Standout Posts at the Hanson Classic

The Hanson Classic was dominated for the most part by guard play but there were some standout post players who did not let the inside game go unnoticed.  In today’s game, it is rare to see true post-type players.  This classic had some versatile posts as well as some back-to-the-basket type of kids to admire.  Here are the top five performing posts on the day... [player_tooltip player_id="181914" first="Claire" last="Sheppard"] - The sophomore Flandreau standout had a solid performance in a tight battle with Corsica-Stickney.  In a 58-47 loss the super athletic forward scored 15 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.  Sheppard has a rare mix of height, athleticism, and shooting that makes her a complete basketball player.  She’s deadly in the high post, can get on the block and go to work in the paint, and oh yeah, she operates the point guard spot as well.  She is the definition of an all-around basketball player stands out amongst the crowd. [player_tooltip player_id="100468" first="Avery" last="Broughton"] - The University of South Dakota commit never fails to standout on the basketball floor.  If you follow South Dakota basketball you have been watching her make a difference in games for three and a half years now.  A top five player in the state for sure this girl is a physical specimen.  She has unbelievable length paired with great footwork and a 5’11" frame.  She blocked multiple shots on the night, battling through foul trouble with her unbelievable intelligence on that end.  She had a steady night with yet another double double finishing with 11 points and 12 rebounds. Casey Tolsma -  Fellow Jaguar Casey Tolsma added 16 points on a precise 8-11 overall shooting.  This post player impresses from the high post down to the block.  She can knock down the 15-17 footer and adds a quick rip to the rim as well.  She can weave through traffic and put herself in great positions to score.  She also adds a quality defensive presence in the middle of the Jaguar defense.  Tolsma has been a riser all season and she seems to just be getting better. [player_tooltip player_id="150869" first="Chloe" last="Schmitt"] - The Bridgewater-Emery senior had a solid night during her Huskies 60-45 win over Highmore-Harold.  She put up a solid game in the paint with 13 points and 5 rebounds.  The standout nature of this performance came in her ability to distribute the ball to her teammates.  The post player posted 6 assists on the game as the ball went through her in the high and low post often.  Her vision is some of the best you will find in a post player and she knows how to find shooters around her with the ball. [player_tooltip player_id="201446" first="Caylin" last="Kelly"] - This sophomore forward has been huge for the Florence-Henry Falcons all season.  She came into this game averaging 18.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 4 assists per game.  She is a MAJOR riser and don’t be shocked if she catapults herself near the top of the 2024 rankings board by the end of the season.  She has a complete game on both ends and can do anything Coach Carpenter asks of her.  If you need a big shot...check, a strong finish at the rim...check, a defensive stop...check, a tough leader...check.  This kid is one of the most complete players you are going to find and has plenty of years left to show it off.  She finished the night with 13 points and 11 rebounds in a tight loss to Lakota Tech 43-41.