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.
Nebraska: Natalie Romeo, No. 84, 5-9, PG; Kaylee Page, No. 115, 6-2, PF; Darrien Washington, No. 166, 6-2, PF; Jasmine Cincore, No. 190, 5-10, SG.
McCormick on the Cornhuskers: “Romeo is a perfect fit for Nebraska. She is very skilled and very fundamental, but she hurt her knee in July. Page is an inside-outside forward who knows the game and plays hard. Washington is a good athlete who is more of a strong banger who scores inside. Cincore is a good, strong athlete who is something of a sleeper.”
Colorado: Brecca Thomas, No. 193, 5-5, PG; Zoe Correal, No. 260, 6-3, C.
McCormick on the Buffaloes: “Thomas is an athletic, strong point guard with a high IQ who fits Linda Lappe’s system. Correal is a true five. She is a good athlete with all the physical tools. She’s aggressive, and her game really evolved this summer.”
Clemson: Makayla Johnson, No. 125, 6-4, C; Justice Wright, No. 293, 6-4, C; Ivy Atkism, No. 440, 6-3, C.
McCormick on the Tigers: “Clemson added a lot of size. Johnson is a good pickup for Clemson. She is a great athlete who runs like the wind, and she can score down low and block shots. Wright is another good athlete with a strong body who can score in the paint. Atkism has great size. She is an aggressive athlete with good potential.”
UNLV: Dominique Wheatley, No. 207, 5-6, PG; Kandayce Smith, No. 331, 5-9, SG; Alyssa Anderson, No. 395, 6-0, SG.
McCormick on the Runnin’ Rebels: “Wheatley is a true point guard. She is a good athlete who will run the show and involve her teammates. Smith brings strength to the perimeter, and she has a good all-around skill set and she will surprise some people. Anderson also has good skills, and she is a blue-collar player who can score in a number of ways.”
Memphis: Aleshia Celestine, No. 221, 6-3, C; Angelina Williams, No. 236, 6-6, C; Da’Monique Miller, No. 318, 5-11, G; Amber Holmes, No. 351, 5-5, PG.
McCormick on the Tigers: “Celestine is an active lefty who can score inside, and she can step out to the arc. Williams has great height and she uses that down low. She has a big upside. Holmes is a local kid who is an explosive floor leader who can pass and attack the rim.”
Texas Tech: Ionna McKenzie, No. 223, 6-1, PF; Adedayo Olabode, No. 267, 6-1, PF; Artavia Ford, No. 290, 6-2, C.
McCormick on the Red Raiders: “All three of their commitments are similar. McKenzie is a tremendous athlete. She is strong and she leaps well, and she works very, very hard. Olabode has a strong body with a high motor. Ford is also an aggressive and athletic, and she plays strong.”