I just noticed that the scouting services ESPN has been using since the 2021 season is handing out less 5 stars per class than the previous regime, handing out 21 in the 2022 class and 15 from the 2021 class.
Jordan Nixon was #38 in the class of 2019 and was a 5 star recruit. KayKay Green was #48 in the class of 2020 and was a 5 star recruit as well.
Bowles didn't make the MCDAAG(26 in voting with the cutoff being 24) or Jordan Brand Classic but she is ranked #37.
She's got a quick and high release point on her shot but can navigate her way to the rim with agility and power. She seems slippery, for lack of better word. There's a certain smoothness to her game that you don't often see from ball handlers, especially at her size, but the footwork looks great too which is even farther from what you would expect. I've seen highlights of stepbacks, dribble pull-ups, and full court dimes. She also seems to have a very good relationship with physical defense, applying it on one side of the ball and weathering it on the other.
I've seen her called savvy, agile, and one of the best shot makers on the class. She can play fast paced but knows how to play with pace and patience. I've seen comparisons to Carmelo Anthony and Maya Moore.
She may have been in the shadow of top recruits during her summer ball days but she shined in her high school seasons, leading her team to wins over some tough teams in and out of the state of Georgia. Her high school team beat 3 state champions this season and beat Sania Feagin- led reigning 6A state champions Forest Park 3 out of 3 times in 2021, the last being for their first 5A state championship.
We know what Janiah Barker brings to the table as the #3 overall recruit but Bowles is the perfect partner for her. Janiah Barker and Sydney Bowles might have locked up the 3 and 4 spot for the next four years.