Two-Way 2023 Guards To Start the Season (Part 2/2)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These are a few names who epitomize two-way playmaking within the senior class. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='95223' first='Nia' last='McKenzie'] - Eaglecrest</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":325561,"width":264,"height":175,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/09/145-Nia-McKenzie.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-325561" width="264" height="175" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McKenzie serves as a dynamic complementary scoring threat while proving difficult to back down on defense. The 5'11 shooting guard has shown intensity running the breaks, often times the first one down the floor. The Washburn commit possesses notable reach for her position, allowing her more defelections and wider reach when attacking passing lanes. To kick off the season, McKenzie has posted 17 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 2.3 steals per game while knocking down 35% of her three point attempts. McKenzie has spearheaded a dominant 7-3 effort here with Eaglecrest, providing physicality regardless of her position. Although not showing up on the stat sheet, McKenzie impacts a large portion of deflections due to her keen reaction speed. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='118724' first='Laura' last='Gensert'] - Centaurus</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"left","id":326471,"width":249,"height":164,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/09/85-Laura-Gensert.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-326471" width="249" height="164" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gensert has been leading the cause for Centaurus this season, bringing stability to their offense as a shotmaker. The senior guard has shown prowess creating scoring opportunities around the rim, notably coming off of closeouts. Once interior help arrives, she has gathers and euro steps to evade a potential charge. To kick off the season for 7-0 Centaurus, Gensert has posted 16.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3 steals per game while contributing 32% of her three point attempts. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='381377' first='Andi' last='Schissler'] - Platte Valley</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"align":"right","id":504432,"width":240,"height":159,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2022/09/125-Andi-Schissler.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-504432" width="240" height="159" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At roughly 5'9, Platte Valley has a powerful guard on their hands. The Casper College commit has been nothing short of spectacular to start the season, serving as the team's defensive engine. To start the season, Schissler has posted 17.8 points and 11.5 rebounds per game. The guard boasts wiry strength on the defensive end, fearing nobody. She embraces the fundamentals on a variety of situations. The northern Colorado guard has her arms up at all times, doing her part in forcing errant passes or stealing away lobs. Despite her physicality on the defensive side, Schissler has yet to foul out this season, reaching four fouls only one time versus Erie.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='495882' first='Kiley' last='Smich'] - Chaparral</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smich has been absolutely electric in the fullcourt to start the season with 3-5 Chaparral. The senior guard stays in control within a quick pace, searching for open teammates along the baseline and dunker spots. She utilizes hesitations to freeze defenders in place, eventually bursting by for layups around the rim. To start the season, Smich has posted 8.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 2.8 steals per game. Arguably Smich's most impactful trait has been her constant pressure in the fullcourt. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='118732' first='Ann' last='Spence'] - Centaurus</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Although a complementary piece for Vista Peak, Spence brings a diverse portfolio to this group's backcourt. The guard has posted well rounded stats of 4.3 points, 3.7 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 4.4 steals per game. Spence has a fairly high IQ in along with quick reaction speeds. She is especially aware of open teammates on the weak side, finding shooters in the dunker spot or wings. Given her awareness of defensive rotations, Spence is often a step ahead of opposing shot creators. Simply put, Spence is in the right place at the right time more often than not. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->