Stat Sheet Stuffers: Northeast Nebraska’s Premier Performers
In this article:
With the Christmas break behind us and teams across the state entering holiday tournaments, let’s take a look at a few players who have been lighting up the box scores. While there have been several players standing out across northeast…
Access all of Prep Girls Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWith the Christmas break behind us and teams across the state entering holiday tournaments, let’s take a look at a few players who have been lighting up the box scores. While there have been several players standing out across northeast Nebraska, here are five players I’ve seen that caught my eye.
As one of the top players not only in the 2023 class, but in the state, Kaitlyn Emanuel Kaitlyn Emanuel 6’0″ | SF North Bend Central | 2023 State NE has got off to a strong start for the defending state champions North Bend Central. The 5’11 forward can do it all on the basketball court. Offensively, she has proven she can put her team on her back and score in a variety of different ways. Defensively, Emmanuel can lockdown defenders, while helping off to block and change shots. Emanuel really put her skills on display in last season’s state tournament, taking over games and leading her team to a state championship. The versatility on both ends of the court is what makes Emanuel so unique. In their most recent win before the Christmas break, Emmanuel finished with 18 points, 9 rebounds, 5 blocks, 3 steals, and 3 assists. Her all-around abilities on the court will be fun to watch for the rest of her prep career and whatever high-level collegiate level she chooses.
Similar to Emanuel, Chloe Hanel Chloe Hanel 5’11” | CG Clarkson/Leigh | 2024 State NE is one of the most talented, all-around players in the state. Filling up stat sheets night in and night out, Hanel continues to put up crazy numbers throughout her career. The 5’11 junior is averaging 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 steals per game this season. Hanel is smart and athletic, which leads to steals and fast breaks for Clarkson-Leigh. Hanel’s athleticism has made her not only one of the best basketball players in the state, but a dominant force in volleyball and track and field, as well. Already one of the top juniors in the class, as Hanel continues to develop as a consistent threat from three, the sky is the limit for the 2024 forward.
One of the most prolific scorers in the 2024 class, Josilyn Miller Josilyn Miller 5’9″ | CG Verdigre Public School | 2024 State NE of Niobrara-Verdigre is having quite the start to her junior year. The 2024 guard can score in bunches and is a savvy, high-IQ guard who can play on both ends of the court. Miller averages 22 points, six rebounds, and three steals this season while tallying her 1000th career point in just her sixth game in her junior season. As a 5’8 guard, Miller can score the ball at all three levels and does a great job running the point guard. A tight handle, coupled with speed and quickness make for some tough nights for her opposition.
Mya Hedstrom
Mya Hedstrom
One of the most underrated players in the 2024 class, Hedstrom is in her third year averaging double figures for St. Mary’s. The 5’10 junior finds ways to get to the hoop and can finish with either hand. She is lethal in transition, using her length and athleticism to create turnovers and turn them into points. The majority of points come from mid range and attacking the hoop, but Hedstrom can knock down the open three if given the opportunity. At 5’10 with great athleticism, the junior forward is a fierce rebounder. She dos a great job going to offensive glass for second chance points and cleaning up defensive possessions with a rebound. This season Hedstrom averages 16.6 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 5.8 steals per game for a high-powered St. Mary’s team
Makenna Noecker
Makenna Noecker
Hartington Cedar Catholic guard Makenna Noecker is another northeast Nebraska guard who tallied her 1000th career point prior to the Christmas break. Noecker reached the milestone in a 21-point performance in a win over Omaha Roncalli. Noecker is a knock down three point shooter with serious range. Drawing out defenses, can also put the ball on the deck and drive by defenders. Noecker handles the point guard duties for HCC, and has done a nice job in her career of scoring the basketball, while still getting others involved in the offense. She’s continued a stellar prep career during her senior campaign.