Astaja Tyghter
Florida Flight forward Astaja Tyghter proved to be one of the biggest stock risers of the summer circuit. *Photo by Ty Freeman.
FRANKLIN, Tenn., - Middle Tennessee is arguably the epicenter of girls basketball during the early viewing period in July. The Real Deal in the Ville is quickly becoming a destination during this period. Here are the players who stood out in Real Deal in the Villes second session.
Astaja Tyghter (Orlando, Fla.), Florida Flight 2015
The unquestionable stock riser of the first half of July has to be this 5-foot-10 forward. Tyghter showed an expanded skill set that moves her from an undersized 4-player to becoming a full time power wing. She showed face-up skills that our ProspectsNation.com staff had not seen in previous evaluations. She hit multiple 3-point jumpers while also attacking the lane aggressively with the dribble at the Franklin Fieldhouse.
Although the Florida native has moved to becoming a full time wing, she is far from becoming a perimeter player that floats around the arc. Coach Darren Evans still features Tyghter as a post up option in a few of his half-court sets. It is this versatility that has many college coaches extremely interested in her services at the next level. Her recruitment could resemble former Georgia Hoopstar guard Tatianna Jackson of Atlanta, Ga., who gained offers from colleges in the ACC, SEC and Conference USA in the summer of 2011 before she ultimately chose Southern Conference powerhouse Chattanooga. Tyghter has been pursued actively by Georgia State, Middle Tennessee State and South Alabama. However, schools from the SEC like Clemson and Ole Miss have recently expressed interest her.
AROUND THE RIM
Ashley Rodrigues guard Tennessee commit Te'a Cooper.
*Photo by Ty Freeman.
♦ Coach Ken Huffman has a power player that will grab rebounds for years to come in Zakaya Wright of Buford, Ga. The class of 2017 power forward brings energy and at 5-11 scores consistently on putbacks for EOTO.
♦ The Florida Flight is far from a one-player team. It features a balanced roster that contributes at a consistent level. Two players who caught our ProspectsNation.com staffs eye this weekend were class of 2015 guards Chelsea Johnson and Ashley Rodriguez of Orlando, Fla. Both are skilled perimeter guards who play their role effectively.
♦ There is a lot to like about the game of Samara Auguste of Palm Beach, Fla., from the Palm Beach Gardens Starzz. The quick 5-8 point guard handled the ball effectively and created plays for herself and others.
♦ Point guard Rakia Lane of Little Rock, Ark., was one of the most electrifying guards in the Real Deal II. Her explosive first step and mid-range pull up jumper allowed the Central Arkansas commit to score in bunches.
♦ Miranda Crockett of Martinsville, Va., is an athletic guard who can play as both a lead handler or as a wing. She showed a solid mid-range game at the Franklin Fieldhouse. Follow @JLHemingwayPSB
