Published: 7/21/2016
Author: Bob_Richards
© Old Gold Free Press Columnists
Spotlight on underclassmenOn one football weekend back in September of 2015, the Purdue staff hosted a list of high impact underclassmen from the 2018, 2019, and 2020 classes. Purdue has been extending offers to many from that weekend's visitor list, and here are the ones we know about at the moment ...
2018 Katlyn Gilbert, 5'10 WG, Heritage Christian (IN) (officially received offer)
2018 Ajah Stallings, 5'9 G, North Central (IN)
2018 Kayana Traylor, 5'8 CG, Martinsville (IN) (verbally committed)
2019 Jorie Allen, 6'1 F, Bedford North Lawrence (IN) (officially received offer)
2019 Amaya Hamilton, 6'1 F, Hamilton Southeastern (IN)
2019 Rikki Harris, 5'9 G, North Central (IN) (officially received offer)
2019 Laya Hartman, 5'10 G, Okemos (MI) (officially received offer)
2019 Tayah Irvin, 6'0 SF, Hamilton Southeastern (IN)
2019 Ella Thompson, 5'6 G, Center Grove (IN)
2019 Molly Walton, 5'7 G, Hamilton Southeastern (IN)
2020 Kendall Bostic, 6'0 F, Northwestern (IN)
2020 Shelby Calhoun, 5'6 PG, Christian Academy of Louisville (KY)
2020 Sydney Parrish, 5'11 W, Fishers (IN) (officially received offer)
Randy Beckett of Indiana Girls Basketball Recruiting Report recently observed several of these players at the Run for the Roses in Lexington, KY. 2019, 5’10 CG, Rikki Harris, North Central, George Hill Lady Rising Stars
One of the more dynamic scorers in the state regardless of class. Has incredible feel for game, completely fluid, able to score ball in nearly every way. Has handles, high skill set, size, and athleticism to line up at multiple spots and can defend multiple spots. She also rebounds very well from the guard position. High D1 Prospect with multiple offers.
2019, 6’1 W, Tayah Irvin, Hamilton Southeastern, ILGR Gold Long wiry wing that is still growing and has plenty of upside as a youngster. She has a Improving skill set on the offensive end, uses her length and athleticism to be proficient around the rim while also comfortable with the ball on the perimeter. She will need to add strength and bulk to her frame to become more physical in all aspects of game.
2019, 5’7 G, Shaila Beeler, Warren Central, ILGR Silver
Top true PG in the 2019 class. Exceptional handles, explosive off the dribble, able to create space and scoring opportunity for herself and teammates with superior athleticism and skill set. Beeler stepped up during the viewing period to ILGR Silver EYBL team and was ready to perform at the highest level. Stock riser in viewing period. High D1 prospect with multiple offers.
2020, 6’1 G, Sydney Parrish, Hamilton Southeastern, Sky Diggs Elite Parrish Recognized as perhaps the top incoming frosh in the state and one of the elite 2020 talents nationally. She was one of only three invitee to USA basketball tryout that had not yet competed in high school. 6’1 CG guard that has the size, skill set, and athleticism to play and defend nearly every spot on the court. Her ability to handle and shoot, along with her size and bball IQ attributes to a lethal offensive skill set. High D1 prospect with offers.
READ MORE: IGBRR: Run for the Roses Recap (PDF file)
New 2020: Kristen Clemons
Purdue is showing early interest in 6'0 forward Kristen Clemons from Louisville, KY. It is believed she will play her prep ball at Sacred Heart of Louisville as a freshman next year. Also showing interest are Louisville, Texas Tech, and UCLA. UCLA is looking at her for both basketball and volleyball.
This and That
2017 point guard Braxtin Miller has committed to Oklahoma State ... Cassidy Hardin (2018-IN) has received offers from Wisconsin and Vanderbilt ... Arieal Scott has received offers from Wisconsin and Illinois State ... it might be easier to say the University of Akron has offered everyone in the Indiana class of 2019, but more specifically in the past couple weeks four players who visited during Versyp's impact recruiting day last fall, forwards Tayah Irvin (2019-IN) and Amaya Hamilton (2019-IN), and guards Rikki Harris (2019-IN) and Laya Hartman (2019-MI) ... Rikki Harris has also received offers from Wisconsin, Western Michigan, and Murray State ... Chrissy Carr (2018-MN) has received an offer from Wisconsin ... point guard Shaila Beeler (2019-IN) has been offered by Michigan State.
Big Ten Recruiting
Nebraska has received a verbal from instate scorer Taylor Kissinger, rated No. 58 by Blue Star. The 6'1 guard from the class of 2017 averaged 28.8 points per game as a junior. Kissinger chose Nebraska over a final list that also included Creighton and Oklahoma State. Louisville and Arizona State also offered, but were dropped from consideration in the spring.
READ MORE: Big Ten Recruiting: Commitments