We've flipped the page to the summer evaluation period on the NCAA women's basketball recruiting calendar. But a few stars didn't see a need to wait. Here are six recruits who already have made a splash leading into the July 6-12 period.
1. Jenna Brown: The 5-foot-8 point guard from The Lovett School (Atlanta, Georgia) already has had a remarkable summer, making USA Basketball's U17 team and winning a bronze medal in Spain. Brown, the No. 9 prospect in the espnW HoopGurlz Terrific 25 for the 2019 class, has continued to refine her game and has shot up the rankings. A smooth floor game complemented by a consistent mid-range shot, Brown has BCS programs wanting more as summer begins. And now a piece of summer trivia: Brown has a relative that knows a little bit about the game. Uncle Larry Brown (UNC/NBA), yep, that Larry Brown.
2. Sammie Puisis: A 6-1 forward out of Mason (Ohio), Puisis is emerging as one of the elite prospects in the class of 2019. She delivers off the dribble, knocks down shots at the arc and competes on both ends of the floor. Puisis is certain to be on the radar of many, many (did we emphasize many?) BCS schools.
3. Elizabeth Dixon: If you are looking for an interior prospect on the fast track to stardom on the college scene, this 6-3 star from Ridgeway (Memphis, Tennessee) is a great place to start. A versatile performer who can play both the power forward and center positions, Dixon possesses superb athleticism, length, shot-blocking presence and mobility. The only element of her game that is still a bit unpolished is her offensive consistency. But summer may very well solve that problem for the 2018 rising star because Dixon will be challenged by the nation's best in Nashville, Tennessee, early on this month.
4. Jordan Nixon: The 5-7 point guard out of Horace Mann (Bronx, New York) is a smooth playmaker and a stock-riser in the 2018 class. Nixon can deliver off the dribble with explosive quickness, complement her teammates, and knock down the jumper. Impressive during the USA Basketball trials in Colorado Springs in May, expect Nixon to have a summer that leaves coaches circling.
5. Amy Dilk : If you're looking for a point guard with size, fundamentals and the ability to score, you've got it all in the 5-9 Dilk. As the point guard position continues to become a more valued position than ever before, Dilk, of Carmel (Indiana), is simply smooth. She's got a confident demeanor, a capable offensive arsenal and a basketball IQ that is essential for impact at the next level. For coaches who build their team around a point guard, Dilk is a can't-miss option.
6. Jada Wright: Under the radar up to this point, the 6-2 Wright may be just what every coach wants. The senior-to-be is a block player with superb mobility, footwork that leads to results in the paint and a willingness to get better. She's still a work in progress, but the Rich East (Park Forest, Illinois) prospect oozes potential. Coaches, you can thank me later.