802 Playoffs: D1 Action – #8 Rice vs #9 Colchester
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Playoffs are popping off and we’ve got all-state caliber players all over this one! Tune in. Elyse Macdonough, 5’8 G – Rice Memorial High School Class of 2024 The hoop must’ve looked like the size of the ocean for MacDonough,…
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Continue ReadingPlayoffs are popping off and we’ve got all-state caliber players all over this one! Tune in.
Elyse Macdonough, 5’8 G – Rice Memorial High School Class of 2024
The hoop must’ve looked like the size of the ocean for MacDonough, considering she knocked down three after three after three. Elyse got her looks off both the catch and the dribble, stepping a few feet beyond the arc at times. Furthermore, she orchestrated the offense with ease. Elyse got Rice into sets and made plays for others as she drew the defense’s attention with her scoring. And of course, she scrapped for boards, loose balls, and pressured ballhandlers. Gotta love when your best player is also one of the hardest workers.
Kelli Cieplicki, 5’9 G/W – Rice Memorial High School Class of 2024
Cieplicki had her fingerprints all over this one. The dynamic combo-guard put in serious work on the glass, holding CHS to single shot possessions while also collecting offensive boards for second chance points. Additionally, she finished her looks. Kelli hit a few jumpers, one or two being threes, and made simple yet sly back-cuts for easy twos. Lastly, Cieplicki was homed in defensively with consistent communication. She does it a bit of everything and she does it exceptionally well.
Cassie Beste Cassie Beste 5'6" | CG Phillips Exeter Academy | 2024 State New E , 5’5 G – Rice Memorial High School Class of 2024
Beste is back! After a long recovery all summer, fall, and much of winter, Cassie is back with a vengeance. Beste got the party started for Rice, collecting around 10 points in the first frame. Beste came out hot from deep, knocking down numerous threes in the early goings. She carried that into the second half, knocking down a few more looks and creating shots for others. It’s only been a few weeks since Cassie has been back on the floor but she’s stepped right into a highly productive and efficient role.
Rosa Kori Rosa Kori 5'10" | PF Rice Memorial | 2026 State New E , 5’9 W/F – Rice Memorial High School Class of 2026
It was another night of smart hoop and high-effort work from Rosa. Kori was locked in defensively, moving her feet, sliding over and under screens, and challenging shots without fouling. Additionally, she showed considerable growth offensively, both skill-wise and mentally. Rosa’s jumper is looking smooth as ever, plus her slashes were direct and her finishes clean going to either side of the hoop. Moreover, there was no hesitation in her decision making. She made the right play consistently and took care of the ball. Solid work as ever from Rosa.
Ryleigh Garrow, 5’9 G – Colchester High School Class of 2023
It took a little time to get going, but once Ryleigh was keyed in, Colchester made a run. Garrow’s ability to get inside the second layer and finish looks was pivotal; CHS needed an offensive spark and Ryleigh provided it. In addition, she put in a ton of work defensively against Rice’s multiple all-state guards. Garrow has the athleticism, agility and verticality to hang with most anyone. The track star had a stellar year and left it all on the floor. Good stuff as always from Garrow.
Nicole Norton Nicole Norton 5'8" | CG Colchester | 2024 State New E , 5’9 G – Colchester High School Class of 2024
When I think of Nicole’s game I often think of her impressive slashing ability. She gets to the cup in one dribble and absorbs contact like a sponge, playing through it and finishing looks. Yet it was her three ball that was dropping against Rice. Norton took the lid off the hoop for CHS, connecting on three or four treys, all in the second half. And of course, Nicole’s defense was locked in. Her footwork is exquisite and she contests shots with her length. A two-way player and hustler, Nicole played to the final horn, as always.