Taylor Koenen
Minnesota Fury rising junior Kristin Scott was a big part of her team's success at Power 48. *Photo by Ty Freeman.
MARIETTA, Ga., - The Power 48 provided the stage for some of the nation’s elite players to gain exposure on a national platform. Coaches from over 100 colleges and universities nationwide took in the action at Suwanee Sports Academy Cobb. The two-day showcase event provided premium match-ups that gave coaches a great chance to evaluate talent. Here is recap of the talent that took center stage.
Feature Matchup
The biggest storyline of the Power 48 centered around two of the best players in the class of 2018 facing off on Monday morning. The top point guard nationally, Honesty Scott-Grayson of Brick, N.J., took on No. 8 Christyn Williams of Little Rock, Ark. Schools such as Connecticut, Georgia Tech, LSU, Miami and Tennessee all sat to watch a well-played game that was decided in the game’s final minutes. Ultimately Scott-Grayson and her New Jersey-Sparks would win 67-60. The 5-foot-10 point guard is as skilled as any guard nationally with the ability to create plays off the dribble or knock down the 3-point jumper.
However, it is the play of Williams that has impressed everyone who watched her at this event and at the PSB Sumer Invitational in the days beforehand. Although left-handed, Williams is equally effective finishing at the basket with either hand. She plays with poise, pace and strength which is a rare combination of skill at a young age. The 5-10 power guard also proved that she is an excellent 3-point shooter to complement her terrific playmaking ability. With her play in the Peach State, she has made the case to be considered a 5-star prospect nationally.
Power forward Jamie Ruden of Rochester, Minn., made believers of everyone in attendance at the #PSBPower48. The 6-2 Arizona State-bound prospect blends skill, power and finesse into her offensive game for the Minnesota Fury. Her ability to finish plays around the basket by using the backboard is second to none nationally. She is exceptionally effective on the offensive end, because of her ability to stretch the defense to the arc. Currently ranked No. 67 in the class, she could easily move up the rankings after her performance this week.
Ruden’s Fury teammate, Taylor Koenen of Shakopee, Minn., gave her verbal commitment to the University of North Carolina earlier this year. The 6 -1 wing is a sharpshooter from beyond the arc and is a threat to knock down multiple triples in every game. Her ability to move without the basketball and occupy the defense makes her an elite floor spacer. UNC assistant coach Tracey Williams-Johnson was front row to check in on Koenen.
Stephanie Paul of Naples, Fla., emerged as a premier power forward nationally during the PSB May Day Challenge. She earned a No. 32 ranking nationally and as a result she has college coaches following her every move this month. Head coaches Kristy Curry of Alabama and MaChelle Joseph of Georgia Tech checked in on the 6-1 forward. Her productivity and versatility should translate immediately to the next level.
The Minnesota Fury program is loaded with prospects and Kristin Scott of Kasson, Minn., is an example of the depth of Nick Storm’s program. At 6-2 she has and ideal build for the frontline. She affects the game with her length on both ends of the floor and is a capable offensive threat. She showed potential and production while playing this week at the PSB Power48.
Chelsey Gipson of Los Angeles, Calif., had a productive weekend in the State of Georgia. She helped her GBL Team Candace Parker Elite win the @ChrisHansenPSB bracket at the PSB Summer Invitational, fitting as she was a strong performer at the Check Me Out SoCal Showcase in April. She followed up with an impressive performance on Monday morning versus Cy Fair Select. The 5-7 combo guard shot the ball with efficiency while also making plays off the bounce.
Raven Farley-Clark of Patterson, N.J., is showing why she is the No. 14 ranked prospect in her class while playing for coach Keith Gilchrist and the New Jersey Sparks. At 6-4 she is an elite paint protector on the defensive end. However, it is her range on her jumper that makes her a truly special prospect. She proved that she could become one of the best pick-and-pop post players in the country.
Jonathan Hemingway is the Assistant Director of Scouting for the JumpOffPlus.com National Scouting Report, is on the Naismith Trophy Board of Selectors and owns CoachHemi.com, the go-to source for coaches for X’s and O’s. He is the floor director of #TeamEBA camps, a site director for #TeamPSB tournaments and can be reached at jonathanhemingway@peachstatebasketball.com.
