Grant has Tremendous Upside

Kamryn Grant 5'8" WF 2024 Columbus

On Sunday, we had the opportunity to spend some time with Ron Bess’ 2024 Team Knockdown squad as they prepared for the upcoming season at the Far East Recreation Center in Columbus. What was apparent very early was the amount of talent Bess has assembled. One of the best players we saw the short time we were there was Kamryn Grant (5’8”/WF/2024/Columbus).  We were most impressed with Grant’s length, athleticism and ability to score the ball, rebound the ball and push the ball in transition.  She was aggressive to the cup, rebounded her own shot and converted several put backs.  She was also tough defensively and her length posed a problem for would be shooters.

According to Coach Bess, he first laid his eyes on Grant when she was in the 3^rd grade when he first saw her competing against high school girls at Afrocentric High School.  Last season, Grant, along with Berry Wallace, led Team Knockdown in scoring averaging 15-17 points per game, and helped lead the team (She Got Next) to a 12^th place finish at the AAU Nationals in Cincinnati; a 2nd place finish at the GBA Nationals in Cincinnati and a 3^rd place finish at the Ohio AAU Qualifier.

This winter, Grant mixed it up with the boys at the Far East Recreation Center and more than held her own.  Not only is Grant excelling on the hardwood, she is also getting it done in the classroom where she has consistently made Berwick Elementary School’s Honor Roll.  Grant’s parents have taken a conservative approach with exposure events so far, but are looking forward to seeing her compete against the region's best players at the Buckeye Prep Elite Showcase this Saturday!

As we mentioned earlier, Coach Bess’ team is loaded with talent.  We were also super impressed with the quickness and aggressiveness of Rayanna Howell (5’4’PG/2024/Columbus) and her ability to drive the lane and either score or create.  Berry Wallace (5’7”/WF/2024/Pickerington is another good one who is blessed with good size and skill. Alyssa Horsley (5’4”SG/2024/Teays Valley) joins the team for the first time this season and will give Bess’ team added depth and perimeter scoring.  Rylee Bess (5’0”/PG/2025/Pickerington), although only a 5^th grader, is another solid piece to the puzzle and will add much needed ball handling at the point.  Jaden Tucker (5’4”/SG/2024/Westerville) is another key piece and is a risk to score if left unguarded.  There are a few more players on this team who will contribute significantly this season.  We plan to keep a close eye on this team over the course of the season.  You can also catch all of the above girls in action this coming Saturday at our elite showcase.