. She knows which option to take. She is not afraid to shoot and make her own plays. A good passing big is important at the next level as it allows quick guards to make plays without the ball in their hands and gives defenders more space to cover.
The Honorable Mentions are: W Madison Booker and MadisenMcDaniel.
G Judea Watkins
2023 espnW 100 ranking: 2
Sierra Canyon High School (Calif.) | Cal Swish Sports Academy GBL
The Watkins are making a strong case for the top spot in the class. On both sides, Watkins has tightened up her game. Watkins is the best player if a shot needs to be created. She has improved her dribbling skills. She is one of the best at drawing contact and going to the free throw line, a sign of a great scorer. She had a great time at the USA basketball trials. She will choose from any of the schools in the country.
The Honorable Mentions were G Taliah Scott and G ZOE BROOKS.
G Mikaylah Williams
2023 espnW 100 ranking: 1
Parkway High School (La.) | Mavs Elite Strong
Committed to: LSU
Williams is at the top of his game. A physically gifted multi-sport star, the LSU commit puts so much pressure on opposing ballhandlers and is able to body up and be physical when needed. She is a good player off the ball. Williams can match up with any opposing team's top scorer. The Watkins-Williams battle for the top spot will last through the fall and winter, but they will be teammates in the U17 World Cup.
The Honorable Mention was given to G KaniyaBoyd.
G Jadyn Donovan
2023 espnW 100 ranking: 3
Sidwell Friends (D.C.) | Team Takeover
She can fly, but that doesn't do her as well as she could. She recreated the Jumpman pose in a photo she took in December. There is a video of her trying a dunk at the Atlantic City showcase. The big man can play in the back of a zone or block a shot. She is a jumper in her own right.
Toby Fournier was honorable mention.
G Allie Ziebell
2024 espnW 60 ranking: 9
Neenah High School (Wisc.) | WI Flight
The long range is the first thing that comes to mind when talking about shooting sports. We would call her number out of a timeout and try to get a 3. When defenders close out, she can pull up with a jumper and finish at the rim. She knows when to get rid of the ball and she is ready to move to the floor to take advantage of the catch and shoot opportunities. Every major conference is trying to get him.
W Riley Nelson is a Maryland commit.
W Kennedy Smith
2024 espnW 60 ranking: 18
Etiwanda High School (Calif.) | Cal Sparks
Strong rebounders need to be determined and physical in pursuit of the ball and have a high motor on both ends of the floor. All those boxes are checked by Smith. She has an impact on the game from her intensity and physical presence alone, as she gets defensive deflections, secures loose balls or snatches the rebound. She was the leader in rebound at 11 per game. All major conferences are included in her recruiting.
Honorable Mention was given to W. Dudley.
PG Kiyomi McMiller
2024 espnW 60 ranking: 7
Trinity Collegiate School (S.C.) | NEPA Elite
McMiller's talent has been talked about for a long time. She caught the attention of some national evaluators and local coaches when she participated in individual showcases. She was able to handle the ball with confidence. She has the ability to change her pace on a dime. She has the ball on a string like a yo-yo and can shoot from long range.
The Honorable Mentions are: Pg Angelica Velez, Pg Jaloni Cambridge, and Pg Hannah
W Sahara Williams
2023 espnW 100 ranking: 20
Waterloo West (Iowa) | All Iowa Attack
Committed to: Oklahoma
She has an amazing energy to her. She drives to the rim and defends on the ball a lot. Williams needs to set the tone for her team because basketball is a game of play and intensity.
The Honorable Mentions are G Ashlynn Shade, and KK Arnold, both of whom are committed to the University of Connecticut.
PG Jada Williams
2023 espnW 100 ranking: 20
La Jolla Country Day (Calif.) | Cal Stars
Committed to: UCLA
In a highlight driven culture intangibles can be overlooked. Williams has proved to be a leader in the locker room and on the court when she plays for UCLA. She has an ability to motivate others through consistency and celebration. The players seem to like her. Williams is using the NIL platform to grow her opportunities.
The Honorable Mentions were W S'mya Nichols and Victoria Flores.
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