Class of ‘25 Microupdate: Lightning Rod

Photo: Juliette Tarsa

Bash Hudson

February 8, 2022 @ 11:34 AM

Below are a few of the freshmen who have been making an impact on their teams recently.   <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-385797" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2021/12/E0842EA9-3FF6-41CC-8276-BEFA3FA06EAA-crop-1537x1010-1644340998-300x197.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /> [player_tooltip player_id="270722" first="Olivia" last="Rodrigues"] - Tabor - 6’0’’ - SG Rodrigues came up huge in her first start of the season for Tabor. Against a tough New Hampton team, Rodrigues had a 10 point, 10 rebound double-double and hit a clutch corner three to tie the game with about half a minute left to play. Rodrigues is so versatile, and that game showed the all-around impact she can have. She used her size to be a factor inside and on the glass while also showing how effective she could be on the wing. Rodrigues has a high basketball IQ, is a presence on defense, and when her confidence is sky high like against New Hampton, it enhances Tabor’s potency.   <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-385795" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2022/02/2AF919A9-E78B-4C4C-8324-7444FBE799CE-scaled-crop-1707x1121-1644340956-300x197.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /> [player_tooltip player_id="336800" first="Sophie" last="Broussard"] - Brooks - 5’11’’ - SF/PF Broussard has been a valuable piece for Brooks and has steadily improved since the beginning of the season. She has been a strong rebounder, and her defensive IQ has been impressive. Broussard’s been alert on the weak side and has shown the ability to protect the paint and rim. Broussard is undersized for the power forward position but is tough with the ball inside and doesn’t need to monopolize the basketball to be a factor.   [player_tooltip player_id="368851" first="Kaila" last="Richards"] - Hotchkiss - 5’7’’ - PG Richards has put up ridiculous numbers on a Hotchkiss team that ranks 8th in NEPSAC Class A. She put up 25 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 7 steals in a win against Berkshire. Richards followed that with a career-high 32 points in a 5 point loss to Greens Farms Academy. The lefty point guard is difficult to defend because she can go to her right hand effortlessly and efficiently finish with her off-hand. Richards has a floater package, can stop and pop from mid-range, and bury three-pointers. This winter is my first time getting a look at Richard’s game, and I am impressed. Without even looking at the list, she is a top 20 player in ’25.   [player_tooltip player_id="299953" first="Bela" last="Cucuta"] - Newington - 5’9’’ - CG Cucuta is another freshman prospect I have started following more consistently this winter. The Newington combo guard has been having a great season and has already drawn some D1 interest. Cucuta’s combination of size, athleticism, and shooting separates her from other players at her position. Cucuta can rip threes off the dribble and is efficient spotting up. She is also good at relocating on the perimeter, especially off a Newington offensive rebound. Cucuta is an excellent ball-handler and doesn’t have trouble getting her shot off against good defense. She is a scoring machine and has top 15 written all over her when the season concludes.   [player_tooltip player_id="364179" first="Vanessa" last="Piscione"] - Cranston West - 5’9’’ - CG I like Piscione’s upside. Her size and strength at the guard spot are what immediately jumps out at you initially. One of Piscione’s strengths is her playmaking in transition. When she gets the ball in the open court, Piscione is powerful and shifty, going downhill. I also like Piscione’s court vision and unselfishness. She is very dangerous on the break because her head stays up, scanning the floor the whole time.