3A Players Not Heading to the Big Game-But Looking to Breakout!
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Several strong teams in 3A are not heading to Redbird Arena next weekend. In a basketball-rich state like Illinois, Class 3A schools funnel out great competitors. Even though these players are not competing for the state’s most coveted basketball prize,…
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Continue ReadingSeveral strong teams in 3A are not heading to Redbird Arena next weekend. In a basketball-rich state like Illinois, Class 3A schools funnel out great competitors. Even though these players are not competing for the state’s most coveted basketball prize, they will display their talents in AAU competition season. These players will show up to play and showcase their skills against the best players in the country. Let’s get to know several of them.
The Carmel Catholic junior will be coming in sharp when she starts tournament action with the Wolverinas ‘ last=”] this spring. Molli Ward Molli Ward 5’10” | SG Carmel Catholic | 2024 IL was a presence during Carmel’s successful run this High School season. She can score and play defense and was a great fit to the Corsairs roster this season. She has a high ceiling and her growth will be evident. She will be able to let her talent shine this spring and it will be to her AAU team’s advantage.
Schlabowske’s point guard skills sharpened over the school season. Her defensive skills were needed and she showed how to put them to work. Not only was she a defensive force, but an offensive threat as well-the girl can shoot. She can take a shot from anywhere on the court and she brings out the best in her teammates. She isn’t afraid to go up against the best point guards in the state. This progress will certainly shine this spring and summer.
Lily Esparza Lily Esparza 6’2″ | SF Boylan Catholic | 2024 State IL is one to watch. The long and smooth junior is a necessity on any team. She has a slick jumper and an arcing 3-point shot. She can hammer the boards to rack up her point total. Her offense and defense combo in almost every game keeps the spark lit for her team to compete. She is an unselfish player who is consistently putting up double doubles. Midwest Elite has true talent in Esparza.
Alayna has been one of the most improved players in 3A. Her game has shown growth over the high school season. Her name is now recognizable with shooting and scoring. Her confidence has shown through in her game which will allow her ceiling to rise. She averaged double digit scoring over the high school season. With all the work that she has put in during this season, her AAU season is fated to be successful.
Mazie Fleming Mazie Fleming 6’3″ | C Taylorville | 2025 State IL -a name you will remember. The 6’4” sophomore has already made a name for herself. She has picked up an offer from Murray State and those offers will be multiplying if her AAU season is as successful as her high school season. The way she uses her length to rebound against girls who are close to her size displays her athleticism under the basket. If she gets the offensive rebound, she can put back the ball in an instant. Her duality in basketball and volleyball strengthens her lateral movement which allows her to cover the paint successfully on defense. So much more to come from this talented sophomore.