As Women’s College Basketball enters the club evaluation period in July, I would like to highlight some of the new hires that stand out in certain categories.
Who is the best pure scorer? The best passerby? The best ball handler?
Each of these players excels in itself in terms of various aspects of the game. But are they absolutely the best? We choose the finest for different perspectives.
Best passerby / facilitator
F Montaya Dew
2023 espnW 100 Ranking: 9
Centennial High School (Nev.) | Vegas Bulldog
Commitment: Arizona
It’s easy to get caught up in the dynamic ball handling and long range shooting of point guards, but in the new era of spacing and small balls, more hybrid players are emerging as facilitators. Early on, Dew’s pass-first spirit was clear, and when she wasn’t very aggressive towards the scorer, it became almost responsible. Due to her 6’2 size, she is off the ball screen and the entire floor can be considered a point forward type. This leads to hostile personnel mismatches and defensive rotation. She reads the defense carefully and knows the options to attack. Moreover, she is not afraid to adjust her approach and shoot herself to make a play. A good pass big is very valuable at the next level. This allows the Quick Guard to play without holding the ball, greatly increasing the space the defender must cover.
Honorable Mention: W Madison Booker (2023 No. 15), PG Madisen McDaniel (No. 8 of 2024)
Highest scorer
G Judea Watkins
2023 espnW 100 Ranking: 2
Sierra Canyon High School (California) | Cal Swish Sports Academy GBL
Both Watkins insist on being number one in the 2023 class. Watkins has enhanced every aspect of the game at both ends. If you need to make a shot, no player is better than Watkins who can play with the ball. She improved her agility and created it very well from dribbling. Her three balls are more consistent and she is one of the best players to pull contact and head for the free throw line and is a sign of a good scorer. She was sensational after she appeared in the USA Basketball trial. She will choose from any school in the country because of her experience at her college.
Honorable Mention: G Talia Scott (2023 No. 13), G Zoe Brooks (No. 33, 2023, North Carolina State University)
The best defender
G Mikayla Williams
2023 espnW 100 Ranking: 1
Parkway High School (La) | Mavericks Elite Strong
Commitment: LSU
As talented as Watkins, Williams is still at the top. A physically talented multi-sports star, LSU Commitment can put a lot of pressure on your opponent’s ball handlers, get fit and move as needed. She is good at defensively rebounding the ball and challenging overtaking lanes and bumping cutters. Williams can stop against the top scorer on the opposing team. The battle for 1st place between Watkins and Williams will take place from autumn to winter, but she will be a teammate at the U17 World Cup in July.
Honorable Mention: G Kanya Void (No. 32, 2024)
Best jumper / reaper
G Jadin Donovan
2023 espnW 100 Ranking: 3
Sidwell Friends (DC) | Team Takeover
Donovan can fly, and it may not do justice for her great physical fitness. Here’s a photo from the December Capital Invitational where she essentially recreates Jumpman’s pose. Starting in May of this year, there is a viral video of her attempting to escape dunk at the Atlantic City showcase. A 6-foot Donovan can catch Rob behind the zone or have a LeBron James-inspired chase down block. Donovan is a reaper in her own category.
Honorable Mention: F Toby Fournier (No. 15 of 2024)
The best shooter
G Allie Bell
2024 espnW 60 Ranking: 9
Nina High School (Wisc.) | WI Flight
The first thing that comes to mind when discussing shooters is long distance, and Sibel has it. For our money now, we call her number from the timeout and knock down 3. She can be pulled up with a jumper and can also finish well with a rim when the defender closes. What really pulls her apart is knowing when to get rid of her ball and being ready to move to her floor for her powerful catch-and-shoot opportunity. Ziebell has been heavily adopted by all major conferences.
Honorable Mention: W Riley Nelson (No. 29, 2023, Maryland Commit), G Kimora Johnson (2023 No. 30), W Courtney Ogden (No. 12, 2023, Stanford University Commitment)
The best rebounder
W Kennedy Smith
2024 espnW 60 Ranking: 18
Eti Wanda High School (California) | Cal Sparks
A strong rebounder needs to be decisive and physical, as it has high motors on both ends of the floor while constantly pursuing the ball and crashing the glass. Smith checks all those boxes. Her strength and physicality alone have a major impact on the game when she gets defensive deflection, secures loose balls, and steals rebounds. She led her first Nike EYBL stop with a rebound of 11 per game. Her recruitment includes all major meetings.
Honorable Mention: W Kendal Dudley (No. 4 in 2024)
Best ball handler
PG Kiyomi Mac Miller
2024 espnW 60 Ranking: 7
Trinity College Eight School (SC) | NEPA Elite
The hype about Mac Miller’s talent dates back to her elementary school days. She caught the eye of several national evaluators and local coaches while attending several individual showcases in the DMV area. From the beginning she was good at handling the ball with confidence. She defeats the defender with handles, footwork, and the ability to change tempo with a dime. She has the ball in the string like a yo-yo and keeps her defenses away with her ability to nail shots far beyond the arc.
Honorable Mention: PG Angelica Beres (2023 No. 36), PG Jaroni Cambridge (2024 No. 2), PG Hannah Hidalgo (No. 5 of 2023)
The most intense
W Sahara Williams
2023 espnW 100 Ranking: 20
Waterloo West (Iowa) | All Iowa Attacks
Commitment: Oklahoma
Sahara Williams has an outstanding energy for her in all her belongings. Regularly, she drives hard to the rim, goes to the rebound and protects her ball. Basketball is a game of playmaking and concentration, and Williams is essential to keeping the team in shape.
Honorable Mention: G Ashlin shade (2023 No. 6, UConn Commit), KK Arnold (2023 No. 7, UConn Commit)
Best leader
PG Jada Williams
2023 espnW 100 Ranking: 20
La Jolla Country Day (California) | Calster
Commitment: UCLA
In a highlight-driven culture, intangible assets can be overlooked. Williams has proven to be the leader in the locker room, whether it’s La Jolla Country Day, her club program, or USA Basketball. On her floor, she has the ability to stay consistent and invigorate others by verbally celebrating the success of her teammates. Her players seem to be attracted to her at the gym. Williams has reportedly made several NIL transactions and is using the platform with her colleagues to expand her future opportunities.
Honorable Mention: PG Victoria Flores (2023 No. 80), W Sammy Wagner (2023 No. 23), W S’mya Nichols (2023 No. 21), G Orchio Kanawa (2023)
