Over the past month, we have released our updated and new rankings in the classes of 2022-2024. Today, another major girls basketball media outlet released their new and updated rankings and they have been the talk of social media. The class of 2022 is now at 100, 2023 at 60, and the initial list of 2025’s were posted on a watch list in the most meaningful public ranking out today. Here are some of my takeaways in our deep dive into the ranking release today.
Play Up Early & Often
In looking at the 2025 list and 2024 nearly every ranked or listed player is playing up. Many even as 8th and 9th graders are at the 17U level. This becomes the proving ground for elite prospects on how they play against more seasoned veteran players. Not all of those players were on uber successful teams but the platform they played on and competition allowed them to “prove” themselves as a nationally elite player. (Exceptions Olivia Olson, Britt Prince, and others – kudos to them!)
The UAA Effect
The UAA was introduced in 2019 and has had success on a national level but before these lists were almost 70-80% EYBL. That has changed significantly in just the first 2 years of the league (remember COVID and the missed the 2020 season anyone?????). The impact the UAA has had on the 2024 list already has diversified the platform talent nearly evenly of nationally elite players. Of the Top 2024 list:
9 – UAA (Under Armour)
7 – Independent
5 – EYBL (Nike)
4 – 3SSB (adidas)
There has never been a national ranking list like this that was not 50%+ of EYBL players and now the parity on shoe sponsorship has impacted the elite players the most. It’s ironic that the Top 25 players nationally feel they can play on any circuit but kids outside of it flock to a particular circuit or team. 7 players on an independent team are ranked and did not play on any shoe circuit (disregard our articles last month).
No Love for the South in 2025
Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Tennessee had ZERO players on the 2025 watch list. Hard to imagine down the road that these states won’t produce some of the top talent nationally in 2025. Also speaks to the fact that we are behind in evaluating the 2025 class and the region didn’t do a good job getting out in elite opportunities to be seen.
30 2022’s Still Remain Uncommitted
For October 1 rolling around this week this number seems HIGH to me HIGH. The pandemic’s lack of visits during the extended dead period is really powering this number and many school’s futures are on the line. I think I can remember maybe 1 or 2 players of the elite status signing late. I wonder if late signing for elite prospects could become a trend which was sparked by the pandemic.
Tomey & Williams Take the Top of 2023
We came out with our rankings earlier this month and had Caroline Tomey and Makayla Williams as our top two prospects … looks pretty good for our ranking list that the other rankings had a similar feel to them published less than a month later. Both are super elite players who played on the independent circuit last summer.
The Deep South Dominates 2024
8 of the Top 25 prospects in the 2024 list come from the Deep South (note: Not the Deep South Classic), a good sign for clubs in the South on a national stage for the coming years.
2High 2 Low???
I was going to do a Too High and Too Low player per class but this is the new Kenny right … only positive vibes. So lets just shoot for two players on the too low list. Again huge amount of respect to the crew from PBR this is a conversation item and a credit to them that we cover this list like it is the scrolls of women’s basketball recruiting. Just some opinions here …
2022 2Low
Amaya Bonner 6-0 G California – I know Cal has struggled but this year at the Prime Event Bonner and her Jason Kidd Select team were on fire knocking off Sports City and going 2-1. Bonner is one of the elite guards in 2022 and a kid who should be a McDonald’s All American.
Mya Petticord 5-6 G Michigan – Petticord spent a lot of the spring and summer hurt but before coaches were out she was the second leading scorer in the UAA in the spring. With headliner offers and official visits don’t be surprised to see her compete for a major conference freshman of the year honor next winter.
2023 2Low
Jada Williams 5-7 G California – Has been in the Top 5 -10 forever and now drops out of the Top 20 but Jada Williams is the Cal Swish now and going to be on one of the best high school teams in the country. Williams is a high end facilitator point guard which USA Basketball has fallen in love with.
Cori Allen 5-10 G Tennessee – A power guard who’s been at the top of her class for years comes in at 50 and while I know there are players with more upside she’s the type of player who brings more than a highlight reel to the game – she’s a tough winner who’s impact cant always be measured.
2024 2Low
Caya Smith 6-0 F Oklahoma – Could end up being maybe the best player in her class. Hard to believe she’s not on the Top 25 list for the National 2024’s.
Shakira Edwards 5-8 G Rutherford FL – Got lost on a loaded FBC the Family team this year but is one of the elite players in the country in her grade. Tough location to be from but I believe will be a GREAT college player.
