Individual Matchups in a Team Setting

As we combed thru the shoe circuits and independents across the country this year, we thought of some potential positional matchup questions that would create quite the conversation..

First up: The 2020's

Who is the best 2020 lead guard in the country?

Paige Bueckers (Minnesota Metro Stars)
Caitlin Clark (All Iowa Attack)
Sarah Andrews (Pro Skills)
Jana Van Gytenbeek (CBC)

Bueckers (UCONN commit) has long been considered amongst the head of this year’s class and rightfully so. Bueckers has handled the pressure of being an anointed player as a very young prospect and has answered with nothing but production over the years. Clark is a WINNER and ultimately that is what lead guards are historically judged on. Clark makes whatever play is needed in any given situation, she plays with that certain “it” factor. Being from Texas, I’ve witnessed the basketball “shows” that Sarah has put on that not all nationally have quite seen just yet. Sarah is a SPECIAL talent, one of the more talented guards to come out of Texas. I understand that is saying a LOT and I fully expect Sarah to back up my bravado throughout her collegiate career. Van Gytenbeek has long been an understated member of the elite class of guards in 2020. Van Gytenbeek had a terrific summer battling and winning more than her fair share of matchups across the country.. most recently a MOST SERIOUS matchup with the Cinci Angels at the adidas Summer Championships. 

* J. Key’s Pick – Paige Bueckers


  Offense is spacing and spacing is offense. It helps the scorers be scorers. 

Who is the top scorer in the 2020 class?

Diamond Johnson (Boo Williams)
Lexi Donarski (Wisconsin Flight) 
Deja Kelly (Lady Drive Nation)
Sasha Goforth (Arkansas Banshees)

Of course, some of the guards listed above could fall into this conversation and vice-versa. The top pure scorers on the adidas circuit were primarily 2021’s & 2022’s in Talia Von Oelhoffen, Laila Phelia, KK Bransford and Zyanna Walker. The same goes for the independents in Payton Verhulst, Sonia Citron, Ashlon Jackson, and Carleigh Wenzel.
Lexi Donarski scored on everybody trying to guard her every time I caught her this year. DYNAMITE mid-range game!! Diamond Johnson is near unstoppable with the ball in her hands, quick as lightning with DEEP 3-ball range. Deja Kelly has been scoring since birth. A three-level scorer with an uncanny ability to get to her spot, whether it be from the mid-range or for multiple and-1 opportunities. Kelly may take the most free throws per minutes played in the country. Sasha has developed into a 3-level scorer. You have to respect her 3-ball, her length and athleticism gives her the ability to finish over most defenders consistently.  

* J. Key’s Pick – Diamond Johnson
 
Who is the top shooter in the 2020 class?

Sydney Parrish (Indy Lady Gym Rats)
Priscilla Williams(Missouri Phenom)
Treasure Hunt(FBC Hunt)
Elauna Eaton(DFW Elite)

Flame-throwers are so fun to watch. All four of these wings have good size ranging from 5’11” – 6’2”. At different times over the years, I’ve seen each of the shooters absolutely take over a game. In terms of ultimate success, shooting becomes more vital at the collegiate level, and each of these players will become a vital piece to the school of their choosing.

*J. Key’s Pick – Treasure Hunt


 Shooters are a premium. Shooters with size? Valued!! 

Who is the best true big in the 2020 class?

Kamilla Cardosa (FBC Hunt)
Hannah Gusters (ProSkills)
Lauren Ware (North Tartan)
Dalayah Daniels (Tree of Hope)

True bigs are seemingly harder to find. There is not a lot of depth in the national 2020 class when it comes to true impact (early) bigs. Cardosa, who I have dubbed “The Unicorn” has a ton of potential - Sweet feet and soft hands at 6’6” with length. When Cardosa gets into a rhythm in the post, she is nearly impossible to stop. Gusters has long been the most productive post down in Texas. As Gusters continues to develop her extended range with the 3-ball from the top of the key, she will be the next in a long line of very productive posts at Baylor. Ware is a dual-sport star (volleyball) who is just scratching the surface of her talents. Ware was my favorite post this summer whose best days are ahead of her. Daniels is as skilled and athletic post as there is in the class. With a soft touch and high motor on both ends, Daniels has all the makings of a superstar at the next level.

* J. Key’s Pick – Kamilla Cardosa
 
Who is the best forward in the 2020 class?

Angel Reese (Team Takeover)
Cameron Brink (Cal Stars)
Kylee Watson (Philly Belles)
Angela Dugalic (Chi Hoops Express)

The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Angel Reese is WINNER!! Angel skipped an opportunity to play for USA basketball this summer in order to help Team Takeover win the EYBL championship. The “big ticket” is a special talent who performs her best on the biggest of stages. Brink is skilled and athletic and has all the makings of a star at the next level. Watson had a really productive summer and has long been one of the top players in the class. Dugalic is a versatile “spread” 4 who can do it all offensively. Dugalic has a chance to become as productive as any player in this class at the next level. 

J. Key’s Pick – Angel Reese

Next up: 2021's - Coming Soon.