Top Five Players of the 2023 Class

<span style="font-weight: 400">The 2023 class is an interesting bunch and although as freshman, you would think they didn’t have the opportunity to showcase their skills at this level.  However, there was a group that had the talent and ability to do so, making an impact in their first year and showing lots of upside.  <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="158538" first="Sofia" last="Bell"]</strong> for St. Mary’s Academy showed a game mature beyond her years, depicting why she was a part of USA Basketball’s U16 trials in Colorado Springs last year.  <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="158539" first="Lizzy" last="Bennett"]</strong> from West Salem High School was an exceptional role player for the Titans, doing whatever they needed at the given time.  <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="158540" first="Onna" last="Brown"]</strong> of Benson Tech showed a lot of consistency for a freshman, including a 26 point outburst versus Mountainside and Cameron Brink in an inspired effort in a loss. <strong> [player_tooltip player_id="158541" first="Ella" last="Wedin"]</strong> of storied program La Salle proved that she is amongst the conversation for best in the class with several key contributions, averaging 8 points in the regular season and looking ever bit of the player she was projected to be before the season started.  <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="158542" first="Kennedie" last="Shuler"]</strong> of Barlow logged in a sensational season and put her big time guard skills for everybody to see.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="158538" first="Sofia" last="Bell"] 2023 6’0" SG (St. Mary’s Academy)</strong> - The 6’0” freshman doesn’t play a position per se, simply put, she is a complete basketball player.  She has length and size which helps her defensively, grabbing rebounds and staying aggressive. She is a confident and accurate shooter, but can take it strong to the basket, making her an offensive juggernaut.  The x-factor regarding her game is her attitude, as she is a fearless competitor that plays with a high motor at all times no matter the game situation. With all of these intangibles combined, it made sense to award Sofia the top spot in the class of 2023.  The statistics also bolstered this assertion, as through January, she was averaging 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists for St. Mary’s Academy.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="158539" first="Lizzy" last="Bennett"] 2023 5’11" SF (West Salem)</strong> - The defensive minded forward/guard for West Salem was depended upon by the Titans to come in and play team basketball.  Lizzy has a great wingspan, which makes her a good defender naturally, but her determination is what makes her a great defender. Great on-ball defender and rebounds at a high rate. Makes plays for others and has great court awareness as she finds her teammates at excellent spots on the court.  Bennett also has an excellent shot and finds ways to finish at the basket.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="158540" first="Onna" last="Brown"] 2023 5’11" SF (Benson Tech HS)</strong> - The rugged, fearless, post for Benson provided significant contributions for the Techsters throughout the season.  Brown played with a sheering confidence and dominant rare for a freshman and it showed through her statistics. One of her trademark games came in a loss to Mountainside in overtime, as she had 26 points in an offensive display of skill.  Brown is a nightly double-double threat, as she has a nose for grabbing the loose ball and plows through the defense for scores. She is also a willing and capable defender.</span> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="158541" first="Ella" last="Wedin"] 2023 6'0" SG (La Salle HS) </strong>- (Pictured) The 5’10” combo guard displays great quickness and agility to great around defenders and scores in a multitude of ways.  Makes quick decisions towards the basket and has excellent footwork that leads to athletic finishes. Capable shooter and defender on ball defender that makes it difficult for shorter guards to get past her length.  Younger sister of [player_tooltip player_id="158474" first="Addison" last="Wedin"], one of the top players in her class as well as daughter of the head coach of the Falcons. <span style="font-weight: 400"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="158542" first="Kennedie" last="Shuler"] 2023 5’8" PG (Barlow HS)</strong> - High IQ guard for the Bruins that made a splash this season.  Played soccer for Barlow in the fall, which explains her court awareness and intensity down the floor.  Has a nice handle to her game, makes the right decisions in moving the ball, and plays defense with intensity.  Can shoot the ball but can take it down the middle herself as well.  Earned 1st Team All Mt. Hood and will continue to develop into one of the State’s best players.  </span> <strong>Honorable Mention:</strong> <span style="font-weight: 400"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="158543" first="Donovyn" last="Hunter"] 2023 5'10" PG (South Medford HS)</strong> - The precocious young talent was regionally known as a middle school superstar, but didn’t have the ability to showcase her skills due to a knee injury suffered before the season.  Hunter was known for her off the charts ball handling skills, which went hand in hand with her all around offensive arsenal. Hunter will undoubtedly contribute right away as she makes her debut for the South Medford Panthers.  Her athletic genius will be seen right away, as she has a wide combination of ball handling moves along with an automatic jump shot that will make her an asset right away for South Medford.</span>