Best State Tournament Rebounders–So Far

<p>At the end of the day Thursday, everybody in AAAA and AAA had played 2 games along with the AA quarter-final losers (20 teams). The AA semi-finalists and Class A (12 teams) had played just 1. Enough games to pick some top rebounders. First, the best of the best, and we’re not just talking “bigs.” It’s everybody’s responsibility to hit the boards.</p> <p><strong>Center—Destinee Oberg, Holy Angels, 6-2, sophomore. </strong>Great hands, great anticipation, has a tournament high so far of 27 boards—8 offense, 19 defense.</p> <p><strong>Power Forward—Monika Czinano, Watertown-Mayer, 6-2, senior, going to Iowa. </strong>One of few who is strong enough and mobile enough to muscle some rebounds underneath but also chase some longer ones down. Half of her boards are offensive so far, very offensive to her opponents.</p> <p><strong>Small Forward—Kiley Borowicz, Roseau, 5-9, senior. </strong>Relentless. Every long rebound is hers.</p> <p><strong>Point Guard—Temi Carda, Lakeville North, 5-7, senior., going to Creighton. </strong>Relentless, quick, tough. Seriously. 17 boards in 2 games.</p> <p><strong>Shooting Guard—Alyssa Ustby, Rochester Lourdes, 5-10, freshman. </strong>Long, quick, athletic. Great anticipation. 22 boards in 2 games.</p> <p><strong>2nd Team</strong></p> <p><strong>Center—Mikayla Hayes, Park Center, 6-3, senior, Florida.</strong> Gets good position, strong, and has quick hands to the ball. 20 boards in 2 games.</p> <p><strong>Power Forward—Sidney Wentland, Elk River, 5-10, senior, Denver. </strong>Has been a real warrior, routinely giving up 4 inches but gathering 11 then 9 boards against elite tournament type opposition. Strong, physical. 20 boards. Inch-for-inch, as good as anybody.</p> <p><strong>Small Forward—Eden Nibbelink, Winona, 6-2, senior, Fairfield.</strong> Small forward. 6-2. Isn’t that an oxymoron? No, Nibbelink has plenty of mobility to play the 3 or even the 2, but she can and does hit the boards. With her length and mobility, it’s easy pickings.</p> <p><strong>Point Guard—Sidney Lodermeier, Goodhue, 6-0, junior.</strong> OK, this is just not fair just like it’s not fair that Class A guards have to defend a strong and highly skilled 6-0 guard. And, of course, she doesn’t just play guard. She defends the post and is more often off the ball on offene, but can and does take the point now and then. And, can she rebound? In a word, yes. Very strong for every other aspect of her game.</p> <p><strong>Shooting Guard—Caitlyn Peterson, Lakeville North, 5-9, senior.</strong> Sneaks inside a lot for her shot, for offensive boards, she’s long enough and tenacious enough to compete in there.</p> <p><strong>3rd Team</strong></p> <p><strong>Center—Victoria Johnson, Roseau, 6-2, junior.</strong> Stays down low, but gets up high and keeps the ball up high. But, mainly, she’s very aware of the ball.</p> <p><strong>Power Forward—Meara Beighley, Grand Rapids, 6-0, sophomore.</strong> Strong, aggressive, really focuses on the board. 23 boards in 2 games.</p> <p><strong>Small Forward—Jaclyn Jarnot, Maranatha, 6-1, junior.</strong> Like Eden Nibbelink, combines length and mobility such that, well, how could she not be a dominant rebounder. Except unlike Nibbelink, who is often focused on other things, Jarnot is really focused on the boards more than anything (except scoring). 24 boards in 2 games.</p> <p><strong>Point Guard—Ayanna Gardner, DeLaSalle, 5-9, junior</strong>. Super quick, tracks down rebounds when she wants to, which is mostly on the offensive end.</p> <p><strong>Shooting Guard—Claire Killian, Watertown-Mayer, 5-9, senior. </strong>Great 3-point shooter but stronger than most great 3-point shooters. And, gets up off the floor nicely. Just a nice all-around athlete.</p>