Class of 2022 Player Rankings: #11-20

<strong>[player_tooltip player_id="94503" first="Alyssa" last="Reardon"] - PG - St. Edward</strong> Alyssa averaged nearly 20 points per game as a sophomore, without relying on 3-point shooting. She has delicate feet in the lane and she uses the euro step exceptionally well to get clean looks at the rim. Once in the lane, she has the strength to hang with post players and finish through contact. She ripped down almost 8 rebounds per game last season, too, not too bad for a point guard. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="94507" first="Jordyn" last="Carr"] - PG - Wakefield/Allen</strong> Defenders try and match Jordyn step for step, but she is too quick for the majority of her matchups. This makes her one of the best transition threats in the state, but she doesn’t need a whole floor to use her speed effectively. She can beat a perimeter player against a set defense, and still reach the basket before any help defender arrives in time. She put up 19 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 5 steals per game last year, proving her versatility. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="94508" first="Ava" last="Ward"] - SF - Lincoln Southwest</strong> It is difficult to find a better athlete in this class than Ava. She shoots it well enough from outside to suggest success in the future, but she has the potential to be a devastating slasher. As her game grows, I can see her being one of the most well-rounded players in the state in terms of scoring, rebounding, and defense. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="94521" first="Riley" last="Jensen"] - CG - Bellevue East</strong> You don’t see too many guards these days who don’t let it fly from the three-point range (only 12 3-point attempts in 2019-2020), but Riley finds plenty of other ways to score. She runs the floor well and attacks the defense in transition like a veteran. Eventually, the next evolution in her game is developing that perimeter shot, but her dribble and her feet are solid enough right now to drive at will. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="174473" first="Ital" last="Lopuyo"] - C - Omaha Central</strong> Still a very raw prospect, but Ital has nearly every quality you would want in a modern big. She is 6’5" with excellent length, but has a slighter frame. Her offensive post footwork needs the most work. She moves her feet pretty well on defense though when her instincts take over, so with more drilling and practice she should come along just fine on offense. She has excellent hands, so her point guard could just toss it up into a mass of bodies, trusting that Ital would come down with it. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="94543" first="Megan" last="Belt"] - CG - Millard South</strong> Megan succeeded in her role for the Patriots last season. She provided reliable spot-up shooting and showed her playmaking ability in limited opportunities with the ball in her hand. This season, Millard South returns much of their talent, but there will be production to replace from graduation losses. I expect to see Megan running the point more as a junior. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="94517" first="Bailey" last="Kissinger"] - SF - St. Cecilia</strong> St. Cecilia’s defensive player of the year award would go to Bailey if I was making the selections. She gets in a low, stable guarding position with her hands always ready to wreak havoc. She moves her feet quickly without getting handsy, and remains vertical while contesting shots. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="174474" first="Emma" last="Crisman"] - SG - Bellevue West</strong> Emma takes the ball to the rim as good as anyone. She will lull the defender to sleep with some jabs and ball movement. Once she starts toward the rim, she is always mindful of protecting the ball. Sometimes she uses her off-hand to shoo away tries at the ball, or she will rotate her body to wall off would-be defenders. She has nice touch around the hoop too, but her next-level value will come from driving and finding plays for others. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="174475" first="Sarah" last="Shepard"] - SF - Fremont</strong> Sarah’s best skill is her rebounding. She has great balance through the air, and can jump laterally to grab them, making her rebound radius bigger than the average player. She isn’t the quickest player and won’t blow past many opponents, but hits some tough finishes using creative angles and touch. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="174476" first="Nataya" last="Lockett"] - CG - Omaha Benson</strong> Nataya is a high-energy combo guard who does not let the opponent breathe during the course of a game. Her on-ball pressure defense was very effective, and her help defense benefitted from her anticipation and instincts. Her energy pays off when fighting for rebounds. She comes in waves and will not give up on a rebound if she doesn’t secure it on the first try.