The Bluegrass Cardinal Classic gave high school teams and players the opportunity to play in front of college coaches in a much different way than what you typically see. Normally, college coaches chance to view players comes with their AAU teams at live events. The Bluegrass Cardinal Classic allows players to take advantage of a live period in June with their high school team rather than their AAU team. Below you can read about the 2025 players that stood out to us throughout The Bluegrass Cardinal Classic Team Event and Individual Showcase (listed alphabetically by last name).
Please note: There are a few write-ups below that were already featured on X (@riseupsports1) during the event. Also please take into account that each of us only caught one game per team for the most part, so these notes were based on performance in that specific game. Please let us know if any of the information below is incorrect and we will get it fixed as soon as possible.
Hall was a very solid presence for the Rockets every time she was on the court. Crashed the boards hard. Made good reads defensively. Created some good looks on the offensive end as well.
Love the hustle and energy she plays with. Doesn’t take any plays off. High energy on both ends of the court. 3 level scoring threat. Good ball handler. Good shooter. High IQ. Good facilitator and showed she’s comfortable playing on and off of the ball.
Does a good job running the offense for Ballard. Handles it and can make good reads even while being pressured. Keeps head up and ball low when dribbling. Knocked down some nice outside shots with consistency.
Nichelson is a really special player, plain and simple. If she’s not the most efficient player in the state, she’s definitely towards the top. Very smart decision maker. Can finish some really tough shots. True 3 level scoring threat who will find ways to put the ball in the Bakst no matter what defense is thrown at her. Great passer and defender as well. Really just very solid all-around in every aspect.
O’Bryan knocked down some big outside shots. Found the gaps on the perimeter and caught ready to fire. Also had some good cuts to the basket. Stayed ready to jump into the passing lanes on defense as well.
Nice perimeter shooter. Active defender. Anticipates very well on both ends of the floor with her high IQ. Very quick feet and hands. Fundamentally sound. Finishes well at the rim. Does an excellent job blowing up passing and driving lanes on defense. Good passer with great floor vision.
-KEVIN CLANCY
Randolph is the kind of player who it seems makes a big jump every time you watch her play. Just really impacts the game in a lot of ways. Can come up with steals and blocks defensively using her length and athleticism. Can elevate over defenders to score in the paint/around the rim. Can knock down the 3. Made good passes in transition and half court sets. Runs the floor very well.
Ridderikhoff was always a good player, but I feel like she’s really grown her game in the last year. Did a great job fighting on the boards. Finished well around the rim, including through contact. Knocked down some big outside shots and showed deep range. Made some nice passes.
Solid plays at all levels, makes the right play, aggressive going to the basket but can also step back and knock down a shot when needed. Smart player on the defensive end and hands are always active. Excellent play in team setting and at the individual showcase.
-TONIA WITT
Riley is a true floor general who can also put the ball in the basket. Very strong ball handler who can handle pressure and keeps her head on a swivel. Strong outside shooter with good range. Excellent playmaker with good court awareness. Crafty finishes around the basket as well.
