Willamette Valley Standouts: Class of 2021

The Willamette Valley is home to two of the best NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball teams in the country to date. With both the University of Oregon and Oregon State programs being located in the central valley, there is no shortage of elite level collegiate players to idolize as an athlete in this region. What better way to improve your knowledge of the game then by watching such esteemed programs live, right? Well, here are some class of 2021 standout competitors that come right from the heart of women’s basketball in the state of Oregon- the Willamette Valley &nbsp; <em>Hillary James - South Salem - Point Guard</em> An incredible athlete and versatile point guard that keeps her defenders on their toes. With specialties all across the offensive boards, she has no problem powering through defenders and finishing at the rim with great touch or pulling up for a mid-key jumper. She is comfortable shooting on the spot from 3 as well, and has drained as many as 6 in a single game. Hillary has an instinct for reacting quickly to defenders and creating opportunities for herself that every point guard needs. &nbsp; <em>Carley Robb - West Albany - Shooting Guard</em> Defensively, Carley anticipates passes and jumps passing lanes, resulting in a number of fast breaks. Once she gets her fingertips on the ball, she is able to break out of crowds with her dribble and get ahead of defenders. On the offensive end of the court, she has a beautiful 3 point shot that forces teams to soundly guard her outside. &nbsp; <em>Olivia Pierzina - Sheldon - Point Guard</em> This is a player that I really just had too many good things to say about in my analysis. For starters, she visibly communicates to her teammates on defense throughout each possession. She is an aggressive defender in an intimidating press that troubles many teams. As a point guard, Olivia is intuitive and effective. She gets her offense going, keeps it moving, and attacks gaps- not too much, not too little. Overall a really sound and complete player that I personally really enjoyed watching! &nbsp; <em>[player_tooltip player_id="158482" first="Kylee" last="Arzner"] - McMinville - Shooting Guard</em> To top off this group of fine young athletes, we have a shooting guard that has found a niche in quick pull ups and runners mid key. Kylee is smart in fast breaks with her teammates as she spaces the floor and is unafraid to dribble the ball to get out of traffic. She does a great job of reading her defenders to make efficacious court decisions. &nbsp; These four players exhibit exemplary skills that have allowed them to leave lasting marks on their programs. They play as though they have studied some of the best in the game of basketball... And they just so happen to be located locally to two of the most successful women's basketball programs in the country. These players are just a few prime examples that go to show if you study greatness, you will model it to others. <p style="text-align: center;"><em>"You must expect great things of yourself before you can do them" - Michael Jordan</em></p> &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;