Player: Khalia Hartwell
Class: 2027
Height: 6'5
School: McCants MS/ TL Hanna HS
AAU: FBC Carolina Hawks
Down in South Carolina, Lady Phenom has a player that you will be hearing a lot down the road will be 2027 6'5 Khalia Hartwell, who is already getting a chance to shine at the varsity level. Only an eighth grader, Hartwell is already making noise by averaging 5.7 points and 5.5 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game, really showing her ability to be a force down low. And she is just starting her basketball career, so she should be a big-time target for her class.
We talked about her last year at the Lady Rumble, where we had this to say:
“2027 Khalia Hartwell (Carolina Hawks 14u Hatten): Only in seventh grade, Hartwell is going to be one that you will want to learn about quickly. Instantly, she stands out with her 6'4 frame at a young age and actually playing up. But then you see the potential with her game, showing nice touch around the basket, active on the boards, and being a big presence in the paint on both ends.”
Now, we connected more with her to get to know more about her game.
Phenom: How has it been being able to play varsity-level basketball at such a young age'
Hartwell: It has been a learning experience and I've had to work on my mindset and realize no one is going to take it easy on me because I'm an eighth grader. I've also had to learn to play stronger and faster to keep up with seniors and older games on my team and the opposing teams.
Phenom: How do you think playing early will help you as a player down the road'
Hartwell: I believe playing up will make me a better overall player down the road because I got to experience the varsity level sooner than most girls. I believe I have already become faster and stronger, having to compete against older girls.
Phenom: How would you best describe your game and how do you like to operate on the court'
Hartwell: I'm an ultimate rim protector and shot blocker, and I feel like I make it hard for my opponents to score on me with my length. I also feel like I'm a versatile post player that is able to step out and hit a jump shot when given the chance.
Phenom: What areas are you looking to continue to improve in early on'
Hartwell: I'm looking to improve on getting stronger, rebounding, ball handling, and improving my jump shot.