Offseason Stock Risers: 7 Breakout Candidates

The work put in each offseason always shows up loud and clear each winter on the high school hardwood. Below we are taking a look at (7) young ladies who are poised for big high school seasons as a result of the countless hours of work they have put in during the offseason.   Meredith Maier Meredith Maier 6'0" | PF Fairmont Senior | 2022 State WV -2022-6’0-Forward-Fairmont Senior High:  Possibly the biggest stock riser of the offseason.  She has increased her range to beyond the three-point arc, a legitimate inside/out threat making her a nightmare matchup on the high school level.  She has D1 size and athletic ability, remember this young lady’s name!   Sophie Nelson Sophie Nelson 5'8" | SF Ritchie County | 2022 State WV -2022-5’9-Wing-Ritchie County High:  Sophie has the ability to score on all three levels.  She was buried down the depth chart on a loaded Parkersburg team the past two seasons and a move to Ritchie County will give her the opportunity to show the state what we have seen from her this offseason.   Daisha Summers Daisha Summers 5'11" | PF Wyoming East | 2022 State WV -2022-5’10-Forward-Wyoming East:  Daisha is a slasher with a very quick first step.  She has always been able to score at the rim and has added range to her shot this offseason.  Look for Wyoming East to make a return trip to Charleston riding the back of Daisha Summers Daisha Summers 5'11" | PF Wyoming East | 2022 State WV .   Makayla Smith Makayla Smith 5'7" | SG St. Joseph | 2022 State WV -2022-5’9-Forward-St. Joseph’s:  Makayla has spent her first two seasons providing a spark off the bench for the state’s top team, Huntington St. Joseph’s.  She has always been an elite rebounder earning her the nickname "Baby Rodman".  "Baby Rodman" has developed herself into a legitimate threat from the perimeter.  Makayla is an elite athlete and her skill level is starting to catch up with her athleticism.   Olivia Ziolkowski Olivia Ziolkowski 6'0" | PF Woodrow Wilson | 2022 State WV -2022-6’0-Forward-Woodrow Wilson:  Olivia played an important role for Woodrow Wilson last season bringing toughness and grit.  Already a capable scorer in the post, she has added to her offensive bag this offseason and will cause matchup problems for the teams on Woodrow’s schedule this spring.  She shoots the ball well from the perimeter.  She will shoulder much of the scoring load for the Flying Eagles this season.   Cadence Stewart Cadence Stewart 5'8" | SG Greenbrier East | 2023 State WV -2023-5’7-Guard-Greenbrier East:  Cadence had some big games last season for the Spartans as a freshman.  She has evolved from a one-dimensional catch and shoot player to a very sound all-around player.  She is a 40+% shooter from three and now is a threat to get to the rim and score in the mid-range.  Greenbrier East will rely heavily on Cadence, not only as a scorer but also as a facilitator for the rest of the offense.           Abby McDonough-2023-5’7-Guard-Doddridge County:  Abby had a solid freshman season last winter.  We look for her to have a breakout season this spring.  Abby impacts the game on both ends, creating offense with her defense.  She plays with a high motor, finishes with both hands against bigger girls and is starting to shoot the ball from three with confidence.  Abby will be a stat sheet stuffer for Doddridge County this season.