2023 Rankings: Newcomers

Lena March 22, 2021 @ 09:23 PM

2023 Rankings: Newcomers <img class="size-medium wp-image-181841 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2020/06/PGHGenericTN-300x187.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="187" /> Below is a list of newcomers who earned a spot on the rankings this time around. Each one of these players have had impressive high school seasons and showcased a high level of skill and ability to be successful in the years to come. [player_tooltip player_id="264918" first="Paulina" last="Hernandez"] Hernandez is an extremely versatile and athletic prospect that is perfect in the modern game. She gets up and down the court with ease and puts up big minutes for Oak Creek. She is a force on the offensive glass because she has great instincts and ability to keep the ball high and be above the defense. Hernandez averaged 10 points and 6 rebounds per game during her sophomore season. In a victory over Racine Case, Hernandez scored a season-high 20 points. The 6’2 forward earned a spot at #20 on the rankings list. [player_tooltip player_id="264919" first="Jordan" last="Vickman"] Vickman averaged nearly 9 points and 8 rebounds per game in a tough North Eastern conference. She also averaged 2.4 blocks per game with 53 total on the season. Vickman holds the #23 spot on the rankings list. Vickman has incredible mobility and movement for her size. She plays with great fundamentals. She has terrific footwork on the floor and ability to step outside and consistently hit the jumper. She doesn’t try crazy blocks, but simply puts her hands up and forces defenders to finish through her. [player_tooltip player_id="264920" first="Ayianna" last="Johnson"] The 6’3 power forward averaged 11 points and 8 rebounds per game during her sophomore season. In a win over Waterloo, Johnson finished with a season-high 26 points. In another win over Whitewater, Johnson scored 23 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. Ayianna has loads of potential due to her size, mobility and agility. She will be able to guard on the perimeter as well. With steady improvement, she could become a top talent. [player_tooltip player_id="156102" first="Annamarie" last="Aue"] Aue averaged nearly 14 points per game during her sophomore season. Aue is a crafty guard with great understanding for the game. She is quick off the bounce, and she explodes out with her first dribble- needless to say, her first step is quick. Her athleticism can take over and give her a huge boost in a crowded lane. She can hang through contact and create space for herself by adjusting during the attack. In a win over Sparta, Aue scored a season-high 23 points. A defensive specialist with footwork and balance, Aue averaged nearly 3 steals per game with 52 on the season. [player_tooltip player_id="264942" first="Jorey" last="Buwalda"] Buwalda is coming off a phenomenal high school season with Randolph. A strong power forward who can play inside and out, Buwalda is athletic and highly skilled. She can handle the ball, attack, as well as play with her back to the basket. She keeps her head on a swivel and can find the open man with ease. Buwalda averaged 17 points and 9 rebounds per game this past season. She’s put up impressive numbers all season long including a season-high performance with 31 points against Dodgeland. [player_tooltip player_id="264947" first="Raemalee" last="Smith"] Smith averaged 21 points per game during her sophomore season. In a victory over Northwestern, Smith finished with 32 points. She puts up huge numbers each night but is still so composed and patient offensively. She’s a smarty player who simply just knows her own game and how to get a bucket. She’s shifty and explosive- often catching her defender off guard with a hesitation before finishing in the lane. A consistent perimeter shooter this past season, Smith made 60 three point baskets. A defensive standout as well, Smith averaged 2.5 steals per game as well.