No. 1 Prospect Lists Four Finalists

Most of the top ranked recruits in the Class of 2014 have already made their decisions, but the greatest prize in the class is still looking. A’ja Wilson, the 6-5 superstar in the making from Hopkins, S.C., has trimmed her list to four schools: Connecticut, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

“A’ja is just a very special player, and she will have a huge impact wherever she goes,” said ASGR analyst Bret McCormick. “She has four schools still on her list, and she has upcoming official visits set for Tennessee (Jan. 2) and South Carolina (Jan. 9), and then she is going to sit back and make a decision, but she probably won’t make a final choice until after her high school season is over.”

The 2013-14 season is in full swing, but its easy to start thinking about next year following the early signing period. The  All Star Girls Report recently released its national Top 150 for the Class of 2014, and we are taking that opportunity to look down the road and profile a number of programs. Two of the teams still in the Wilson Derby — Connecticut and South Carolina — already have very bright futures.

Connecticut has already signed the nation’s No. 1 class on the ASGR list. The Huskies have added four guards — Gabby Williams (No. 2), Sadie Edwards (No. 6), Courtney Ekmark (No. 8) and Kia Nurse (No. 14). South Carolina also has a Top Ten class, with center JaTarie White (No. 12) and point guard Brianca Cuevas (No. 41), plus shooting guards Kaydra Duckett (No. 51) and Doniyah Cliney (No. 128).

“Connecticut will lose Stefanie Dolson and Bria Hartley after this season, which would cripple most programs, but UConn will just re-load,” McCormick said. “Their roster is loaded with talent, and they will have Breanna Stewart, Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis and Moriah Jefferson leading the way. They’ve already signed an incredible freshman class. If they added A’ja? I think you would see another record-setting win streak for Connecticut.

“South Carolina also looks impressive. They are playing very well right now, and they will have four double figure scorers back next year with Tiffany Mitchell, Aleighsa Welch, Alaina Coates and Elem Ibiam. They have four strong recruits already signed, if A’ja chooses South Carolina, you would be looking at one of the most talented rosters in the country.”

Now in its 18th year, the All Star Girls Report is the leader in women’s basketball scouting. ASGR’s rankings are compiled by veteran analyst McCormick, who rated over 1,800 athletes in the class. ASGR members can log in and view the complete updated rankings at www.ASGR.info.

Here is a quick look at the ASGR Super Six for 2014 along with a quick comment from McCormick:

1- A’ja Wilson (Uncommitted): “She is a long, athletic lefty who could play all five positions. She has those types of skills. A’ja is just special. Her final list, in no particular order, includes Connecticut, South Carolina, Tennessee and North Carolina. I don’t think she will announce a decision until after her high school season is over.”

2- Gabby Williams (UConn): “Gabby is another very versatile player. She has tremendous athletic ability, and she can do it all on the court. It only takes you a couple of minutes to recognize Gabby’s talent level. She is recovering from an ACL injury so she didn’t play over the summer, but hopefully she will be back at full speed.”

3- Kelsey Mitchell (Ohio State): “Kelsey is a quick, strong, left-handed guard. She is a great passer, but it is her scoring that makes her special. She can hit the long three or the pull-up jumper, and she can attack the rim. She also loves to have the ball at the end of a tight game.”

4- Brianna Turner (Notre Dame): “She is athletic and long, and she could probably play the three, four or five. She can compete in the paint, she can hit the three, and she can take the ball coast-to-coast. She will make an immediate impact in South Bend.”

5- Gabby Green (California): “Gabby is another great athlete with a long, strong body. She has a great basketball IQ, and she can act like a point forward. She is also a great defender. She just has an all-around game.”

6- Sadie Edwards (UConn): “Sadie is an athletic combo guard who is just great off the bounce. She can handle the ball and attack the rim, or she can use her pull-up jumper. She has worked hard to refine her skills, and she has become a complete player.”