Class of 2024: Players to Know
As a freshman on the varsity team, it can be a difficult transition. Some players get thrown right into the fire on day one and are expected to contribute. Meanwhile, other players might get minutes sparingly throughout the season trying…
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Continue ReadingAs a freshman on the varsity team, it can be a difficult transition. Some players get thrown right into the fire on day one and are expected to contribute. Meanwhile, other players might get minutes sparingly throughout the season trying to find their niche on the squad. Regardless of the role, if a freshman is good enough to make the varsity team, the coach recognizes that they are among the 12 best players at the school and someone with a high ceiling. Here are some names you should become familiar with from the class of 2024.
Cecilia Kay – Arlington Catholic High School – F
Get used to seeing Cecilia Kay’s name gracing local newspapers for not just this season but the next three. After her first week of high school basketball, she was named one of the Boston Globe’s Players of the Week after dominating Cardinal Spellman with 26 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 blocks. She followed up that game with a career-best 28 points in a win vs. Archbishop Williams. Her biggest test came last night against one of Massachusetts’ top teams, St. Mary’s High School. Having to match up against Sacred Heart commit, Maiya Bergdorf, Kay proved she could compete against the elite. Scoring 19 points, the freshman forward impressed against one of the most tenacious defenses in the Catholic Central League. She has an incredible touch around the basket and at the free-throw line. This is crucial moving forward because teams will resort to fouling her if they cannot slow her down any other way. The ability to knock down free throws consistently and a fluent shooting stroke is key to being an efficient scorer. Kay possessing that attribute this early in her high school career will lead to more 20+ scoring outputs moving forward.
Nevaeh King – Brockton High School – G/F
The Brockton Boxers opened up the season on Tuesday against the best team in the Southeast Conference, Bridgewater-Raynham. Despite the lopsided loss, King showed potential by scoring 8 points off the bench. Boxers head coach Morgan Thatcher trusted the freshman early in the game to get her first taste of varsity action, and she provided a nice spark off the bench. Showing off her shooting acumen, King buried a transition three-pointer that gave life to the Brockton offense. In the 4th quarter, King hit another three, but this time it was a contested step-back three, which was encouraging to see. A superior athlete, the guard/forward hybrid should see a ton of minutes, especially against the quicker uptempo conference opponents. With more playing time, King will learn more of the fundamentals of defense and offense. With this being her first game, to look as confident as she did is a great sign moving forward,
Nauset High School:
Nauset high has four freshmen on their roster and is in a unique position. They start four seniors; therefore, the coaching staff must groom the newcomers to fill the vacancies. Also, they have won by at least 40 points in each of their two games this year. If Nauset continues to blister the opposition, it will open up more playing time for the young players. With no juniors on the roster, as we advance, Nauset will rely on the up and coming freshman to provide solid bench production. If these first games indicate what is to come, there will be plenty of minutes available for development.
Gabby Foster – G/F
Foster finished with 2 points in last night’s win on a sweet 10-foot jump shot. Not shy at all, Foster has no problem shooting from mid-range. She went 1/4 from the field, but it was encouraging to see her continue to attempt those open looks. As the season continues, she should be a huge threat from 15-18 feet.
Jill Ernstrom – G/F
Ernstrom has excellent instincts on defense. She displayed her quick hands and lightning-fast reflexes as she disrupted passing during her stints on the court. Her athleticism mixed with her aggressiveness on defense will allow her to play more as the season goes on. Ernstrom has the talent to start but just not the experience, so she is playing to watch as the season moves forward.
Samantha McIsaac – G
McIsaac is another solid defender at the guard spot for Nauset. She was active on the weak-side, making sure to keep her foot in the lane while the ball was two passes away from her assignment. Her shot-contesting and boxing out after the shot showed a high defensive I.Q and is a good fit for a defensive-minded Nauset squad.
Jordan Streitmatter – G
The speedy Streitmatter has the potential to be the starting point guard for the Warriors next season. Nauset is a team that forces many turnovers and converts a lot of fast-break points, which is perfect for a floor general like Streitmatter who can utilize her quickness in transition. She failed to score in last night’s contest but did attempt a three-point attempt late in the game, showing that she has the range and confidence to fire from that distance.