Like the 2013 class, Arizona's 2014 class of girl's prospects is also very loaded with talent. While the class is still developing, many girls prospects have risen to the top of the class.
One of the top prospects in Arizona's 2014 class that will look to have a big junior season is Tempe Prep High School's 6-foot-1 junior guard/forward Camille Zimmerman. Zimmerman is among the state's most skilled talents and is coming off a big sophomore season for herself, after helping lead her Tempe Prep team to a big 2011-2012 high school basketball season. Behind the play of a trio of players last season, Zimmerman and her teammates finished with a very impressive 30-5 overall record on the season - winning the 2012 Division-IV State Championship.
Zimmerman made her case among the state's top girls prospects during the season, as she poured in some strong numbers as a sophomore starter for head coach Nancy Calahan. Zimmerman's play was steady all season, as she averaged 11.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 3.4 steals per/game. Zimmerman ranked second on the team in scoring, rebounds, assists and steals last season.
I was able to catch Zimmerman on Saturday evening playing in two games with the boy's varsity team in a fall league at Bourgade High School - something I have not seen by a girl prospect in many years of covering girl's basketball in the state. Zimmerman held her own against boy's competition and showed that she is comfortable simply playing the game - regardless of the competition.
Zimmerman is a talented and skilled performer that is able to play several positions on the floor - capable of playing inside or out. She is very comfortable playing on the perimeter, since she has played the point guard position for much of her life - allowing her to play from the point position, shooting guard position or from the wing as a small forward. She is at her best with the basketball in her hands, as she is able to find open teammates on the floor and has excellent court vision. She has a very good handle of the basketball and is a fundamentally sound performer that make plays for herself or others.
She has a good shooting stroke with range on her shot and takes very good shots for herself, not forcing the action. When left unguarded she is capable of making shots from three-point distance, and is capable of taking defenders off the dribble and finishing strong at the basket. Her best asset is her mid-range game, which allows her to score effectively off one-dribble pull-ups, and make plays for cutters and open post players. Zimmerman often sees plays before they happen - another nice attribute.
A good defender, Zimmerman has good lateral quickness and quick hands. She plays hard on the defensive end and is also a good shotblocker for her size as well. Also a good rebounder that is active on both ends of the floor. She is a very well-rounded prospect.
I caught up with Zimmerman and asked her about her college recruiting. While it is still very early in her recruitment, Zimmerman advised me that she is currently hearing from numerous college programs already. Zimmerman told me that Arizona State, Gonzaga, Utah State, Colorado State, Pepperdine, Northern Arizona, Seattle, Wheaton and Colorado College have all been in contact with her.
Zimmerman told me that, at this point in time, she does not have a clear leader in her recruitment and that she is comfortable going anywhere in the United States for college.
Zimmerman is currently rated as our #5 overall prospect in Arizona's 2014 class. Look for Zimmerman to continue to put up much bigger numbers during her junior season, as she teams up with 6-foot-1 senior Marissa Rich to defend their state title.
