First Month Observations: Intriguing Underclassmen
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With nearly a month of games played, it’s time to highlight some intriguing performers from the classes of 2024 and 2025. I have four players in mind that I want to highlight for their play to start the season. Today’s…
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Continue ReadingWith nearly a month of games played, it’s time to highlight some intriguing performers from the classes of 2024 and 2025. I have four players in mind that I want to highlight for their play to start the season. Today’s list isn’t a list of the top sophomores and freshmen in the state. This list is also not in any particular order.
Lindsey Schadewalt Lindsey Schadewalt 5'10" | SG New Glarus | 2024 State WI -5’10 G/F-’24-New Glarus: In my opinion, Schadewalt is one of the most difficult players to defend in Wisconsin. The main issue that defenses will have guarding her is that you can’t contest her shot. The sophomore has a high release on her jumper that only a well over six-foot athletic player can get near. The other problem if you decide to defend her with a taller player is that she is quick and doesn’t mind getting hit. When she does get hit and fouled, she is almost surgically precise at the free-throw line, where she is shooting 94% this season.
Rainey Welson-5’9 G/F-’25-Hortonville: When a freshman is not only playing but leading the No. 1 team in the state in scoring, it’s impressive. Having seen Hortonville play twice in the lowest-scoring games Welson has had, she has still made winning plays. Coming into a talented Polar Bear team isn’t easy, but Welson’s ability to shoot made it a seamless fit. Welson shooting 48% from the field over 47% behind the 3-point line makes it easy to play her. Her 89% free-throw shooting also gives credence to her shooting overall to start the season.
Kristina Ouimette-6’1 F-’25-Lakeland: In the first event I attended at Beaver Dam, I made seeing Julianna and Kristina Ouimette play a priority. Although Lakeland came up short in their game against Aquinas, I came away admiring Kristina’s game. While playing a Blugold team that has dominated their division for the last few years, Kristina looked like she belonged amongst D1 recruits. In fact, because of how well the Ouimette’s played in the first half, the Blugolds came out in the second half in a triangle and two defense, with the two defenders on the Ouimette sisters. Kristina showed an ability to attack the basket and a willingness to shoot. In the second half of the game, I completely threw out what I saw because it was clear that they weren’t quite sure how to deal with the Blugold defense.
Natalie Meaux Natalie Meaux 5'5" | PG Franklin | 2024 State WI -5’5 G-’24-Franklin: Meaux has had a massive jump in scoring from last year to the start of this one. Last season Meaux averaged a little over four points per game. She is over 21 in five games this season. With a scoring outburst like that to start the season, it’s forced me to take notice of her game. In the small clip I have seen of her play, she is a good ball-handler. Meaux is a player I’d like to see in person.