The AIA season is underway and it has been an exciting first half of the season. The AIA has stepped up by adding the shot clock and Open Division, which were upgrades long overdue. There are so many talented student-athletes, but these three prospects have emerged as my favorites for the Player of the Year, which I will award at the end of the season.
Khamil Pierre 6-2 Wing 2023 Perry
The Vanderbilt-commit has led her team to an overall record of 16-2, while averaging 23.6 points, 1.3 assists, 9.8 rebounds, 4.2 steals and 1.3 blocks per/game. Pierre is the difference-maker, as her presence makes a major impact in the game. Besides being 16-2, the Pumas put together an amazing resume with huge wins in these high caliber events - Hoophall West, Hoophall South, Nike Tournament of Champions, and Title IX Classic. The Pumas are battle tested and will rely on Pierre to anchor their offense and defense.
Jerzy Robinson 6-1 Guard 2026 Desert Vista
It is hard for a lot of people to believe that Robinson is only a freshman, due to her high basketball IQ, elite athleticism and impressive skill-set. I am not surprised, as she has the bloodline. Her mom’s side of the family has storied athletic careers back in Hawaii. This young lady is special, as I have never seen a freshman of this caliber. I project her to be a future WNBA Lottery Pick, because she is a complete player. She competes hard on both ends of the floor. Robinson also can attack and defend all five positions, which makes her a match-up nightmare. If she can lead her team to a state championship, she will have my unanimous vote for Player of the Year.
Dominique Nesland 5-10 Point Guard 2024 Xavier Prep
Nesland is different. She plays with a hunger and intensity, like I have never seen before. A surefire D-1 prospect, Nesland continues to pile on offers. It amazes me that she doesn’t get much pub, however I hope to bring more attention to this amazing guard. She defends at a high level and is a three-level scorer. In the games I observed, Nesland is needed on the floor, as it looks like her team will struggle without her presence. Currently, she is averaging 20.3 points, 4.4 assists, 5 rebounds and 4.3 steals per/game. Xavier has a 10-2 record and if other backcourt mate Sarah Miller can return from injury, the Gators have the tools to make a deep playoff run.
This will be a huge month as games are critical for power points. The Open Division playoffs begin on February 7th, so expect really competitive basketball in the month of January. Get your tickets and popcorn as the excitement heats up!
