Potential Breakout Players in 2019-20 Part 2
Due to the cyclical environment of high school sports in which top players inevitably leave on graduation day, each new season presents opportunities for relative unknowns to burst onto the scene and shine. Let’s take a look at some players…
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Continue ReadingDue to the cyclical environment of high school sports in which top players inevitably leave on graduation day, each new season presents opportunities for relative unknowns to burst onto the scene and shine. Let’s take a look at some players who appear to be poised for their breakouts to come during the 2019-20 prep campaign.
Cecelia Aanerud, 2021, 6-1, F, Holy Family
In 2018-19, Aanerud quietly averaged 6.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 1.5 blocks per game as a sophomore for Ron Rossi’s Tigers. A skilled and smart player, Aanerud knows how to get her shot off and shot 45 percent from the field last season, which was the highest of any Holy Family player. She’s not likely to step outside and shoot a 3-pointer but with last year’s leading scorer transferring to Erie, Aanerud should get plenty more opportunities to put the ball in the basket as a junior.
Deb Altshuler, 2022, 5-8, G, Erie
Though she was just a freshman last winter, Altschuler stood out on the court during every game for what was an all-around young Erie squad. She averaged 7.5 points per game but flashed the capacity for more, scoring double figures in eight of the Tigers’ 26 games. Also with 1.1 assists and 3.1 rebounds a night, Alshulter has the ability to get to the basket with her exceptional speed and lateral quickness. She’ll be joined in the Tigers backcourt by Holy Family transfer junior Genevieve Gudino, which will likely other teams’ attention off her a bit and allow her to operate more freely.
Sam Crispe, 2022, 6-1, F, Arapahoe
Crispe reportedly had a good summer with Colorado Basketball Club, which is a great sign for Arapahoe. As a freshman in 2018-19, Crispe averaged 4.2 points and 4.5 rebounds. As a 6-foot-1 sophomore, she’ll likely play a bigger role than before throughout Arapahoe’s quest to improve on last winter’s second-round postseason exit.
Sydney Durtsche, 2020, 5-10, F, Thompson Valley
Durtsche wasn’t exactly a secret weapon for the Eagles last season, averaging a double-double (11.8 points, 11.1 rebounds) while leading the Eagles to a 19-6 season. She also averaged 3.2 assists, 3.0 steals and 1.9 blocks as a junior. But still, her coaches believe there’s more in the tank and Durtsche could be primed for another big season. Then there’s the fact that the Eagles’ second and third leading scorers from last season both graduated, so Durtsche’s scoring numbers will likely increase as she does her part in picking up the slack.
Abbie Gillach, 2021, 5-4, PG, Boulder
You won’t find Gillach on any rankings lists or all-state teams but she might start popping up soon. Energy and fearlessness define this kid’s game, and she is a strong ball handler who attacks the rim well for an undersized guard. Gillach led the Panthers with 11.1 points a game last winter and continuing to develop as a perimeter shooter – she shot 28 percent (41-144) as a sophomore – and as a passer will only help her to further maximize her potential. There’s considerable raw talent there and it will be interesting to see what steps forward Gillach can take as a junior.