Lift Off: Hoopers Flying Under the Radar
Coaches and scouts can’t catch every game of the weekend, and sometimes players go unseen because they didn’t get much run in the timespan a recruiter stopped and watched, or because their team hasn’t played in the bigger tournaments with…
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Continue ReadingCoaches and scouts can’t catch every game of the weekend, and sometimes players go unseen because they didn’t get much run in the timespan a recruiter stopped and watched, or because their team hasn’t played in the bigger tournaments with better exposure. Well, I’m glad to put a spotlight on a number of deserving players whose names may have not landed on the big board yet. Be sure to check these hoopers out when the next time you get a chance!
Cora Nadeau Cora Nadeau 5'9" | SG North Country | 2023 State New E , 5’10 G/F – Lone Wolf Athletics Class of ’23
Nadeau is a calm, unassuming player with an assassin’s mentality. She’s the type who can put up a quiet 15-20 points and after the game folks check the box score and their eyes jump out as they realize just how well she played. Cora can put the ball in the bucket from all three levels, and I especially like her confidence with the mid-range pull up. Nadeau is capable of breaking a defender down, but she’s just as good, maybe better, moving without the ball into spaces where she can make plays. She’s got a strong frame, which allows her to defend multiple positions, battle inside for rebounds, and muscle up shots. Cora is a little bit of everything.
Lauren-Kate Garceau, 5’11 F – Lone Wolf Athletics Class of ’23
LK is a long and solid forward who can play between the 3-4, and in time may be able to slide into the 2. Garceau is a good catch and shoot player around the arc, and when she attacks close outs and gets downhill, she’s strong in the short-range and at the rim. Defensively, LK has active hands and traces the ball well, forcing ballhandlers to really use their pivots and extend on passes, and she’s consistently in good help position off the ball. Lauren-Kate’s transition game is sound too, both offensively and defensively. She runs lanes well and prevents fastbreaks with heads up defense. LK is an energetic two-way player.
Elyse Berger, 5’9 G/F – Blueprint Basketball Class of ’24
Elyse is a point forward type who can advance the ball under pressure and battle in the paint too. Berger has a strong build and a lengthy wingspan, making it easy for her to ward off guards when pressured on the perimeter, but she likes to mix it up inside as well. Most of her scoring comes within 10-12 feet, and I’ve seen her sighting in the three ball and expanding her arsenal around the rim. Elyse is a great system player who moves the ball effectively and sets teammates up nicely with well-timed and well-placed passes. I look forward to seeing her game grow.
Bianca Williams, 5’10 F – Lone Wolf Athletics Class of ’24
Every team needs a player that does the “little things”, like sliding into help position on time, collecting loose rebounds, and running the open court. Bianca is such a player and more. Williams is adept at defending off-ball, moving well to plug holes in the lane and she can rotate out on switches pretty well too. Moreover, her length, strength, and anticipation provide her the ability to cover multiple positions on any given possession. William’s can push the ball in the open floor and get downhill, utilizing her sweet step through. Bianca has a lot of little tools that make life easier for everybody.
Caitlin Davison, 5’9 G – Central VT Warriors Class of ’24
Caitlin is a smooth and steady two-way combo guard who doesn’t take plays off. Her game is measured and clinical, picking apart defenses with well-timed drives into space where she can finish at the hoop, make dump passes, or find passing windows for spot up shooters. She orchestrates on the perimeter well, getting players organized for sets and quick hitters. Davison emits calm leadership, staying even keeled in the midst of adversity and keeps chatter positive with teammates. On the defensive end, Caitlin can guard 1-2 and rebounds rather well. I’m excited to see her show out the next time I catch one of her games.