The 2014 recruiting classes are coming into focus, and over the next month we will review some of the programs that are enjoying the most success in the early going. Here is a quick look at some of the teams that have been making noise this summer, along with the perspective of All Star Girls Report analyst Bret McCormick. Each athlete is listed with their ASGR national ranking for 2014.
Bucknell: Jacqueline Klotz, No. 297, 6-1, WF; Catherine Romaine, No. 387, 6-2, PF; Carly Richardson, NR, 5-11, G.
McCormick on the Bison: “They picked up some good size, and Klotz is their headliner. She could play a number of positions. She is very skilled, and she plays with a lot of energy. Romaine is a lefty who could play the four or five. She has some inside moves, and she can step out to the arc. Richardson is a intelligent, big guard who does everything well fundamentally.”
Vermont: Rachel Merrill, No. 436, 6-3, C; Katie Lavelle, NR, 5-9, PG; Sydney Smith, NR, 5-11, G.
McCormick on the Catamounts: “Merrill will give them a presence inside. She plays hard and knows how to use her body. Lavelle is a combo guard with a good skill set. She can shoot the three, and she can score in a number of other ways. Smith has good size, and she is a good shooter with NBA range.”
New Mexico State: Alisha Washington, No. 160, 5-8, SG; Tyesha Taylor, No. 161, 6-3, C; Jasmine Cooper, No. 475, 6-0, WF.
McCormick on the Aggies: “Mark Trahk and his staff are having a great year. I think Washington is a sleeper. She’s very explosive, she has a nice mid-range game, and she can hit the deep three. Taylor has a strong body, and she is a wonderful athlete. She’ll bang down low, and she can score. Cooper is a great athlete who can really get up. She has a blue collar ethic, and she is an excellent rebounder.”
Pepperdine: Kim Jacobs, No. 202, 5-11, PG; Krista Pettepier, No. 350 (Pittsburgh Transfer), 6-3, C.
McCormick on the Waves: “Jacobs is a good pick up for them. I think she will help them a great deal as a freshman. She has the size and fundamentals, so she could play any of the perimeter spots. Pettepier is an Iowa kid with very good skills. She can score in close and she is a good passer.”
Southern Mississippi: Shakoa Edwards, No. 214, 5-4, PG; Jessica Powers, No. 462, 6-6, C.
McCormick on the Golden Eagles: “Edwards is a true point guard who controls the whole game. She has tremendous quickness and she is a great passer, so she is a one-player press breaker. Powers is long and wiry, she can score in the lane, and she can step out to 15 feet. She is also a nice shot blocker.”
Albany: Cheyenne Creighton, No. 344, 6-2, PF; Tiana Carter, No. 366, 6-1, PF.
McCormick on the Great Danes: “Creighton is a nice get from Canada. She is a beast down low, and she can play on the perimeter. I think she will contribute immediately. Carter will also help. She is a great athlete with a strong body. She will be physical in the paint, and she scores and rebounds.”