"Deep Range, Relentless Motor, And A Confidence That Keeps Rising"

Emily Higgins

@emily4higgins

5'5, Class of 2028

Hazard HS, KY

Emily steps on the floor with a mindset built on effort, toughness, and two-way impact. She plays hard every possession, bringing energy that doesn’t fade and a competitive edge that shows up on both ends. She can stretch the floor with deep range, but what really separates her is how she competes. She stays active, defends with purpose, and finds ways to help her team in every phase of the game. That combination of shooting, effort, and defensive pride gives her a presence that is felt far beyond the box score.

Her shot didn’t just appear overnight. It was built through reps, repetition, and trust in her work. Hours of shooting at game speed, extending her range, and staying consistent with her form turned her into a real weapon. As the season went on and shots started falling, her confidence followed. What started as trusting her work turned into believing every open look had a real chance to drop, and that belief changed the way she played.

This season at Hazard was all about growth. Early on, she was adjusting to the speed and physicality of varsity, learning where she fit and how to impact the game. But as the season moved forward, everything started to click. The game slowed down. The confidence grew. Moments like the matchup against North Laurel and the district tournament showed just how far she had come. That second game against North Laurel told the whole story. After an early loss by 32, they came back and pushed it to overtime, and Emily stepped up with a career-high 15 points against one of the top teams around. That wasn’t just a stat line; that was a statement.

Her biggest achievement wasn’t just numbers or one performance; it was the growth she showed in big moments. Being able to step up against high-level competition and deliver when it mattered most showed a different level of confidence and belief in herself. That kind of jump doesn’t happen without work behind the scenes.

Adversity tested her late in the season. Losing the team’s only senior to injury just weeks before postseason play changed everything. That was a leader, someone she looked up to, and suddenly, there was a gap that needed to be filled. Her role shifted, and she answered it. She stayed confident, embraced the responsibility, and did whatever her team needed, showing maturity beyond her years.

The biggest improvement in her game came through confidence. As that grew, everything else followed. She played more aggressive, took shots without hesitation, and moved freer on both ends of the floor. That shift allowed her natural ability to show up more consistently and gave her a stronger presence in key moments.

What doesn’t always get talked about is how much she impacts the game without scoring. Defense is a major part of her identity. She takes pride in guarding strong players and making things uncomfortable. Add in her energy, her willingness to stay active, and her constant effort, and you get a player who brings value on every possession.

AAU with East Tennessee Air opened another door. A new level of competition, a faster pace, and a chance to prove she can produce against top talent. The goal was to compete, improve, and help her team win. At the Marble City Invitational, everything started to come together. Confidence was there, and shots were falling. She played freely and showed exactly how much her game had grown since the high school season.

Moving forward, what stands out is what she brings every time she steps on the court. With effort, energy, defense, and a willingness to keep improving, Chloe is a player who competes and embraces doing whatever it takes to win. That mindset, along with her ability to stretch the floor and impact both ends, makes her a player to keep watching.

I assess that Emily is a two-way combo guard with a strong motor and a growing offensive game. High-level shooter with deep range who continues to gain confidence as a scorer. Brings consistent energy and defensive effort, with the ability to pressure the ball and disrupt opposing guards. Plays with toughness and a team-first mindset that shows up every possession.

Emily brings value through effort, consistency, and her ability to impact both ends of the floor. Her shooting ability makes her a spacing threat, while her defensive mindset adds another weapon to her game. As her confidence continues to build and her overall game expands, her impact will keep rising. Coaches can expect a competitor who plays hard, defends, brings energy, and continues to improve every time she steps on the floor. Stay tuned.