Irish Recruiting Information Updated (Here and Above)
by dillon77 (2018-08-01 11:27:11)
Edited on 2018-08-01 11:36:01

Hey folks:

With the latest "evaluation" period over and the current Irish squad off to Rome and Croatia, the recruiting information at the top of the page has been updated.

While nothing momentous has happened in terms of commits, I've added players (mostly younger...thanks to those for the tips), information on players in their thumbnail sketches and tweaked rankings since the last update. Not to mention changed some tenses, did some editing, etc.

Given that this is a quiet period, expect most action to rev up recruiting-wise in September when several '19 prospects are reportedly visiting (Amihere, Boston, Jones, ???).

Like usual, please pass along any more information/suggestions and I'll incorporate into the standing version if everything looks right and tight.

Best,
Dillon

p.s. Will be heading off to vacation this Friday for a week and will switch sports to beach volleyball. See you in the teens of August.

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IRISH RECRUITING UPDATE: AS OF AUGUST 1st

Late summer greetings Benchers and vistors to the Bench!

This update continues to focus on where the Irish will stand at the start of the 2019-2020 season, which is after Brianna Turner, Jessica Shepard, Arike Ogunbowale and Marina Mabrey have graduated and/or exhausted their collegiate eligibility. This will focus on the last few months for the Class of 2018 before early decision announcements in November, as well as looking at the the prospects of 2020 and 2021, who will be affected by what happens in November.

FYI, if there is a new development about a player in a monthly report, I'll put it in the summary of a player or position. (Thx., Indy77, for suggesting.)


It looks at the overall Irish team, as well as a breakdown of positions. For those who like this kind of information graphically, I suggest you print out Baba Ghanouj’s chart, for which I've attached a link. You can use this while reading along. Scroll down and see below in the HTTP Link area.

This includes the most up-to-date ratings of Prospects Nation and Hoopgurlz. For instance, in the Class of 2019, released in June, the biggest jumps for ND prospects were Haley Jones moving to #1 and Sydney Roby from 91 to 59.

WHAT'S GONE ON/IS HAPPENING RECENTLY?

- The U.S. Women's National U17 Team recaptured the FIBA U17 World Cup gold medal on July 29, 2018, in Minsk, Belarus. 2019 commit Sam Brunelle was on that team, as were: 2019 prospects Haley Jones and Aliyah Boston; and, 2020 prospects Paige Bueckers, Cameron Brink and guard-of-interest Hailey Van Lith. Jones, Boston and Jordon Horston were named to the All-Tourney Team.

- And another USA Women Team is playing -- in the FIBA Americas U18 Championships in Mexico City. Commit Anaya Peoples is on this team. Frosh Jordan Nixon and Abby Prohaska also made this team, but bowed out to join the Irish on their European trip.

- The NCAA WBB is currently back in a "Quiet" period until just after September 8th. During this time, a college coach may only have face-to-face contact with college-bound, student-athletes or their parents on the college's campus. A coach may not watch student athletes compete or visit their high schools. Coaches may write or telephone college-bound student athletes or their parents during the time. Things pick up after Sept. 8th when a contact period kicks in.


OVERALL LOOK AT PERSONNEL

- Including current players, the Class of 2018 (4) and the two (2) 2019 Commits (but no non-scholarship players), the projected Irish WBB squad for the start of the 2019 season now stands at nine (9) players.
- Muffet has preferred to carry some 12 players on the roster, so that number is used as a baseline.
- That means ND could take up to three (3) more commitments this year, assuming MM gets affirmatives from the remaining top prospects. However, most of us think the Irish coaching staff will go with at most two (2) more (for a total of four (4) 2019 commits because there’s no guarantee that she’ll get everyone she’s after and there’s no reason to "settle," because the Class of 2020 is loaded with top players. Depending on who commits (and does not), perhaps only one more joins Peoples and Brunelle.
- Many of these 2020 prospects were present with Anaya and Sam at the 2017 fall mass recruiting event (Nielefest/Recruitapalooza).
- So, heading into the 2018-19 school year, who do we think are the top remaining "gets" at this juncture: Based on their summer performances, Haley Jones, in part because of her overall excellence and versatility; a rebounding post (Aliyah Boston); and/or, a forward (Laeticia Amihere).

POINT GUARDS/GUARDS

Context
- In 2019, Jordan Nixon will have one year of experience at point guard under her belt. She will either take over, continue to have and/or compete for the reins to the starting PG position.


2019 Point Guard Committed to Notre Dame:

- Anaya Peoples (#19 HG, #8 PN), 5’10” PG from Illinois, who plays club ball with 2018 commit, Katlyn Gilbert.
-- Cannot see any other point guards being recruited for 2019, given that ND has Nixon and Peoples (and combo guard Katlyn Gilbert).
-- In August, playing on the U.S. National U18 Team in Mexico City.
- Anaya has said she’ll play whatever position needed. She does this for her high school team, already. Keep this in mind when it comes to…

Class of 2020 Point Guards of Interest:

- Paige Bueckers (#5 in HG, #1 PN), 5’11” guard from Minnesota. Athletic, fast and very creative offensively. Can score or pass off the drive. Can play combo- or off- guard. ND staff saw her in Minnesota in March '18. She started for the gold-medal-winning U.S. Nat'l. U17 team in July.
- Caitlin Clarke (#2 in HG, 5 in PN) 6’0” PG from Iowa who played on USA U16 team. Very confident in her ability to run a team and look for her own shot. Did not make Nat'l. U17 team in May. One inside report said she had "banged" up fingers, but came back strong in Nike EYBL in Chicago.

Other 2020 Point Guards:

- Allison (Alli) Campbell (#15 HG, 23 PN). 6’0” guard from Pa. whose Bellwood-Antis HS won a 2018 state title. Made final 18 of National u17 trial. Played for Philly Belles in AAU ball this summer and was cited as a key 2020 performer at Annual USJN Ntl. Championships by Jason Key, Premier Basketball Report & The Jukes Report.
- Keegan Sullivan (NR in HG, 21 PN), 6’0” from South Bend, Indiana, who is racking up offers/interest already (S. Carolina, DePaul, etc.). Made several cuts at U.S. National Team U17 trials. Played at USJN Ntl. Championships and got a shout-out from Mark Lewis of Blue Star Media.

All but Sullivan attended the 10/27-28/17 Unofficial Group Recruiting Visit. Even though all four of these guards are listed as point guards, ND continues to have interest in a few of them, which indicates the staff could also be considering them as off- or combo guards. Or other HS PGs on ND’s roster could be used off-ball, such as Gilbert is this year. This approach offers flexibility in the line-up.

Class of 2021 Point Guards To Watch:
- Taylor Bigby, 6'0" frosh at Centennial H.S. in Las Vegas, Nevada. While playing AAU Ball for Cal Sparks, ND coaches apparently checked her out at a Nike event. Not much else here, but let's keep track.
- Ari Wiggins, 5’7” freshman at Heritage Christian, Indianapolis, who already has an offer from Indiana. Interested in ND and has visited campus with 2018 commit Katlyn Gilbert. Very quick. Attended USJN Championships in Washington, D.C. and was cited by Jason Key, Premier Basketball Report & The Jukes Report.


GUARDS/WINGS
Context
- The most notable name is Haley Jones, who can play all over the court and at 6’1” would seem to be a natural at the wing position, where she could be mentored by Jackie Young for a year. Started for the U.S. National u17 team in Belarus and was named to the All-Tourney team.
- Some ND-related writers have brought up Breanna Beal and Kierstan Bell as prospects, but we (as a board) have just not seen that much respective interest recently. Jordon Horston, who starred for the U.S. as well, and Rickea Jackson, who nearly made the team, have not given "of interest" tags.
- Personally, I think ND is great guns for Jones, but if she goes elsewhere, ND could hold off on this position until 2020.
- Or/and rising soph Danielle Paterson could be used as a more traditional small forward here after Jackie graduates.

Possible 2019 Target:

- Haley Jones (#2 HG, #1 PN), 6'1" wing from Archbishop Mitty in California. Irish coaches attended a showcase there in Sept. 2017 and MM went to see her play and have a home visit in March. Jones has visited S. Carolina, Texas and UConn. Wing with size who "plays taller than advertised" and "finishes plays in traffic." Versatile and plays with verve.
-- Starred for U.S. National u17 team after getting cut in 2017.
-- Jumped from #14 to #1 in Prospect's Nation rankings in June '18
-- Will take an Official Visit (OV) to ND in September, according to reports.

Other Top 2019 Guards:

- Kierstan Bell (#5 HG, 18 PN), 6’1” guard who was named Ms. Basketball (again) in Ohio and allegedly already has an offer from ND. Has made unofficial visits to ND, Ohio State and Michigan State. Plans on taking OV's to further away-schools, including: Louisville, Rutgers, UCLA and possibly North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.
- Rickea Jackson (#9 HG, 3 PN), 6’2” wing from Detroit. Slasher who has interest from Michigan, Michigan State, South Carolina, among others. No known interaction with ND. Did well at U.S. u17 trials and named player of USNJ Tournament in D.C. by Blue Star's Mark Lewis.
- Breanna Beal (#12 HG, 16 PN), a 6'1" wing/forward from Rock Island, Ill., who has multiple offers. ND coaches attended an exhibition in 2017 but no known interaction since.


2019 Players Who Committed Elsewhere

- Sammie Puisis (#21 HG, 41 PN) 6’1” wing/guard from Ohio, who was/had interest in UConn, ND and other P5 schools..(STATUS: Committed to FLORIDA STATE, as of Labor Day 2017.). Made several U.S. National U17 cuts.
- Diamond Miller (#20 by HG, 27 PN), 6’1” wing from Franklin H.S., NJ who played on USA U16 Team in 2017. Took unofficial visit to ND but committed to MARYLAND, citing proximity to NJ as one reason. Didn't make u17 team.
- Celeste Taylor (#14 by HG, 26 PN), 5’11” guard from Lutheran H.S. in Long Island, who made USA Basketball’s U16 and U17 teams. Athletic slasher, able defender. Took unofficial visit to ND, but committed to TEXAS in Fall 2017.
- Leilani Correa, (#23 by HG, 34 PN), 5’10” guard from Rutgers Prep, NJ. Very athletic, speedy off-guard, similar to Celeste Taylor. Committed to WEST VIRGINIA, as of April 29, 2018.

Class of 2020 Players of Interest:

- Sydney Parrish, (#11 in HG, 18 PN) 6’2” wing/forward from Hamilton Southeastern, Indiana., who was a semi-finalist for the USA Basketball’s U16 and U17 teams. Already has offers from virtually all B1G teams. Played at Annual USJN Ntl. Championships and got a nice shout-out from Mark Lewis of Blue Star Media.
- Maddie Burke (NR in HG, 39 in PN), 6’0” shooting guard from Pennsylvania who is another member of the Philly Belles. Good stroke.
- Madeleine Westbeld (NR in HG, 25 in PN), 6’2” wing from Ohio who favors outside game more than her high-post sister, one Katherine. Made cut to 45 at recent U.S. Nat'l. U17 trials. Played at Annual USJN Ntl. Championships and got a nice shout-out from Mark Lewis of Blue Star Media.

(Parrish and Burke both attended the 10/27-28/17 unofficial group visit to ND. One would guess Ms. Westbeld knows a bit about ND.)

Class of 2021 Players of Note:

- Sydney Affolter, 5'10" guard who plays for Marist H.S. in Chicago. Strong, sturdy build for rising sophomore. Drives to hoop, plays defense and has quick 3-pt. release.
- Azzi Fudd (Noted in HG, No ’21 Chart in PN), a 5’11” guard who is starting her freshman year at. St. John’s College in Washington, D.C., same school that Lindsay Allen attended.
-- Youngest player on U.S. team in Argentina and will be again in Europe.
-- Has scored 30+ points in several HS games, prompting coaching pilgrimages to D.C.
-- Could be that she's just a good friend, but attended Brunelle's announcement yesterday and wore an ND T-Shirt. Plays with Brunelle on Fairfax AAU team and U.S. Nat'l. U16 and U17 teams.
- Matyson Wilke (Noted in HG, No ’21 Chart in PN yet), a 5’9” guard from Beaver Dam. Has come to ND games this season.
(Both players attended “Nielefest” in Fall 2017 and Wilke has come back for a game.)

FORWARDS/POSTS

Context
- In 2019-20, the Irish will have the following posts and forwards: Mikayla Vaughn, Danielle Cosgrove and Sam Brunelle. Dani Patterson could be used at the high post as well.

Committed Player:

- Sam Brunelle (1 HG, 5 PN), 6’2” F, Virginia, who committed to ND in April. Seems tailor-made for the high-post position, where she can utilize her jump shooting, interior moves, drives and passing. Just played on U.S. Nat'l. U17 Team. Very close to 2019 prospect Aliyah Boston, 2020 prospect Paige Bueckers and 2021 prospect Azzi Fudd, all of whom were on U.S. squad.

Possible 2019 Targets:

- Laeticia Amihere, (#4 HG, Not in PN), 6’3” forward from Ontario, Canada. A dunker. ND staff observed in Summer 2017. Still recovering from an ACL/MCL injury. Allegedly taking OV to ND in September 2018, which could help cut down on 14 or so school list.
- Aliyah Boston (#7 HG, 11 PN, 6’4” Post from Worcester Academy, MA. Played on U.S. Team in Argentina in 2017 and was named MVP. Just played on U.S. National U17 team and was named to All-Tourney team. Will take an OV to ND in September, then play in 3x3 world championships with Brunelle, Bueckers and Van Lith.
- Sydnee Roby (#57 HG, 59 PN), 6’3” Post from Rufus King HS, Milwaukee, WI. Powerful inside presence who scores & rebounds in double figures. Other finalists: Cal, Louisville, Marquette, Miami (Fla.), Michigan State and Texas A&M. Made cuts to top 45 at recent U.S. Nat'l. Team U17 trials.
-- Jumped from 91 to 59 in most recent PN, released in June 2018.

2019 Players Who Committed Elsewhere:

- Francesca Belibi (33 HG, 13 PN) 6’1” athlete from Denver/Cameroon, who is now more than the “other dunker.” Made the USA Basketball U16 and U17 Teams. Took official visit to ND in April, but COMMITTED TO STANFORD in May 2018. Played well in Belarus behind Boston.
- Faith Masonius (#45 HG, 84 PN). 6’-footer with nice array of hooks, jump-hooks and spin moves, who can also go outside to pop the 10-15 footer. Committed to MARYLAND in Jan. 2018.
- Ramani Parker (#NR at HG, 28 PN) 6'4" forward who had ND as a finalist. Offensively, can both put ball on floor and drive, as well as shoot 3's. Lock-down defender. Committed to LOUISVILLE this winter.


2020 Players to Keep An Eye On

- Cameron Brink (#1 HG, 3 PN), a 6’4” stretch forward from Beaverton, Oregon, who led team to state championship. Just played on the U.S. National U17 Team. Rail thin, but mixes it up.
- Hannah Gusters (#7 HG, 7 PN), a 6'5" center from DeSoto, Texas, who is quoted in a May ESPNw article as saying "UConn, Notre Dame, Baylor and Texas" are all interested. Was a finalist at U.S. Nat'l. U17 Trials.
- Kylee Watson (Top rated by Blue Star, #13 in HG & 16 PN), Agile 6’4” Post from Mainland HS in NJ who played on USA Basketball’s U16 Team in Argentina. Prospects Nation’s Chris Olson compares her to our own Natalie Achonwa. Was part of 10/27-28/17 Unofficial Group Visit to Notre Dame. Did not make finalist cut at recent U17 Trials.
- Natalija Marshall (#14 HG, 15 PN), 6’5” forward from Christ the King H.S. in Queens, NYC. Attended 10/28/17 Unofficial Group Visit. Very interested in ND and has connection to Mabreys via AAU team. Made several cuts at recent U.S. National U17 trials.
- Angel Reese (#18 HG, 6 PN), 6’2” forward who plays for St. Frances Academy in Maryland. Was a finalist at U17 Trials this spring. Got offers in July from: Southern Cal, Tennessee, Texas.

2021 Player To Keep Track Of:

- Amari DeBerry (Noted in HG, No ’21 Chart in PN yet), a 6’4” forward starting at Williamsville South H.S. in New York. Well-known on club circuit. Made several cuts at U.S. National U17 Team trials, while playing "up." Played with Campbell, Burke for Philly Belles this summer.

MEANWHILE ON THE SOCIAL MEDIA FRONT

A few of you are very good at tracking recruits and/or have interest in recruits via social media, which is great since so many of them communicate via one of the tools.

Here is a list of uncommitted players followed by MM's twitter account (thanks to Orangutan for supplying this…):

Alli Campbell
Haley Jones
Natalija Marshall
Azzi Fudd
Aliyah Boston
Kylee Watson
Caitlin Clark
Paige Bueckers
Sam Brunelle (Yes!)


On McGraw's Bench:
Also, please take in posts/insights/links/research by Orangutan, Fighting Artichoke, Baba Ghanouj, Dave Winkler, Domerduck, MPG, RI Steve and others who scour the internet for more information/tape.

Click here for link


In the "way too early department" (Reynolds sisters listed)
by NDoggie78  (2018-08-01 18:08:36)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

Not sure if this has been posted previously - after all, this occurred during Final Four

Middle school all-America games
Now you can start your 2022, 2023, 2024 lists


BB at SB Washington will be fun when these sisters arrive *
by thethinman  (2018-08-01 19:42:49)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post


Just outstanding. We are fortunate to have you on this board *
by RISteve  (2018-08-01 13:11:55)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post


Amen!!! *
by BTFNDGUY  (2018-08-01 13:53:44)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post


A wonderful read…again. *
by BabaGhanouj  (2018-08-01 11:51:44)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post