Best of the Best Upstate Standouts (Girls) Part II

Buffalo, NY – Part II of the Best of the Best Upstate exposure showcase recap on September 15th featured some top rated girls in the Buffalo area.  With so many events going on all over the State, the wealth of talent displayed at the BOTBUPS was impressive.  Bay Area Hoops and Last 1 Best 1 featured young ladies who displayed skills, hard work and talents that were eye catching.  Believe me, I’m anticipating they’ll be very productive players for their high school teams.  Let’s take a look at some standouts.

2021 5’3” Amaya Williams, Nottingham HS – Stayed consistent throughout the showcase, she knocked down 3 point shots, penetrated into the lane and showed ability to serve as a general on a team.  Williams competes hard and is blessed with good speed and quickness.

2021 6’2” F Kyra Wood, City Honors HS – was extremely disruptive offensively and defensively, keeping the games close during game play, also demonstrated an ability to make tough shots in the paint through contact.   She possesses a nice frame and looks the part of a good college prospect

2021 6’2” PF Jessica Cook, Cicero HS – made her presence felt by dominating the paint and hitting ten footers.  Cook established herself as a solid post scorer early in drills and was the most physical girl on the floor.  At 6’2” she is an intriguing prospect who rebounded well and altered shots in a way that is expected by someone of her size.

2023 5’6” G Amya Mcleod, Romefree Academy – a freshman who stood out as potentially becoming a good college prospect.  Mcleod can shoot the ball, has good mechanics and range.   She plays both guard positions and was very affective on the defensive end.  Her quickness and savvy to make plays caught our eye; she also has abilities to finish in the open court. Look for McLeod to be one of the top point guards in the Syracuse area.

2022 5’7” PG Shay Ciezki, St. Mary’s – is smooth, slick and quick for a young point guard.  Ciezki shot and finished well in game play and also made her presence felt on defense.  Ciezki was arguably the one of the BEST in the gym.


2022 6’0” F Jade Rutledge, Cardinal O’Hara –  As a player, who is in her Sophomore year, she is definitely a lady to watch.  Jade started slow but her being a prototypical face up forward who can hit the shots and mix it up in the paint can easily set her apart from others in her class.  Confidence will be key for Rutledge but her devotion to training and skill work has helped her to become an efficient player.

2021 5’7” G Cortinea Smith, Hutch Tech – She is an outstanding player but needs to show it each time she steps on the floor.  Smith has potential and does a little of everything on the floor.  With her abilities to handle and shoot the ball, she can becoming a sought out player to play at the next level.

2023 5’5” PG Kaylee Kryztoff, Depew HS (NY) – Can make basketball plays and shows an upside. Kryztoff displays solid fundamentals and recognizes scoring situations.  I loved her work ethic in drill sessions and eagerness to compete. This is our 2nd viewing and she is developing well. Watch her! 

2021 5’7” G Lexie Roe, Fayetteville Manlius – She’s a wiry shooting guard that handles the ball, creates for herself and makes quality decisions on offense. Roe is a solid shooter with extended range.

2021 5’10” F Ella Wanzer, Amherst HS – A strong-bodied forward with energy, Plays with energy and heart and a good offensive skill set. Before going down with an injury, she showed the capability to be an affective two-way player.

2025 PG Nicole Miller, Amherst – An extremely intelligent point guard with offensive instincts and craftiness.  She has a ton of upside and we can’t wait to see her bring that exciting game to the HS level.

Catie Cunningham

2021 5’11” F Catie Cunningham, West Genesee HS – The all around display of hustle, effort, & grit was the Trademark of this young lady.  Cunningham doesn’t complain and can easily be a backbone of the team. Shows great effort on both sides of the ball.

Add a Comment