What We Learned: Tip-Off

What We Learned: Tip-Off
What We Learned: Tip-OffIvy Atkism

SUWANEE, Ga. - With over 1,500 players taking part, the PeachStateBasketball.com Tip-Off Classic has quickly become one of the major events on the East Coast during the April evaluation weekend. Here is a look at what we learned about five class of 2014 prospects during the weekend.

Ivy Atkism (Loganville, Ga.) - Deep South Elite


Ivy Atkism showed the tools to be a
highly recruited post in the 2014 class.
*Photo by Ty Freeman.

Atkism showed a soft touch around the rim throughout the course of the Classic. The four-star post is a solid rebounder in her area, taking up space on the interior. Standing at 6 feet 3, Atkism appears to be one of the region’s best true back-to-basket post players. Multiple schools were in attendance to see her from Kansas State to Western Carolina and that list should grow in the months leading up to July.

Kaylee Barnard (Orlando, Fla.) - Blue Star Florida

Barnard was unable to take part in games due to a knee injury suffered during the 2012 year. A 5-8 shooting guard, she looked good inside of a skill workout during the event with Elite Basketball Academy lead trainer, Sean “Sticks” Smith. Barnard is shooting the basketball well and did a great job of maintaining her foot speed as well as her build during the rehab process.

Sierra Butler (Norcross, Ga.) - Georgia Hoopstars

Like Atkism, Butler was an intriguing prospect coming into the evaluation weekend. At 6-2 and change, her size coupled with her mobility made for a prospect that colleges were anxious to see over the weekend. Butler has added a nice in-between face-up game to go along with her interior skill. During the event she rebounded on both ends while knocking down the 15- to 18-foot jumper as well.

Emileigh Swafford (Decatur, Tenn.) - Tennessee XTreme

Swafford was a relative unknown coming into the weekend but her ability to knock down the open 3-pointer did not go unnoticed by our staff or college coaches. At 5-10, the three-star shooter has ideal size for the wing position. Swafford is a legitimate option for one- to two-bid NCAA Tournament programs needing a shooter in the junior class.

Chelsea Woods (Philadelphia, Pa.) - Philly Freedom Stars

Woods game was on full display during the event as she scored the basketball inside and facing the basket as well. She was consistent throughout the five games carrying the Stars to a ProspectsNation.com division title. The 5-11 power forward cemented her status as one of the Northeast’s top available prospects. She’s a player we expect to have a breakout July evaluation period, which should lead to a busy fall of official visits.

Clay is the owner of Peach State Basketball, the JumpOffPlus.com National Scouting Report and serves as Executive Camp Director for the Elite Basketball Academy. He can be reached at brandon@prospectsnation.com.

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