October Recruiting Thread

[Sluconn Husky]

UConn hosted five players from AAU LadyStrong 2024 on Monday. UConn also watched said AAU squad back in August. More on who was there in the next post.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

The five 2024 Lady Strong players who visited Storrs Sunday are:

Serenity McNair, Sarah Strong, Emerson Thompson, Toni Hughes, Halsi Whitley

At least the first three are all highly acclaimed, especially Strong.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

Sarah Strong is ESPN's 5th ranked player for 2024. She's a 6-2 forward.


Sarah Strong (Strong Center, F, 2024) can do it all on the basketball court. She can post up on the block, go after rebounds, and she can handle the ball away from the basket. She has her way anywhere in the paint, and she has a great IQ knowing exactly where to move her body to be effective. She even had a nice tap back on offense showing how quick she can make her good decisions.

Her scoring isn’t only limited to the block as she can shoot from behind the arc. She can score three points the old fashioned way fighting through contact. She sees the floor well looking for her guards who are relocating after they give her the pass. She finished with 32 points.

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www.prepgirlshoops.com

 

[Sluconn Husky]

Sarah Strong 2024 | Fuquay Varina High School

Sarah was arguably the best player in the gym, regardless of class, regardless of position. What set her apart the most was not her dynamic footwork in the post, or her ability to take her defender to the hoop at will, or that she can play just about every position effectively; it was her IQ. She knows the game like she’s been playing her entire life. Her decision making and overall knowledge of the game was indisputable.

LBI Event Recap: Carolina Top 100 "Morning Session" (Fort Mill, SC)

Fort Mill, SC: If you are a top stand-out player in the Carolinas, or you think you are, the place to be on Saturday, September 12th was Fort Mill, South Carolina, for the LBI Carolina Top 100 Showcase! Young lady ballers from the classes of 2021 – 2027 brought their time, attention, and game to the

www.lbinsider.com

 

[Sluconn Husky]

Sarah Strong 2024 | Fuquay Varina High School

A complete player in every sense of the word, Sarah was refreshing to watch. On championship day, she played primarily in the high and low post and she dominated. Her ability to think quickly and create for herself was remarkable. She also dominated the boards and delivered some great passes. She understands the game and knows how to make things happen.


Emerson Thompson 2024 | Falls Lake Academy

Most shooters don’t play hardcore defense. We all know why. They are trying to save their legs for the offensive end. Well, no one shared this information with Emerson. She plays tough and gritty on defense, never backing down from a challenge or shying away to give a little contact. On offense, she could shoot the ball from anywhere on the court, knocking down some beautiful three-pointers with a hand in her face.


Serenity McNair 2024 | Greenfield School

A strong floor leader, Serenity was the pulse of her team. She is a great facilitator, making some great decisions and keeping the pace of her team’s offense where it should be. She has great court vision and always got the ball where it needed to go. Serenity can also score, taking defenders off the dribble to the rim and sinking some deep shots when left open.

LBI Event Recap: Carolina Fall Finale Day 2 (Spartanburg, SC)

Spartanburg, SC - The time of year has come when the air is a little cooler, the day time is a little shorter, the leaves are starting to turn, and travel basketball season is coming to a close. 2020 has been a year filled with dramatic highs and lows. Thankfully, one thing that has remained consist

www.lbinsider.com

 

[Sluconn Husky]

Sarah Strong is the headliner for Strong Center 2024, and rightfully so at 6’2 with national rankings mentioning you regularly. Strong is a beast, and while her size and skill combination is celebrated, it’s her passing that at times deserves the most praise. You’d be hard pressed to find a better passer at her size, and she drops a bag of dimes off every game. But beyond her, we need to take time to commend the development of some of the other youngsters on this team.

Emerson Thompson has always impressed as scoring option at the guard spot who is also fun to watch.

Carolina Tune-Up 2021

nyghoopsreport.com

 

[Sluconn Husky]

 

[Sluconn Husky]

 

[Sluconn Husky]

Here's a Lady Strong game highlight package from just last week.

Strong: #21
McNair: #2
Thompson: #9
Whitley: #22
Hughes: #35

 

[Sluconn Husky]

 

[Sluconn Husky]

 

[TheFarmFan]

Before we all hang our heads in defeat, let me just point out that these two guys know no more than the BY does when it comes to Rice. In fact, they probably know less. The moderator admits several times to information on Rice’s recruitment being, “foggy.” He also doesn’t know the 3rd school she has visited. One of the reasons for this is that unlike some HS recruits, Rice doesn’t post everything she does on Twitter & Instagram.

Finally, he makes the case for Rice to Stanford based on all the young guards at UConn, and goes on to list Paige, Azzi & Caroline. What he fails to mention, and perhaps isn’t aware of, is that Stanford’s incoming freshman class includes 4 guards, and they’re all pretty good.

I’m not giving up on Rice to UConn just yet, and I strongly suspect that Geno hasn’t given up yet either.

FWIW, only one of our incoming recruits is anything like the type of guard role Kiki would fill (i.e., the 1 or 2) - Jzaniya Harriel. Bosgana is a 6'2" shooting guard / small forward, Brooke Demetre is a 6'3" wing, and Kiki Iriafen is a 6'3" forward. None of the latter three are anticipated to take on any point-type duties. With Wilson moving on after this year, grad transfer Jordan Hamilton on a one-year stint, and point-forward Haley Jones to enter her senior season in fall of 2022, we perceive a huge opening at PG should Kiki want it. It's basically her or Van Gytenbeek, unless Jenna Brown comes back from injury a whole new player.

 

[oldude]

FWIW, only one of our incoming recruits is anything like the type of guard role Kiki would fill (i.e., the 1 or 2) - Jzaniya Harriel. Bosgana is a 6'2" shooting guard / small forward, Brooke Demetre is a 6'3" wing, and Kiki Iriafen is a 6'3" forward. None of the latter three are anticipated to take on any point-type duties. With Wilson moving on after this year, grad transfer Jordan Hamilton on a one-year stint, and point-forward Haley Jones to enter her senior season in fall of 2022, we perceive a huge opening at PG should Kiki want it. It's basically her or Van Gytenbeek, unless Jenna Brown comes back from injury a whole new player.

Your reference to Jones as a point forward is accurate and telling. Of the incoming class Bosgana is the sleeper in the group. She reminds me of a 6’2” Nika Muhl. Bosgana plays hard all the time. The lefty can shoot it, take it to the rim and she’s an exceptional passer. I would not rule out the possibility that she could end up at pg or pf in Tara’s offense.

 

[Oracle9]

The title is definitely banking on people clicking for the Geno factor — very little about the connection and not until the end of the article.

“Colleges are already lining up. Schools like Georgia, Louisville, N.C. State and North Carolina have offered. UConn coach Geno Auriemma, who has won 11 women’s national championships, brought several assistants to Charlotte last week to watch Thomas practice.

“I was nervous,” Thomas said. “I’m not going to lie. That was probably the most coaches we’ve had at a practice.””

I pass Charlotte Catholic on my way to and from work every day. I’m shocked and appalled Geno didn’t reach out to me. The alumni office sure knows I live in the neighborhood.

What was he thinking Thanks for article.

 

[Oracle9]

The title is definitely banking on people clicking for the Geno factor — very little about the connection and not until the end of the article.

“Colleges are already lining up. Schools like Georgia, Louisville, N.C. State and North Carolina have offered. UConn coach Geno Auriemma, who has won 11 women’s national championships, brought several assistants to Charlotte last week to watch Thomas practice.

“I was nervous,” Thomas said. “I’m not going to lie. That was probably the most coaches we’ve had at a practice.””

I pass Charlotte Catholic on my way to and from work every day. I’m shocked and appalled Geno didn’t reach out to me. The alumni office sure knows I live in the neighborhood.

Update and correction on my post: should have said recent offers from Oregon and Marq.She has P5 school offers repping B1G, SEC,ACC, PAC so far.

 

[CocoHusky]

The title is definitely banking on people clicking for the Geno factor — very little about the connection and not until the end of the article.

“Colleges are already lining up. Schools like Georgia, Louisville, N.C. State and North Carolina have offered. UConn coach Geno Auriemma, who has won 11 women’s national championships, brought several assistants to Charlotte last week to watch Thomas practice.

“I was nervous,” Thomas said. “I’m not going to lie. That was probably the most coaches we’ve had at a practice.””

I pass Charlotte Catholic on my way to and from work every day. I’m shocked and appalled Geno didn’t reach out to me. The alumni office sure knows I live in the neighborhood.

Maybe you should try reaching out to him? Thomas is big but based on the posted highlights she does not much skill outside of the paint. Your thoughts?

 

[CocoHusky]

What the h%#&#%$l! Looks like UCONN (former?) POI Aalyah Del Rosario has move firmly into enemy territory as in Knoxville, TN. Both her twitter and ESPN have her attending something the Webb School in Knoxville, TN. Looks like a very nice schools but there are plenty of nice private schools in New England that would have been able to hook her up.

 

[Carnac]

Personally, I want both Rice and Williams to become Huskies, but would be extremely happy with either one.

 

[visitingcock]

What the h%#&#%$l! Looks like UCONN (former?) POI Aalyah Del Rosario has move firmly into enemy territory as in Knoxville, TN. Both her twitter and ESPN have her attending something the Webb School in Knoxville, TN. Looks like a very nice schools but there are plenty of nice private schools in New England that would have been able to hook her up.

I'm not crazy about that development either - though it would be fun to snatch one out of their frant yard. Probably cause an NCAA investigation.

 

[visitingcock]

What the h%#&#%$l! Looks like UCONN (former?) POI Aalyah Del Rosario has move firmly into enemy territory as in Knoxville, TN. Both her twitter and ESPN have her attending something the Webb School in Knoxville, TN. Looks like a very nice schools but there are plenty of nice private schools in New England that would have been able to hook her up.

Vol Board is saying NASHVILLE - not Knoxville

 

[CocoHusky]

Vol Board is saying NASHVILLE - not Knoxville

 

[oldhusky]

Seems to me like over time interest in Aalyah faded as it grew for Toomey and Cunningham and that she was more a former POI than a current one.

 

[Argonaut]

Maybe you should try reaching out to him? Thomas is big but based on the posted highlights she does not much skill outside of the paint. Your thoughts?

From the video I've seen (which isn't as much as Sluconn, admittedly), I think that she's a traditional, big body post that will have to learn a mid-range game in college if she wants to play professionally. She'd be a Dolson style of project (sans the conditioning piece), but I think the base talent is there.

Charlotte Catholic plays at my school in early December -- I'll put it on my calendar and report back. However, I'm fairly certain our tallest players aren't even 6'.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

Mooresville, N.C.- This was the second rendition of the Carolina Oktober Fest presented by Carolina Girl’s Hoops Report.


MVP

Sarah Strong 6’2 Forward Strong Center 2024

The best way to describe Sarah at the Oktoberfest was she was the MVP. She did not disappoint, showing everyone why she is considered one of the nation’s top prospects in her class. Strong carried her team to a 4-0 record verse stellar competition. As the competition stiffened, she rose to the occasion. The point forward, loved throwing outlet passes and assisting to teammates. But don’t get it twisted she is a walking bucket that can get a triple double every time she touches the floor.


Emerson Thompson 5’9 G Strong Center 2024

While not yet a household name it should be a crime that Thompson does not hold a D1 scholarship offer yet. She is the ying to Strong’s yang. She is a three-level scorer that contributes to every aspect of her team winning. Efficient scorer that plays within the system, but when needed shows the ability to go one on one. She plays even bigger than her listed size and shows the ability to play all three perimeter positions.


#2 Serenity McNair 5’5 PG Strong Center 2024

While she may not be the first player you recognize in the team photo, she may be one of the most important in the photo. She scores, she defends, she makes wining plays all within the limitations of making everyone else look good around her. I saw her last spring, last summer and now this fall she has a combine record of 13-0 verses very strong competition.

OKTOBER FEST High School

nyghoopsreport.com

 

[CocoHusky]

From the video I've seen (which isn't as much as Sluconn, admittedly), I think that she's a traditional, big body post that will have to learn a mid-range game in college if she wants to play professionally. She'd be a Dolson style of project (sans the conditioning piece), but I think the base talent is there.

Charlotte Catholic plays at my school in early December -- I'll put it on my calendar and report back. However, I'm fairly certain our tallest players aren't even 6'.

That kind of matches my assessment as well. She is also very young-in her Sophomore year of HS.
Hopefully there are some high level AAU programs in her vicinity which can offer her some higher level of competition and accelerate her development.

 

[Mdoggie]

Rice is gonna be a husky! Claim it!

 

[JordyG]

Rice is gonna be a husky! Claim it!

Want it!

 

[Amashutcha]

Alex McLean, one of Paige and Azzi's trainers, posted on his IG a workout session with KiKi. Maybe he'll put in a couple of good words to help pull KiKi into playing with the two in UCONN

 

[CocoHusky]

Seems to me like over time interest in Aalyah faded as it grew for Toomey and Cunningham and that she was more a former POI than a current one.

I can definitely see interest in Aalyah fading because Cunningham has been blowing up both in AAU and for USA basketball. Interest in Toomey should be not be a part of that because she is a different type of player. ESPN is listing Toomey as a post player and I have been lobbying for them to change this. Toomey has great post moves but she is going to play all over the floor for UCONN and maybe handle the ball a little bit because she is a terrific passer and was a PG just prior to a late growth spurt.
Her talent level is not like Stewie ( few are) but at 6'4" she can be Bella Allaire ( USA Basketball 3 X 3 version) like.

 

[Mdoggie]

I can definitely see interest in Aalyah fading because Cunningham has been blowing up both in AAU and for USA basketball. Interest in Toomey should be not be a part of that because she is a different type of player. ESPN is listing Toomey as a post player and I have been lobbying for them to change this. Toomey has great post moves but she is going to play all over the floor for UCONN and maybe handle the ball a little bit because she is a terrific passer and was a PG just prior to a late growth spurt.
Her talent level is not like Stewie ( few are) but at 6'4" she can be Bella Allaire ( USA Basketball 3 X 3 version) like.

She reminds me of Paige. Lol I crack myself up hehehe