Back To The Tape: Watertown vs. Aberdeen Central
Watertown and Aberdeen Central, AA schools, met in a contest January 21st in Aberdeen, South Dakota. PGH broke down the game and has some players you should know. Aberdeen Central put together a strong three quarters to handle Watertown 56-27.…
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Continue ReadingWatertown and Aberdeen Central, AA schools, met in a contest January 21st in Aberdeen, South Dakota. PGH broke down the game and has some players you should know. Aberdeen Central put together a strong three quarters to handle Watertown 56-27.
Aberdeen Central Players to Know –
Melanie Jacobs – (5’5/G/2021) – John Stockton-like game style from the point guard position. Jacobs is a true point guard with a knack for running the offense and moving the ball. Possesses a back-dribble and is able to handle ball-pressure. Ability to pass with both hands to limit deflections. Also, she’s not afraid to shoot the open three and knock it down. Jacobs had great shot selection in this game. Spotted up and shot the open three with good accuracy.
Abby Kopecky – (5’10/G-wing)/2021) – What didn’t Abby Kopecky do in this game? To say that she was active in this game, is an understatement. Kopecky showed high involvement on both the offense and defensive side of the ball. Played the passing lanes making steals and pushing the ball up the court. A little loose with her handles but she gets to where she needs to go without turning the ball over.
Brooklyn Kusler – (5’11/F/2021) – Kusler was the most impactful player with 22 points and 13 rebounds. Kusler plays aggressive from the post position and uses her athleticism to get by slower defenders both on the wing and in the post. She faces/squares up and drives past and under her defenders for off-the-glass buckets. She does this repeatedly and the defense has no answer. She lived on the baseline and was able to draw numerous shooting foul calls. Has the ability to rebound the ball then push it up on her own and make a play. This limits the outlet pass that can slow down an offense. She didn’t take any outside shots but that’s not in the offenses game plan for her to do so. The Eagles are much more effective when Kusler gets close looks and draws fouls.
There is a lot of potential in Kusler and she could be an impactful collegiate player with the right resources. Is she a wing at the next level?
Taryn Hettich – (5’4/G/2023) – As a Freshman, Hettich might have been the best overall athlete on the floor. Her lateral agility and overall movement is impressive. Showed great defensive pressure, mirroring the ball and playing up tight without fouling. Always in a great defensive position. She is able to play tightly on the ball-handler because she knows she can recover with her quickness. Great overall conditioning. Always played fast and high energy. Showed the ability to sprint with the ball in her hands and put the defense on their heels. Offensively, she’s able to make all of the passes, spot-up shots, dribble drives, and finishes. She easily belongs and if she expands her offensive ability, there’s no telling what’s next.
Watertown Players to Know –
Megan Fannin – (5’9/G/2020) – Already committed to D2 University of Sioux Falls, so there’s not a lot of time to spend on Fannin. In short, Fannin was the most skilled player on the court but Aberdeen Central knew that too and made sure they made someone else beat them. Best ball-handler on the court and best pure shooter. Incredible range that was more demonstrated in last years meeting in Aberdeen. Fannin got tired trying to do all the heavy lifting in the second half and Aberdeen Central kept scoring and making stops to pull-away in the game. Only finished with seven points but Aberdeen forced her into difficult situations.
Maggie Heesch – (6’0/F/C/2021) – Heesch was an intriguing watch. She should definitely be on some NAIA radars. A true 6’0 and strong frame. Strong rebounder that is not easily moved off of her spot. Didn’t receive a lot of inside touches but that could be attributed to Aberdeen’s constant ball pressure on Watertown’s guards. She was able to get a few offensive board put-backs. Good size, strength, and skilled enough to finish.