Prospect Spotlight: Riley Wade (2020)
Coming off a strong summer running with Nex Level Eclipse, Olathe Northwest guard Riley Wade is looking forward to a big senior season for the Lady Owls. A versatile player, Wade takes pride in being able to play several positions…
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Continue ReadingComing off a strong summer running with Nex Level Eclipse, Olathe Northwest guard Riley Wade is looking forward to a big senior season for the Lady Owls.
A versatile player, Wade takes pride in being able to play several positions and can guard post players, wings or guards. She has played every position throughout her career and brings defensive intensity and an aggressive attitude to the court.
After a tough regular season a year ago, Olathe Northwest went on quite a ride to cap out the 2018-19 season, winning sub state as the No. 8 seed with upset wins over Shawnee Mission East and top seeded Blue Valley North, then, as the No. 8 seed at the Class 6A state tournament, beat undefeated Liberal.
Olathe Northwest went on to finish fourth with close losses to Topeka in the semifinals and Derby in the third-place game.
A year ago, Olathe Northwest entered sub-state as the No. 8 seed and upset Shawnee Mission East in the first round then defeated top seeded Blue Valley North in a tough game to advance to state.
“Last high school season was my favorite year ever playing basketball. our team was so close and we played together so well … the way we ended our season was so great because we weren’t even supposed to be at state,” Wade said.
Olathe Northwest lost four seniors from last year’s team, but Wade says the expectations are high with a big senior class ready to step into new roles.
“The starting five will be a group of girls that have all played together since sixth grade and our group of girls will be scrappy and fast, and competitive and will fight to the end every game,” she said. “I am looking forward to play Olathe East and Shawnee Mission Northwest the most because those are our biggest rivals each year and the main ones we want to win.”
Wade is coming off a strong summer running with Next Level Eclipse and coach Dru Wheatcroft. She suffered a broken wrist early in the spring and was out until July 1, but ended the summer strong.
“I strengthened and worked on my left hand ball handling and drives when I couldn’t play because of my wrist,” Wade said. “When I got cleared to play I got all tourney team at two USJN Tournaments after being out for two and a half months.
“I stayed in shape and played as hard as I could knowing that it was my last year playing club.”
Riley Wade says her dad, Troy Wade, has had the biggest influence on her basketball career to date.
“He has always been there since day one driving me to games and practices, coaching and pushing me to be the best I can be, and teaching me the life skills basketball has brought me,” she said. “I thank my dad for everything I am today on and off the court.”
Wade recently committed to play at Colorado Christian University in Denver Colorado.
“I am very excited to play for Coach Laster and be a cougar next year,” she says. “CCU stood out to me because the campus is very friendly and wants everyone to succeed and has the major I want to pursue. Also the team is a lot of fun and are super welcoming and seem to have a great bond. I also love the coaches and community there.”