A Look at 2020 Stretch 4 Possibilities

As the first article to follow the discussion of the <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2019/10/the-stretch-4-position-what-it-is-and-players-to-look-watch/">stretch 4</a> position we will take a look at several 2020s who are possibilities for successfully playing the stretch 4 position. From most of their classmates what has stood out has been quickness, speed, strength, and the ability to knock down shots from the perimeter - which opens their ability to beat defenders off the dribble. #3 Faith Paramore, 5'11", PF, Haven, Ohlde Elite - The Oral Roberts University commit was a Kansas Basketball Coaches Association (KBCA) 3A first team all-state and Central Kansas League first team selection. Paramore is the top player in 3A for good reason. While a bit undersized for playing the stretch 4 in NCAA Division I she otherwise has a complete game for it. Paramore transitions both ways with speed, is a good perimeter shooter including from three point range, has good strength and confidence, has quickness to defend a variety of positions and to beat opponents off the dribble; and is an aggressive rebounder on both ends. On the interior she has well developed back-to-basket and face-up games. Incidentally, she was also the 2019 3A 800 meters state champion. [caption id="attachment_101334" align="alignright" width="245"] Maize South's 2020 Katie Wagner courtesy of Ohlde Elite Hoops.[/caption] #8 Katie Wagner, 5'11", PF, Maize South, Ohlde Elite - The Fort Hays State University commit was a <span data-sheets-value="{"1":2,"2":"KBCA 5A first team all-state. Strong face-up game from the elbow in. Able to use multiple moves, including whirl move; jump step; to create shots including shooting over the top. Has as good a sense of timing and ability to finish around the basket as anyone in the state. Three point range makes even more effective. Good offensive rebounder and shot blocker. Reign the Plains - Combination of size, strength, athleticism, and grit make her a difficult matchup on both ends of the floor. Can play PG-PF and defend each. Great use of body to defend bigger posts. Elevates well inside to score over taller defenders. An aggressive offensive rebounder. Two game averages of 6.5 ppg (1/2 from three), 4.5 rbs, 2 apg. "}" data-sheets-userformat="{"2":12801,"3":{"1":0},"12":0,"15":"Verdana","16":10}">KBCA 5A first team all-state selection. Wagner's face-up game extends to the elbow. She uses multiple moves, including whirl and jump step, to create shots including showing good elevation to shoot over the top of taller defenders. With a good sense of timing and an ability to finish around the basket as good as anyone in the state, her three point range makes her even more effective at beating people off the bounce. Wagner is a strong offensive rebounder and, on the other end, shot blocker. At the late summer Reign the Plains event in Wichita her combination of size, strength, athleticism, and grit make her a difficult match up on both ends of the floor. She defended shooting guards through power forwards, making great use of her body to defend bigger posts. #12 Emma Ruddle, 5'9", G/F, McPherson, Wheat State Elite - The Fort Hays State University commit was a Ark Valley Chisholm Trail League Div III honorable mention selection. Aggressive to the basket, Ruddle is fast, elevates, rebounds well, and is a strong three-point shooter. At the late summer Reign the Plains in Wichita she proved to be a great 1-on-1 defender against shooting guard through power forward positions. She also showed terrific terrific smarts on the use of her body and position to prevent elite players to get anything easy. On the offensive end Ruddle showed good touch on lob passes and that she has developed into a strong, all-around scorer. Did I mention speed? Ruddle is a 3x 4A state track and field champion, winning the 100 meter hurdles this past spring with two seconds in the 100 meters and 4x100 meters relay. #26 Lauren Cassaday, 5'10", F, Blue Valley North, Next Level Eclipse - The Washburn University commit was a Eastern Kansas League second team selection. Along with having good size she has good transition speed with the ball, has a super quick to beat people off the bounce, gets the ball up in the air quickly, can finish around the basket with contact and has very quick hands with instincts to use them. While she is a perimeter threat there is substantial upside to becoming a dangerous one because of her quickness. [caption id="attachment_25967" align="alignright" width="300"] After getting a steal Wichita Southeast's Chariah Daniels drives to the basket on Dodge City's Amaya Perez.[/caption] #57 Chariah Daniels, 5'9", F, Wichita Southeast, BGCB - Daniels, who is uncommited, was a Wichita City League honorable mention selection. Her game has exploded over the course of the summer on the offensive end. Fast and athletic, she can finish well off of post moves. Solid defensive rebounder and free throw shooter. To improve as an offensive threat she needs to develop a perimeter game. At the Reign the Plains event in Wichita Daniels showed off her great motor and her hard work on both ends. She showed off good interior power dribble and reverse pivoting moves but needs to continue growing her offensive mindset and perimeter vision. Defensively she is attentive off the ball and has good hops. Occasionally she can get out of control at times in transition with the ball. If she can develop consistent perimeter scoring ability, increased physical strength, and an ability to use her body better as a shield when finishing in transition she will be difficult to handle as a stretch 4. Having generated some early college interest she has her sights set on the 4-year environment. [caption id="attachment_101327" align="alignleft" width="179"] Photo of Chanute's Thea Alschner (2020) courtesy of Chanute Girl's Bball twitter account.[/caption] #99 Thea Alschner, 6'1", C, Chanute - Alschner, who is uncommitted, was a Topeka Capital Journal 4A all-state honorable mention and Southeast Kansas League second team selection. In 2019 she averaged 12 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. Alschner is a stretch 4 candidate due to her defensive quickness, shot blocking ability, size, and athleticism on the finish. Improvement in back court ball handling decisions, boxing out, and development of a perimeter game will make her a much more attractive positional candidate. Featured image: Blue Valley North's Lauren Cassaday launching a three. Courtesy of Blue Valley North Lady Mustangs twitter (@BVNbball).