5’9 ’28 Za’Miya Bynum (Queens Grant)
Without sounding repetitive, it’s extremely difficult to watch Bynum and not walk away impressed. She’s an unbelievably dynamic, explosive athlete with sharp quickness and phenomenal speed in the open floor. Bynum is an overwhelming defender who suffocates opponents and forces turnovers at a seemingly nonstop rate. She secures rebounds at a high rate and is capable of pushing the break with ease. Bynum knows how to break down defenders and touch the paint basically whenever she wants. It’s difficult to see a scenario where she doesn’t end up as a nationally regarded prospect.
5’7 ’27 Sara Kate Carr (Wesleyan Christian)
Given her general IQ, polish, and athleticism, it’s easy to see all the things that make her a high-level player. Carr showed the ability to create for herself and others while applying scoring pressure in a variety of ways. She aggressively scored the ball from all levels, reliably knocking down jumpers, pulling up from midrange, and finishing at the basket. Carr moves well without the ball and applies quality pressure as a spot-up threat, but also knows how to dictate the action as needed. She’s a tough, scrappy defender and active rebounder for her position. Despite being in foul trouble, it’s clear that Carr is a notable player.
6’2 ’29 Ava Powell (Hickory)
Although we just recently saw her over the last month, it’s impossible to ignore the appeal of Powell. She’s already a strong, physically overwhelming post player, but is truly just beginning to harness her upside as a long-term prospect. Powell is an exceptional rebounder and interior defender who already dominates around the basket on both ends of the floor. She’s a solid finisher with touch, footwork, and the strength to play through contact. Powell also appeared comfortable spacing the floor and making passes from the post. Given her advanced array of tools at such a young age, she should only continue to trend upward.
5’5 ’26 Misa Garris (Queens Grant)
Despite narrowly falling short in this contest, Garris did literally everything possible to propel her team forward in an attempt to mount a comeback. She’s a small, incredibly smart floor general who displays pace, vision, and scoring polish with the ball in her hands. Garris is capable of breaking down opponents, touching the paint, and making correct decisions. She looks to set up others as much as possible, but knows how and when to take over a game. Trailing by double digits with one of her top teammates fouled out, Garris almost single-handedly brought a victory to the Lady Stallions.
6’2 ’30 Jannah Newkirk (Wesleyan Christian)
Rounding out this group, Newkirk stood out as the lone eighth-grader on display. Although her age and legitimate size would be enough to make an impression, Newkirk already knows how to impact the game in several ways. She’s a long, mobile post player who dominates the glass as a rebounder and alters shots well as an interior defender. Newkirk is a capable finisher but doesn’t need touches to make her presence felt as a low-maintenance cog. Given her current ability and array of tools, she has the potential to be an amazing player.