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Downstate 3A Preview: Game Changing Players. Part 1

Downstate 3A Preview: Game Changing Players. Part 1
Photo: Meredith Ryan
Byron Xerxes Livsey
Byron Xerxes Livsey February 28, 2023 @ 12:12 PM
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In this article:

Olivia Kerndt
Olivia Kerndt 6'0" | PF | 2023
IL
Nikki Kerstein
Nikki Kerstein 5'8" | PG | 2025
IL
Grace Carstensen
Grace Carstensen 5'11" | SG | 2023
IL
Amalia Dray
Amalia Dray 5'9" | CG | 2024
IL
Aaliyah Guyton
Aaliyah Guyton 5'6" | PG | 2024
IL
Kloe Froebe
Kloe Froebe 5'8" | CG | 2024
IL
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A vast amount of upsets during these playoffs within this class... but now there are only 4. Below are the key players who are deemed to make a huge impact on the outcome of the game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator {"className":"is-style-wide"} --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["295260"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cp style=u0022text-align: centeru0022u003eu003cemu003eLast years state run didn't end how she wanted.. but the recent Depaul Commit left Redbird arena with the definite title as the best shooter in the building. This year the team is looking for a different outcome, and Grace's on court presence will be needed from start to finish. From her sniper skills, her defensive focus, her aura and her overall attitude.. Grace is built for these moments. u003c/emu003eu003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["265970"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"u003cp style=u0022text-align: centeru0022u003eu003cemu003eI am a firm believer in that... some of the best guards play soccer. Dray, who just committed to Boston College for soccer, easily fits in that category. Ama has been on a tear this season, and last night game was just another reminder. 21 points in a 53-20 win. She's a ball hawk of a defender, a versatile player who can fit in both guard roles, her IQ is high, and she has a massive amount of patience and security with the ball. She's the perfect guard for this team. u003c/emu003eu003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["335725"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"u003cp style=u0022text-align: centeru0022u003eu003cemu003eOlivia has all the tools as stretch 4 that you need. From a personality standpoint.. she's tough, unbothered, and focused. Skill wise, her game impacts every possession. She has no quit on the boards, soft touch around the rim, and the confidence and shooting stroke to knock down the long ball. On a guard focused team, Olivia gets looked over.. she's the motor of the program, the last line of defense and one of the most versatile players suiting up for Deerfield. Her energy will be needed at state. u003c/emu003eu003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["335720"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"u003cp style=u0022text-align: centeru0022u003eu003ciu003eTop 5 in her class for a reason. Nikki is one of the best guards, let alone players in the state. The skillset has no limit. Kerstein is an effective, efficient and high IQ guard who's impact can not be missed. She fills multiple roles for this team, and can adapt to any situation that comes along. Her play style is always within the flow of the game, and never seems to be rushed or pushed out of her pace. The poised demeanor has been key for her all season.. and i don't believe the big stage will alter it. u003c/iu003eu003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["265474"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"u003cp style=u0022text-align: centeru0022u003eu003ciu003eGuyton will impress you within the first 10 seconds of the ball being in her hands. She has a natural feel and athleticism for the game that most people can't grasp. She's explosive, aggressive, quick, decisive, and has the ability to simply put the team on her back if it's called for. She scores at all levels, will lock down your best player with ease, and just plays the game with tons of confidence and heart. State games are different.. and they require a different type of mindset. Guyton will fit right in. She already has the win by any mentality. u003c/iu003eu003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["264887"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"u003cp style=u0022text-align: centeru0022u003eu003cemu003eFroebe is on track to score 1k this season (regular/playoffs), if she hasn't done so already. Her knack for putting the ball in the net is one of the reasons why she's noted as one the best players in the state regardless of class.. not to mention her area. Even after the injury, Kloe has proved once again why she's such an elite talent. From her IQ, her ability to adapt, her sense of urgency but the mental focus to still remain calm.. The kid is built different. This state run has been one to remember, especially with no losses on the record. Froebe will be the key reason on if it stays that way through the next couple of games. u003c/emu003eu003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":6,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63fe441d8352d"} /-->

A vast amount of upsets during these playoffs within this class... but now there are only 4. Below are the key players who are deemed to make a huge impact on the outcome of the game.

DePaul
Grace Carstensen

Grace Carstensen

IL
SG
HEIGHT 5'11"
POS SG
CLASS 2023
View Player
​
Grace
Carstensen SG
Class
2023
Height
5'11"
HS
Nazareth Academy
|
IL
Downstate 3A Preview: Game Changing Players. Part 1
Last years state run didn’t end how she wanted.. but the recent Depaul Commit left Redbird arena with...
Written by Byron Xerxes Livsey
DePaul
Read more at PrepGirlsHoops.com
Prep Girls Hoops

Grace Carstensen

State: Illinois
School: Nazareth Academy
Club: IL Lady Lightning
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Amalia Dray

Amalia Dray

HEIGHT 5'9"
POS CG
CLASS 2024
View Player
​
Amalia
Dray CG
Class
2024
Height
5'9"
HS
Nazareth Academy
|
IL
Downstate 3A Preview: Game Changing Players. Part 1
I am a firm believer in that… some of the best guards play soccer. Dray, who just committed...
Written by Byron Xerxes Livsey
Read more at PrepGirlsHoops.com
Prep Girls Hoops

Amalia Dray

Twitter
State: Illinois
School: Nazareth Academy
Club: Chicago Force
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Wisconsin-Whitewater
Olivia Kerndt

Olivia Kerndt

IL
PF
HEIGHT 6'0"
POS PF
CLASS 2023
View Player
​
Olivia
Kerndt PF
Class
2023
Height
6'0"
HS
Deerfield
|
IL
Downstate 3A Preview: Game Changing Players. Part 1
Olivia has all the tools as stretch 4 that you need. From a personality standpoint.. she’s tough, unbothered,...
Written by Byron Xerxes Livsey
Wisconsin-Whitewater
Read more at PrepGirlsHoops.com
Prep Girls Hoops

Olivia Kerndt

Twitter
State: Illinois
School: Deerfield
Club: Full Package
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Wisconsin
Nikki Kerstein

Nikki Kerstein

IL
PG
HEIGHT 5'8"
POS PG
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Nikki
Kerstein PG
Class
2025
Height
5'8"
HS
Montini Catholic
|
IL
Downstate 3A Preview: Game Changing Players. Part 1
Top 5 in her class for a reason. Nikki is one of the best guards, let alone players...
Written by Byron Xerxes Livsey
Wisconsin
Read more at PrepGirlsHoops.com
Prep Girls Hoops

Nikki Kerstein

Instagram Twitter
State: Illinois
School: Montini Catholic
Club: Mac Irvin Lady Fire
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Iowa
Aaliyah Guyton

Aaliyah Guyton

IL
PG
HEIGHT 5'6"
POS PG
CLASS 2024
View Player
​
Aaliyah
Guyton PG
Class
2024
Height
5'6"
HS
Peoria
|
IL
Downstate 3A Preview: Game Changing Players. Part 1
Guyton will impress you within the first 10 seconds of the ball being in her hands. She has...
Written by Byron Xerxes Livsey
Iowa
Read more at PrepGirlsHoops.com
Prep Girls Hoops

Aaliyah Guyton

Instagram Twitter
State: Illinois
School: Peoria
Club: Mac Irvin Lady Fire
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Colorado State
Kloe Froebe

Kloe Froebe

IL
CG
HEIGHT 5'8"
POS CG
CLASS 2024
View Player
​
Kloe
Froebe CG
Class
2024
Height
5'8"
HS
Lincoln
|
IL
Downstate 3A Preview: Game Changing Players. Part 1
Froebe is on track to score 1k this season (regular/playoffs), if she hasn’t done so already. Her knack...
Written by Byron Xerxes Livsey
Colorado State
Read more at PrepGirlsHoops.com
Prep Girls Hoops

Kloe Froebe

State: Illinois
School: Lincoln
Club: Illinois Elite
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Prep Girls Hoops

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