PGH Champions Challenge: Stock Risers
In this article:
Today we’re looking at some kids who rose their stock over the weekend in Appleton. With over 100 teams playing at the Champions Center, I’m sure I’ve missed someone, but I will discuss everyone I noticed. Cadence Xiong Cadence Xiong…
Access all of Prep Girls Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingToday we’re looking at some kids who rose their stock over the weekend in Appleton. With over 100 teams playing at the Champions Center, I’m sure I’ve missed someone, but I will discuss everyone I noticed.
Cadence Xiong Cadence Xiong 5'1" | PG West Bend East | 2023 State WI -Chapman Basketball Academy 17U
When the West Bend native attacks the basket, she looks like a hot knife through butter. Xiong’s drives look effortless and appear as if she glides through defenses. Opposing coaches even asked me what her college outlook looked like, and players waiting to play their game vocalized how impressed they were by what Xiong did. She can get to any shot she wants and has had the results to prove it. Ever since I first saw her play this spring, Xiong has been outstanding. She’s shot the ball well, created off the dribble for herself and others, created on-ball turnovers, and has been an all-around winning player. That’s what matters, but she’s looked good doing it.
Sarah Aleknavicius Sarah Aleknavicius 5'11" | CG Grafton | 2024 State WI -Chapman Basketball Academy 2023 Frings
The main knock that Aleknavicius has had since I’ve been watching her is her level of aggressiveness. Passive is a little too strong to describe her, but yes, I’ve always wanted her to take matters into her own hands more often. Even though her team didn’t play as well as they could, the sophomore played with much more urgency. I honestly haven’t seen her shoot the ball as much as she did over the weekend. Aleknavicius shot well, but even if she missed every shot, the mentality she had was the most important thing. She can play anywhere one through four at a competent level, and she’s spent time defending all five positions through the high school season. The more she shoots, the more dynamic she becomes.
Kennedy Retherford Kennedy Retherford 5'8" | SG Pewaukee Highschool | 2025 State WI -Wisconsin Impact 2025 Bugajski
The Pewaukee guard will fit perfectly with the Terrian twins in the Pirates’ backcourt. The easy description of what Retherford does is “shooter.” However, that comes nowhere close to describing the full scope of how good she is. Defensively, Retherford might’ve averaged the most steals per game this weekend at any age level. That wouldn’t surprise me. The 5-foot-9 guard has the size and skill to make an impact this coming season for Pewaukee. The freshman must’ve made it onto some recruiting boards with how she played this weekend.
Olivia Peterson Olivia Peterson 5'6" | SG Appleton West | 2023 State WI – Let it Rain 2023 Black
The Appleton native did all the little things that every college coach likes this weekend. One good example of this, with her team up 40 and a running clock down to five minutes, Peterson was still diving on the floor to save the ball and create extra possessions for her team. She’s a maniac, in a good way. The junior continuously made plays for others and wasn’t afraid to force the issue if needed. All year, she’s dealt with opposing team’s game planning to get her off the ball in the best conference in the state and played well. She’s a kid who’s always up for a challenge and doesn’t cut corners. That’s why she’s diving to save a loose ball when the game is over.
Jaeda Turner-Hangtimelite 2025
There was no other player quite like Turner this weekend. Before she did anything offensively, she drove to pass. She made the defense have to react to her every time down the floor. The constant pressure she puts on defenses is incredible. No matter what happens going forward, she has the will to make things happen, and as a lead guard, coaches love that. Even on the other end, she’s steady with the pressure she brings. I’m excited to see more of her as time goes on.
Cali Havlovitz-Wisconsin Blizzard 2025 Chase
Havlovitz is an intriguing guard. She’s another kid who plays with 110% effort all the time. Whenever she was on the floor, her team seemed to extend their lead, and when she went out, it felt like the opposition chipped away at the deficit. Even if Havlovitz doesn’t score, she is someone who’s going to help her team win. She’ll earn extra possessions, force mistakes, or get some jump balls. The Wild Rose freshman is the kind of player I enjoy watching the most, so it will be interesting to see how her game develops.