Girls basketball notebook week of 12/7 to 12/12

Girls basketball notebook week of 12/7 to 12/12

By Robert Alfonso Jr.

JOHNS CREEK, GA – Taking a look at some notable girls plays after a weekend loaded with basketball games across the state. These players helped carry their teams. Some walked away victorious while others left a mark. They all left an impression though.

2022 Kara Dunn (Mount Paran) is a versatile young lady every college program would appreciate. This 6-foot all-purpose player provides her teams with a variety of options. She can defend the post, switch up on small guards, and can run the break whenever necessary. Dunn can also put it in the basket in a number of ways. So much value from a talented player.

2022 Paris Miller (Johns Creek) is a highly-skilled player. She understands how to use angles keeping defenders at bay. Her ability to get to the rim is tactical. Miller’s offensive bag is filled with shots from every angle on the floor. She is a bonafide competitor.

2022 Kaylynn Kirklen (Mount Paran) is full of energy on both ends of the floor. At 5-foot-10, this forward has a nose for the ball. She knows how to be around it in just about every possession. Kirklen is someone who will not have you questioning if she played the game. The stat sheet will have the evidence her presence was imminent.

2022 Evelina Davlakou (John’s Creek) is a dynamic point guard. She is relentless chatter on both ends of the directing traffic. Davlakou will get is an intense defender who refuses to back down. Her ability to thread passes through some of the tightest spots is at an Elite level. Davlakou finishes well through traffic in the open court. She also packs a nice looking mid-range jumper to keep those defenders guessing.

2021 Mariah Baltierra (Norcross) is a lefty sharpshooter. Baltierra is always an outside threat because of her jumper. The release is high and quick. She isn’t completely one-dimensional though. This unsigned senior is an effective defender, which is not normally common for a shooting specialist.

2024 Jania Akins (Norcross) is a big guard who knows how to run a team at an early age. She is young but understands how to navigate through traffic. Akins sees the court well and attempts to make the right play on every possession. There are mistakes being made now that will soon be ironed out as the season progresses and her development continues.

2023 Autumn Cotton (Chattahoochee) does a great job getting involved in every play on either end of the floor. Her fearless approach to the game exhausts opponents. This works to her advantage on the offensive end to knock down open shots or the defensive end intercepting errant passes. 

2022 Kennedy McWilliams (John’s Creek) is a solid looking interior player. She is a fantastic rebounder and is always in the mix. McWilliams’ activity helps the Gladiators. She also makes an impact on the offensive end with her energy and glass presence.