State Farm Holiday Classic Post Standouts

Last week I returned home to Central Illinois for the Holidays and was able to take some time to check out one of the best girls’ basketball tournaments in the state, the State Farm Holiday Classic in Bloomington/Normal. While I was able to watch most teams play in the Large School Girls Division, I was really focused on the teams from the Chicagol area. Here are some Forwards that got my attention: &nbsp; Wheaton Warrenville South Senior <strong>Maria Dohse</strong> was very impressive against a good Morton team. She gives full effort every minute she’s on the court and has the ability to get in the lane against tough defenses. Solid jump shot. <strong>Khaniah Gardner</strong> from Chicago Simeon is a name we’ll be hearing a lot over the next couple of years. The 6’2’’ Sophomore is a strong rebounder and tough to get position against on the block. Very good finisher at the rim. St. Ignatius Senior <strong>Nikki McDonald</strong> was very tough to contain in both games that I was able to watch her play. The Washington and Lee University commit is a dominant rebounder and plays great post defense. McDonald has a solid shot and is very effective in collecting second chance points. She finished with 15pts against Ryle High School from Kentucky. Chicago Kenwood has a pair of Forwards that will help contribute to their success this season. A 6’3’’ Senior, <strong>Tamara Nard</strong> is a superb rebounder who is very smooth on the block and can finish well at the rim. She is also able to handle the ball very well. Nard was named 3^rd-team IBCA All-State last season. On the other block, 5’11’’ Freshman <strong>Brianna McDaniel</strong> can do it all. She is a very mature athlete and can play any of the five spots on the court. McDaniel is a confident ball handler and strong finisher at the rim and is our #1 Ranked player in the class of 2022.