Stock Risers: Class of ’23 (Part Two)
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The rising junior class might be one of the top classes Wisconsin has had from top to bottom. Plenty of girls have earned roles and excelled within them. These girls will round up the class of ’23 stock risers report…
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Continue ReadingThe rising junior class might be one of the top classes Wisconsin has had from top to bottom. Plenty of girls have earned roles and excelled within them. These girls will round up the class of ’23 stock risers report that I began on Friday.
Bella Samz Bella Samz 5'9" | PG Arrowhead | 2023 State WI -5’7 G-Arrowhead: Samz is an interesting case because she clearly understands the game at a high level. In her sophomore year, Samz was mostly shooting and attacking help defenders on the perimeter. From her film, I think she can be an excellent point guard if she gets that opportunity. Samz used her shot to get fly-bys and drive into the paint or the mid-range area for her floater game. Samz has a game that makes me think she will be a good scorer when her volume jumps. Samz plays with a plan, which makes me think she’ll be a good lead guard as well. Samz knows what she wants to do before she even touches the ball. If she sees she has an open jumper, she will nail it. If Samz sees a hard closeout, she will pump fake them and send them into oblivion. Samz is the No. 40 junior in Wisconsin.
Alana Zarneke Alana Zarneke 6'0" | SF Kaukauna | 2023 State WI -6’0 F-Kaukana: Zarneke is an excellent athlete who gets into position in a hurry. As a shooter, she can get into her shot off quickly, even when she has to turn close to 180 degrees to get into position. That is something in its own right that takes lots of work. She has a high release that will make it hard for opponents to contest. She also knows how to play big. Her volleyball background may help her in staying vertical when contesting shots in the paint to avoid fouls. Her entire game seems to suit a role at the next level that puts her around more ball-dominant players. She can space the floor and has some juice off the bounce to attack rotating defenses. She also can defend perimeter players and protect the paint. Zarneke has a skill set that suits playing in almost any system. Zarneke is the No. 73 junior in Wisconsin.
Tayah Christopher Tayah Christopher 5'11" | CG Altoona | 2023 State WI -5’10 G/F-Altoona: Christopher is one of the more unique players in her class. She didn’t quite have the offensive season she would’ve wanted on the offensive end, at least when it comes to scoring. She is one of the better creators around. If you were to rank creators on-ball, Christopher would be relatively high on that list. She averaged a little over five assists a season ago. The amount she could jump up rankings with a better offensive season this year could be sizeable. Defensively her size at the high school level makes her able to defend multiple positions. Christopher is the No. 86 junior in Wisconsin.
Lili Hartel Lili Hartel 5'9" | CG Mukwonago | 2023 State WI -5’9 G/F-Mukwonago: Hartel is my favorite kind of basketball player. Hartel is a positionless player. That said, she plays hard all the time. Hartel plays every second like it’s her last time on a basketball floor. She may not be a top scorer, leading rebounder, best creator in the state. Hartel is a player who is comfortable with who she is and will outwork anyone if they aren’t careful. Hartel is deceptively quick and has caught her defenders on their heels. Hartel will sneak in on the backside of plays to sneak some offensive rebounds. She does the right thing all the time and loves playing the game. Hartel is the No. 94 junior in Wisconsin.