Classic Eight Players Posed to Make an Impact in the Middle

Basketball has been trending toward a game where the 3 point shot is king and players work hard on moves where they can drive and finish at the rim.  In all of the games that I attended this year, I did not see a player listed as center.  As we see dominant post players such as <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="132438" first="Olivia" last="Sobczak"] (2020 Oconomowoc)</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="132448" first="Elise" last="Whitmoyer"] (2020 Arrowhead)</strong> depart the conference, who are the young players that will take over playing with their backs to the basket. &nbsp; <strong>Elena Harper 2022 --- Hartland Arrowhead </strong> Elena is the sister of former Player of the Year of the Classic Eight Conference, Caitlin Harper.  I see the potential for her being as good or better than her sister who is now playing for California Baptist University.  She has a true 6’3” frame.  I was struck by her length and speed.  She excelled at turning to her right while in the post and finishing easily with her left.  With her height, this move is tough to stop.  I would watch for her to make a powerful impact in the Classic Eight next season. &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="202241" first="Alyssa" last="Nimz"] 2021 --- Catholic Memorial</strong> Alyssa started her first varsity season with an injury.  Once she was cleared to return, she definitely was a girl on mission.  She finished close to the top of the conference’s scoring leaders at 18.6 points per game.  I was would describe her play in the post as aggressive and relentless.  Catholic Memorial Coach Nikki Nellen touted her unique ability to "feel" how the defense is playing her and instinctively react with "shifty movements to maneuver around her defenders" to score.  With the addition of <strong>Grace Lomen (2022 Catholic Memorial)</strong> who will be a potent scoring threat, opposing teams will not be able to only focus on stopping Alyssa next year.  This will open her game up to become even more difficult to defend. &nbsp; <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="156078" first="Caden" last="Krohn"] 2023 --- Waukesha West</strong> Most of the Classic Eight is aware of Caden’s velvet touch from the 3 point stripe.  She does, however, have a nice inside game as well.  With a powerful 6 foot body, she uses her strength to secure solid positions in the paint.  She has a strong drop step finishing move, but also has a great touch with a turnaround or fade away jump shot.  She will benefit from the transfer of point guard, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="132380" first="Ashlyn" last="Yow"] (2022)</strong> who will be able to create space and get her the ball on the inside as well as behind the 3 point line. I would look for Caden to become one of the best all around players in the Classic Eight in the coming years.