Video evaluations: Elite 2024s with size and length
Olivia Olson is tall, with impossibly long strides and nice touch, and she had a 40-point game on varsity as an 8th grader. Do I really need to say more? Nope. But I will, of course. The Benilde-St. Margaret’s guard…
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Continue ReadingOlivia Olson is tall, with impossibly long strides and nice touch, and she had a 40-point game on varsity as an 8th grader. Do I really need to say more? Nope. But I will, of course. The Benilde-St. Margaret’s guard leads the way as we bring you video analysis of some of the best prospects from the class of 2024. This group includes players with size and length – we’ll cover some top 8th grade guards in our next installment – and all four of them are going to be near the top of the class when we rank the 24s for the first time in the fall.
It’s a treat watching these kids do their thing. Enjoy!
Olivia Olson – Benilde-St. Margaret’s
I’ve got to be honest: When watching Olivia’s 9-minute video I didn’t write down a single note. All I did was smile. This kid is that good. We are talking here about a high Division 1 prospect who has all the tools coaches look for. The 6-footer is long, has elite-level athleticism and is already very, very skilled. She has terrific touch and a well-developed skill set that belies her age. The thing I love about her game is just how natural Olson looks. She runs with ease, sprinting the floor confidently at full speed with the basketball, which gives her the ability to blow by bewildered defenders with high frequency to finish at the rim. Her court vision is impeccable, she’s creative and opportunistic, she can shoot it from anywhere and her length and tenacity makes her a terrific defender. Olivia is ostensibly a point guard but you could player her 1-4 and get the results you are looking for. She led her team in scoring at 16 points per game while averaging 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and 1.5 blocks. Olivia is the real deal and could emerge as the #1 player in the class. She’ll compete for Minnesota Fury 2024 UAA.
Katie Vasecka – New Prague
Katie and Olivia will be teammates this summer on the Fury, and many observers believe Vasecka is the top prospect in the class of 2024. How’s that for a one-two punch? The 6’1 combo guard is long and wiry, with super-long strides that enable her to get to the rim as quick as you’d like. She’s crafty, too, with the ability to shift right then left then right again, swapping hands in the process and leaving even top defenders flummoxed. Her ability to read the opportunity, change speeds as necessary, and then make the smart choice is exceptional, and she knows how to finish consistently at the rim with either hand. She can also shoot it with nice form, a soft release and plenty of range. Katie has tremendous court vision, with an uncanny ability to spot a teammate through traffic while on the fly. It’s great stuff. Vasecka does need to get a lot stronger but that will come over time. She averaged about 8 points per game this winter on a veteran 4A squad that won over 20 games.
Finley Ohnstad – Lakeville South
Finley is a 6-foot shooting guard/small forward with broad shoulders and a much bigger frame than either Olson or Vasecka. This kid can flat out shoot the basketball, knocking down pull-up jumpers from beyond the three-point line as though she was 10 feet closer. Look on the video for the smooth turnaround jumper from beyond the arc. I mean, who does that? The release is quick and soft, and she can create her own shot. It’s impressive. When you combine that with mobility, a high IQ and nice touch at the rim you’ve got an A-grade package. Finley also has a 6’3 wingspan and is an outstanding shot blocker. Ohnstad broke through this year in the last few weeks of the season, playing big minutes and producing accordingly. Here’s one more thing to consider about this strong D1 prospect: her bloodlines. Mom Angie Iverson-Ohnstad played at the University of Minnesota and is the coach at Lakeville South. Dad Mitch Ohnstad was also a Gopher, and is a highly-respected basketball trainer. Finley will carve her own path, of course, but the possibilities are endless and the ceiling is high. Ohnstad plays for North Tartan.
Emma Dasovich – Minnetonka
Emma is a 6’1 power forward with a big frame, a fiery personality and a motor that seldom idles. She is an imposing figure inside who also has a bit of a mean streak which is always a plus in my books. Not a sprinter by any means, Dasovich nevertheless runs the floor well and has nice mobility. Her footwork and post moves are impressive. She scores a ton inside, either by out-foxing the defender or simply out-muscling them, punishing with power and finishing with finesse. She can shoot it, too, possessing a nice mid-range game and plenty of capability to the 3-point line and beyond. Emma also has wonderful court vision and is one of the best passers in the class. She drops dimes like Janel McCarville, and is constructed in similar fashion, as well. Dasovich really matured this season, averaging 10 points and 4 rebounds per game while earning all-conference selection in the state’s toughest league. Emma is already having conversations with a number of high-major programs and is a likely top-5 prospect in the class. It’s hard to believe she’s only an 8th grader.