Player Profile: Jadyn Hanson (2019)

We at Northstar Girls Hoops are definitely late in getting on the Jadyn Hanson bandwagon. As Grant pointed out the other day, she’s seen limited minutes at St. Michael-Albertville playing behind the likes of Rae Johnson, who is now at Iowa State, plus Lizzy Heil and even Kenzie Kramer, who is a year younger than Hanson. But, in the big picture, the fact that Hanson plays for a loaded program doesn’t diminish her skills or abilities. Even with Johnson and Heil moving on, it will be interesting to see how coach Kent Hamre manages to apportion the minutes this coming winter among so many talented guards.

But, in addition to that, we had her on our list of 2018s for whatever reason. Now that we’ve got her among the 2019s where she belongs, she has moved up about 30 places in our rankings and she’s somebody we are watching and catching up on, and I’m sure we’re not the only ones. In fact, it turns out that Grant saw her at the Tartan Showcase the other day and wrote this about Jadyn:

“Among (the 2019s and 2020s), the one athlete who really stood out was guard Jadyn Hanson of St. Micheal-Albertville. Hanson has been considered a fine prospect for a long time but has been largely overshadowed at STMA by some really high-profile players like 2017 #1 Rae Johnson, who is now at Iowa State. This just might be her breakout year.

“Jadyn is ranked #51 in the class of 2019. Last month at the Sweet 16 tournament at St. Ben's, Hanson's performance was outstanding. Last Sunday at the showcase, her impressive play continued. She was aggressive offensively, repeatedly driving to the basket and finishing through contact. She was tenacious on defense, making life difficult for everyone she covered. She showed excellent ball handling skills, was really good one on one, and always plays with plenty of swagger. Jadyn is a fun player to watch, full of energy, and always working.”

Add to this the fact that Jadyn had already gotten our attention with a fine summer with North Tartan this past year. So we thought we ought to get to know her a little better.

When did you start playing basketball? Who got you started and how?

I started playing basketball when I was 3 in our basement. We had a hoop set up for my older brother and sister and I loved shooting. I’d play horse and one on one with my Dad and whoever would play with me for hours. That same hoop is still up there. I started playing the real game in 1st grade. My older siblings really got me interested in basketball. I grew up watching them play and I wanted to be like them.

When did you first realize that you might be pretty good at it? What were the circumstances?

I remember in elementary school, I always stole the ball from kids when nobody could really dribble very good yet and my coach told me I needed to stop stealing the ball to give them a chance.

How do you describe your game? What are the things you do best to help your team win?

Defensively, I am that lock down defender who ends up usually guarding the top player on the opposing team. I am considered a combo guard who can play the 1 or the 2. I can handle the ball very well and excel under pressure. I see the floor extremely well and like to hit my open teammate. I use my quickness and ball handling skills to get past my defender and attack the basket. I have a good shot and love the pull up jumper, too!

What things are you working on to get better at?

I am currently working on getting a more consistent shot. Also working on new moves to get past my defender.

How would you compare high school ball versus summer ball? What do you like about each?

AAU is much more intense and aggressive, playing against the top talent in the state andnation. I like AAU because it pushes you to get to the next level and you get to learn new ideas and skills from different coaches and players. As for high school, playing ball with people you grew up with, you just have those deep connections with them, they're considered family. It's a great feeling representing your community and having their support. We have awesome fans at STMA!

Who are you going to be playing with next summer and why?

I will be playing for North Tartan 11th Grade Elite coached by Jon Herbrechtsmeyer (“Herbie”). I really like the North Tartan Program. I have learned a lot over the past 3 years playing with a very talented team coached by Melissa Guebert, who has taught me a lot of good things.

Do you see yourself playing ball at the next level? Where are you in the process of selecting a school?

I definitely see myself playing ball at the next level.  I am not very far along in the process of selecting a school yet.  I am keeping my options open to select the best school for both my academics and athletic career.

What are your goals both personal and team this winter?

My personal goals are to lead the team in both scoring and assists, and be that lock down defender my team can always count on. Being a captain of this upcoming STMA season, I want to lead my team to state and hopefully win a state title!

What advice would you give to younger girls who are just getting started and who think they might want to play basketball at the next level?

My advice would be to have confidence in yourself and your teammates!  Push yourself to be the best player you can be and don't give up in hard situations!