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.
Ohio State: Kelsey Mitchell, No. 3, 5-8, PG; Makayla Waterman, No. 64, 6-2, PF; Alexa Hart, No. 74, 6-3, C; Chelsie Mitchell, NR, 5-10, F.
McCormick on the Buckeyes: “Kevin McGuff is in his first year as the head coach, and he struck gold quickly. All four of these kids played for the All Ohio Black AAU program. Mitchell is the big prize. I think she will have an immediate impact for Ohio State at point guard.”
Georgia Tech: Zaire O’Neil, No. 42, 6-0, PF; Imani Tilford, No. 58, 5-7, PG; Erin Garner, No. 130, 6-4, PF.
McCormick on the Yellow Jackets: “They have picked up three commitments from the Northeast already. O’Neil is their top recruit. She is a 6-0 lefty. She has a very strong body, and an inside-outside game.”
Notre Dame: Brianna Turner, No. 4, 6-4, PF; Mychal Johnson, No. 40, 5-8, PG.
McCormick on the Fighting Irish: “Turner gives Notre Dame yet another truly elite recruit. She is a versatile player who could fill a number of roles. Johnson is a true point guard with a high basketball IQ.”
Vanderbilt: Christa Reed, No. 47, 5-11, SG; Rachel Bell, No. 48, 5-10, PG; Paris Kea, No. 52, 5-8, PG.
McCormick on the Commodores: “Vanderbilt already has three Top 50 level perimeter players in their class. I think this group is going to help make them a little more athletic in the future. Reed is a great shooter, Bell is a scorer, and Kea is an athlete who knows how to attack the basket.”
Michigan: Katelynn Flaherty, No. 19, 5-7, PG; Jillian Dunston, No. 98, 6-1, SG; Maria Backman, No. 129, 6-2, SG.
McCormick on the Wolverines: “Michigan has added a 1, 2 and 3. Flaherty is a skilled, tough player who just loves the game, Dunston is a big guard who can score, and Backman is a wing with great size.”
Illinois: Chatrice White, No. 28, 6-3, PF; Kyley Simmons, No. 389 (Transfer), 5-7, SG; Brooke Kissinger, No. 412, 5-7, PG.
McCormick on the Illini: “White, who is a very skilled post player out of Nebraska, played AAU ball with Kissinger. Kyley Simmons is a transfer who started at Missouri.”