Top 60 Elite Camp Recap
On June 23rd, The Outlet hosted its first annual Top 60 Elite Camp at IU Southeast. The event had an abundance of talent with 33 players ranging from the 2019 to 2024 classes. After undergoing 60 minutes of high intensity drills, players took part in 3-on-3 games using FIBA rules. The event concluded with a recruiting Question & Answer session, 5-on-5 action, and a Top 12 Game featuring the day's best performers.
The event was headlined by 2020 TaZiah Jenks, a 6'0 guard that displayed her ability to play the 1 through stretch 4. Coming off a strong appearance at the U17 USA Basketball trials, Jenks' stock on the recruiting circuit is bound to rise.
The camp's lineup also included one of the most prolific scorers in 2020 Kendall Wingler. She was joined by double-double machines 2021 Elise Ellison-Coons, 2019 Abby Ritter, and 2020 Lexi Taylor. All three players crash the boards with authority and have a keen eye for scoring the ball. Ellison-Coons, out of Lexington, repeatedly used her strength to get by defenders and displayed impressive court vision.
The South Oldham tandem of 2019 Payton Herold and 2020 Skylar Sahatjian showed why they are an excellent pairing in the backcourt. Herold is a high IQ player with a nice feel for the game. Sahatjian is a savvy ball handler that drove by defenders and knocked down shots.
With the event being held in Indiana, 2019 Abbey Guidry and 2020 Kelsie James ensured that the host state was well-represented. Guidry is a smooth lefty with a nice stroke on her shot. James is a high energy player that was a sharpshooter from 3 and displayed a craftiness around the basket.
Both Assumption and Bullitt East had a bevy of players that showed why they will be competitors next season. 2020 Payton Cronen, 2022 Nia Gandolfo, and 2020 Maddie Nalley give the Rockets a strong core of young players that are scoring threats with a high IQ. Bullitt East's 2020 Catie Bacon, 2020 Kennedy Griffin, 2020 Caroline Scott, 2021 Lexi Starr, and 2020 Madison Thornton give the Chargers size, solid ball handlers, and a variety of scoring weapons.
2020 Destinee Marshall and 2021 Alana Striverson are solid point guards that can score at will. Both strong ball handlers, they changed speed and direction to maneuver their way past defenders. Both players are also solid 3-point threats.
2019 Ca'Leia Mills and 2022 Kynidi Striverson are two players that did all the little things, from communicating on the floor to hustling for loose balls. Both displayed their ability to get to the rim and affect the game defensively. Striverson was comfortable finishing with either hand, which is impressive for her age.
2021's Sofia Allen and Marissa Gasaway have a ton of upside. Allen's size allows her to play in the post and on the perimeter. She wasn't shy from outside the 3-point line and made defenders pay for leaving her open. Gasaway also has great size and showed her scoring ability in the paint. She has a good instinct for the game and always found a way to be in the right spot at the right time.
2019's Shelby McDaniel and Summer Secrist were two players that were just fun to watch. McDaniel is a lefty that plays with a smoothness to her game. She has good body control and a nice stroke on her shot. Secrist was one of the most impressive of the day with the way she attacked the basket and finished at will. Her hang time and athleticism allowed her to readjust midair and finish over bigger defenders.
Throughout the camp, the 2022 through 2024 classes showed they're ready to play on the big stage. 2022's Makaya Grinter, Ayanna Stroud, and Timothi Williams rose to the challenge of playing against taller, older players. 2023's Lilly Reid, Triniti Ralston, Sasha Thomas and Sydney Tolbert also managed to hold their own. Ralston was most impressive with the ball in her hands, displaying a maturity to her offensive skillset. The lone 2024 Emaree Gober proved that the future is bright for Kentucky girls' basketball.
To learn more about each player, visit again for our Top 60 Player Profiles.
