Under-the-Radar Prospects: Class of ’23
In this article:
With the rankings for the classes of ’23 and ’24 out, I’m going to take a deeper dive into them. To start, I am going to be looking at some prospects that are under the radar. Reasons can vary as…
Access all of Prep Girls Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWith the rankings for the classes of ’23 and ’24 out, I’m going to take a deeper dive into them. To start, I am going to be looking at some prospects that are under the radar. Reasons can vary as to why they’re under the radar, whether that be them being ranked lower than I think they should be or they’re undervalued, in one way or another. The ’23 class especially has loads of talent. That leads to many players being ranked lower than they would be if they were a year younger or older. If I were to go through every player who fits this criterion, I would have seven articles to write, so I will keep it short and list four players I think are the most undervalued.
Sadie Jarmolowicz Sadie Jarmolowicz 5'9" | CG Freedom | 2023 State WI -5’9 G-Freedom: Jarmolowicz is a player who affects the game in every facet. A way I describe what Jarmolowicz is best at is an “Expert in chaos.” I believe you can make her a one-person full-court press. Jarmolowicz will have opposing guards gasping for air halfway through the second half. She isn’t afraid to play right up into players’ jerseys and sticks with them for entire possessions. The flaw that keeps her from jumping into the next level of prospect is her all-around offensive game. If I could sort statistics, I would imagine Jarmolowicz is in rare air by averaging more than four assists and rebounds, along with one and a half steals and blocks. If she figures out her scoring efficiency issues, Jarmolowicz will probably jump out of this category. To me, she is a player who can help out any school as she is due to her ability to help a team with playmaking, defending, and bringing constant intensity. Jarmolwicz is currently ranked as the No. 53 junior in Wisconsin.
Lindsay Steien Lindsay Steien 5'9" | CG Blair- Taylor | 2023 State WI -5’9 G-Blair-Taylor: Steien is an efficient scorer that understands how to balance her offense with creation. Only 60 points away from 1000 for her career, I have no doubt if she was a selfish player she would have plenty more than that. Steien is a balanced guard who understands what the right play is. She is an excellent driver with both hands and finishes with both. She has a shooter’s touch that has helped her sink 74% of her 252 career free throws. An issue that has hampered her in a high school sense is playing in Division 5. Attending a school with less than 200 students limits the level of teams that she will see. However, with her play over the past few summers, I think she is better than some give her credit for. If she were at a Division 1 school, I think she would have a higher reputation around the state. Steien has everything a lead guard could possess, and I hope that college coaches see how gifted she is as well. Steien is currently the No. 61 junior in Wisconsin.
Mya Hartjes Mya Hartjes 5'6" | PG University School | 2023 State WI -5’6 G-University School: Hartjes is an interesting offensive prospect. She has very quick feints when driving that move the defenders without her needing to go through contact. Hartjes shooting is impressive as well, not just because it’s efficient but because most of it comes off the dribble. Hartjes is comfortable with her stepback jump shot. Hartjes also has an in-between game. Her floater game keeps bigs that sit back in the paint honest. She also carries a massive burden usage-wise. Her opposition sometimes tries to get her off the ball by doubling her as she crosses half-court. Hartjes has the composure and vision to keep her head up and pass or use a quick crossover and create an advantage by getting past the initial double. Hartjes is currently the No. 65 junior in Wisconsin.
Tieryn Plasch Tieryn Plasch 5'7" | CG Northwestern | 2023 State WI -5’7 G-Northwestern: Plasch is an excellent playmaker. As a lead guard, she put up almost 20 points and five assists a season ago. Where she plays doesn’t get much respect around the state as a basketball hub. That said, Plasch is an efficient scorer who can distribute and score from anywhere on the floor. On the ball, she is deceptively quick and can get by defenders when she isolates. If she were at a Division 1 school with more exposure, I think she would still be putting up similar numbers to what she is now. Last season she was an All-State honorable mention even with the reputation that Northern Wisconsin has. I expect her to have another strong year and jump up the ’23 rankings. Plasch is currently the No. 42 junior in Wisconsin.