Don’s Week 3 Back Court Standouts

In this article I take a look at some of the backcourt players that have been playing outstanding in the past week. These girls are all contributing to very good seasons for their teams and dealing with the adversity that comes from playing on short rest. &nbsp; <ul> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="123565" first="Erin" last="Houpt"] Erin is having a banner senior season so far. The Mercer commit is scoring 31 points per game and shooting the lights out. She is over 60% from 2 point range, 50% from behind the 3-point line and 85% from the charity stripe. Erin recently passed the huge milestone of 2,000 career points. She is a very good defender and floor general in addition to all of this offensive output.</li> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="194093" first="Sofie" last="Lowis"] Sofie is another player having a big senior season with the weight of a college choice off her back. She made the decision to come down the interstate to SIUE. Sofie has had many game over 20 points early in the season and has hit 4-5 three pointers in games multiple times. She has shown her ability as an all around player by continuing to involve her teammates and excel in all facets of the game. SHG is 11-0 and 7-0 in the CS8 entering tonight's game and they look to keep that run going.</li> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="124852" first="Mallory" last="Ramage"] Mallory is a lengthy left handed scorer that is also enjoying a stress free junior season due to a college decision being made. She decided to commit to Loyola and is now working on improving her game and preparing for the D1 level. Mallory has deep range but can also beat her opponent off the dribble if they crowd her. Her length is also a big factor on the defensive end where she can get tips and disrupt anyone looking to score over her.</li> <li>Grace Nelson is a 5'9 2024 Point Guard from Altamont. I have written about Grace before and been active on Twitter sharing her stats. Honestly I just don't know how I can do an article like this and not mention someone who just got "held" to 29 points. Grace has been putting up 35 plus points night in and night out. Now, she is not playing 4A ball, I know. But, when everyone within 100 miles knows you are scoring that much and is trying to stop you, it is a feat for a freshman to have that level of consistency. She is fast, can handle the ball in tight spaces and has really improved her 3-point shooting. Grace is one to watch.</li> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="124872" first="Kaleah" last="Toran"] Kaleah has been on the path of returning from an ACL injury that cost her the whole sophomore season. She started at the end of her freshman campaign so she returns with experience but a challenge of adjusting to a new role and regaining confidence. Kaleah has played very well lately with two games in the last week where she led the team in scoring. Kaleah is playing more of the point guard position and learning new angles of attacking the rim and a different approach to the game.</li> <li>[player_tooltip player_id="194226" first="Bailey" last="Wallbaum"] Bailey is a tough wing that can get it done all over the court for her team. She is a good defender and can score inside the lane and from the outside. She is currently averaging 13.4 points per game and is very consistent in double figures for her PORTA team that is having a special season. They are 10-0 and currently 5-0 in the Sangamo conference after a big win over conference perennial champ Pleasant Plains.</li> <li>Belle Koch is a 5'7 2021 guard from Brown County. Belle recently passed the 1,000 barrier and is enjoying a nice senior season. Belle has done a nice job of scoring and leadership for a Brown County team that is off to a 10-0 start including 7-0 in league play. She does a nice job if finishing through contact in the lane and can also drill the open jumper. Belle allows the game to come to her and does not force her shots which helps her talented teammates be able to get their open looks too.</li> <li>Makenna Yeager is a 2024 guard from Chatham Glenwood. Makenna is a tough defender that can play both ends of the floor at a high level. She is starting and contributing each game as one of the top scorers. I have not seen too many players wearing #54 out draining shots from deep and she certainly does not resemble Brad Lohaus. But, she is looking good early and is off and running on what should be a very good high school career.</li> <li>Kylee Parker is a 5'6 2021 guard from Springfield Lanphier. Kylee is having a great senior season by leading the team in scoring and assists. She is a recent Lincoln Land signee that is making the best of her shortened senior campaign. Kylee is known for her leadership and toughness as a point guard while also being able to defend and score it. Lanphier is 6-3, 4-3 in the CS8 so far.</li> </ul>