Elle Ladine
Kylie Horstmeyer, a 2021 wing from Greenbrae, Calif., has elevated her game to a new level this year. *Photo by Chris Hansen.
MARTINEZ, California -- The Check Me Out Showcase wrapped up September with it’s Northern California camp in the Bay Area. The camp offered a look at several levels of play from nationally recognized talent to regionally strong competition and a peak at the next wave in the middle school group.
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Caroline Ducharme travelled to the west coast but managed to pack all her tools for the trip. Her shooting ability was evident. Her 26 point, four 3-pointers made game against North Tartan to end Nike GEYBL play proved that. In this camp setting her vision, ability to create in different ways and her toughness were all showcased. She was nailing shots out past the volleyball line as well as bodying up her defender in the lane to find scoring angles at the rim. She played every bit as you’d expect a top 25 player to perform.
Fresno State commit Daylee Dunn of Chula Vista, California, showed real maturity in her game. She showed her range, speed and all the things that put her on the map as a Division I recruit but she was playing with a tempo and poise of a veteran. Her feel for the game, ability to shoot it from deep and in the mid-range are all things the Bulldogs are going to get a lot of mileage out of next year.
Brown is a strong shooting guard who we’ve worked with on numerous occasions. She has plenty of wiggle and shot creating ability. Her added strength allows her to finish comfortably in traffic as well. The cool thing about her game’s evolution is that she’s much more patient in finding her scoring opportunities. Shot selection, tempo, all of those efficiency indicators are trending up.
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Taylor, a 5-7 combo guard from The Gem State, is a fearless competitor whenever we see her play. She’s competed in Elite Is Earned events so expectations for her are high. She plays the game fast on offense and there are few shots she isn’t willing to take if the defense relaxes. She shot the ball from deep range, attacked the lane and created in the mid-range. Learning to pick her spots will be a big piece of her development and not something you can learn in a weekend of camp.
Charity Gallegos (Folsom, California), Cal Stars EYBL – 2021
Simply stated, Gallegos game is bigger than her listed height. Offensively she’s a real handful that draws comparisons to Seton Hall freshman McKenna Hofschild. Both are slick with the ball and shifty in all their movements. Gallegos can create space effortlessly. What was even more impressive was her ability to hit the three. Defenders naturally back up when they’ve been blown by but that doesn’t play here. In 3-on-3 action she hit five straight from long range. Whatever school can get over her 5-4 stature is going to get a heck of a player in the 2021 class.
Marley Langi (Redwood City, California), San Jose Cagers – 2021
Langi returned after a strong summer with the San Jose Cagers. She has added confidence shooting the ball from long range which complements her strength attacking and slashing perfectly. The 6-1 native of Redwood City, California, can be a matchup nightmare due to her frame and athleticism.
Kylie Horstmeyer (Greenbrae, California), Cal Stars – 2021
Horstmeyer showed her high energy and physical style of play a year ago at the showcase and all spring and summer with the Cal Stars. Her conditioning level has been elevated and it only makes her that much harder to deal with. Her ability to overpower smaller defenders at the 4 position as well as score the ball from the perimeter are great assets. Add to that her finishing ability in transition and you’ve got a tough player to stop.
QUICK HITTERS
Imani Felix of Sacramento, California, is as quick with the ball as anyone in the gym over the weekend. The point guard prospects used that to get to the rim and get her teammates wide open looks.
Cassidee Kinslow of Huntington Beach, California, is in the group with Taylor as a true competitor. She’s a big wing with deep range that is getting comfortable in her role in the game.
Nakilah Johnson of Oakland, California, is a 5-9 guard that clearly loves the game. She brings terrific energy and focus to every rep. Because of this she made plays consistently with her quickness and length.
Elle Ladine of San Francisco, California, is a playmaking guard with supreme confidence with the ball in her hands. She can create getting to the rim and mid-range and showed some fantastic passing and vision.
Kori Rogers of Sacramento, California, is young in the game but big on energy. She flew around on both ends of the floor and was contagious to her teammates.
Ava Rawlins of Folsom, California, is just starting her middle school hoop career and plays with the poise and skill of a high schooler. Her weekend was definitely noteworthy.
Sophia Fidelus of Pittsburgh, California, is a point guard defenders had a heck of a time keeping in front both days. Her handle and shift constantly had defenders on their heels which allows her to dictate tempo for her teams.
Bryana Kimmons of Sacramento, California, is only in the seventh grade but hits the court with the intensity of a championship game every time she laces up her hoop shoes. Her breakdown ability at the point was on full display as well.
Noemie Bariteau of San Jose, California, is a sophomore at Archbishop Mitty and was one of the most well-rounded perimeter players of the weekend. Her effort, skill, energy were all on point and she makes players around her better.
Chris Hansen is managing editor of ProspectsNation.com and serves on the McDonald’s All-American and Naismith Trophy selection committees. He was a co-founder of and the national director of scouting for ESPN HoopGurlz from 2005 until 2012 and is the director of the Check Me Out Showcase and ELITE is EARNED events. He can be reached at chris@prospectsnation.com.
