Impactful Players to the Game-Playoff Preview-Tipping Off…

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After three months of standout performances, heartbreaking injuries, shifting rankings and overtime thrillers, playoffs are finally in sight. Rival teams playing each other brings an air of anticipation and excitement for the ultimate prize-an IHSA State Championship. While awaiting the most thrilling time of the year for Girls Hoops, players are putting up their best performances. Here are players from three teams making an impact on the quest to become State Champions. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Rolling Meadows Mustangs</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rolling Meadows Girls Hoops is hustling into playoff season with determination. They won their last 5 games including one to a solid Glenbrook South team. Their previous loss to top ranked Hersey was an overtime loss by one point. Juniors [player_tooltip player_id='335716' first='Ciara' last='Mcmahon'] and Olivia Zielinski are playmakers for the Mustangs. [player_tooltip player_id='335716' first='Ciara' last='Mcmahon'] is a shooting machine. Her three point shot is as precise as they come. Once Ciara gets the space, she is good for at least 6-8 shots from deep. Her size allows her to maneuver easily through the lane for an easy floater or find players in the post. Olivia Zielinski has been playing the post position incredibly well. Her three point shot is smooth for a big. She can use her height and body in the post to grab rebounds and putback as well as anyone. This team has a combination of crafty guards and solid bigs to have a successful playoff run. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Glenbrook South Titans</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rolling Meadows may have defeated Glenbrook South (GBS) in an upset, but that game doesn't nearly define the success the have had this season. This team is as big a threat as any in Class 4A. Wash U commit [player_tooltip player_id='335777' first='Sidney' last='Rogers'] is one of the best shooters in the senior class and the glue of this team. I have yet to see anything rattle her on the court and this helps her teammates make huge plays. Nothing gets past junior Anna Rosenbarger when she is in the post. She is strong, decisive and her blocking has stopped key shots in big games. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='500610' first='Gina' last='Davorija'] is relentless under the basket, anticipates the next play and hustles on both ends of the court. Rounding out the GBS group is junior [player_tooltip player_id='265994' first='Chloe' last='Gonzalez']. Nothing stands between her and the glass when she has the ball. She makes the space to create shots. GBS will be a force to reckon with during playoffs and for years to come. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Hersey Huskies</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hersey suffered a loss to GBS last week. However, it is no indication of Hersey's talent and athleticism. Without a doubt, Hersey has played one of the most demanding schedules. This has only sharpened their already stellar game. Led by Michigan commit [player_tooltip player_id='148127' first='Katy' last='Eidle'], Hersey has an additional 4 athletes playing a sport other than basketball in college making them incredibly balanced and seasoned under pressure. Two key players on the team are senior [player_tooltip player_id='561694' first='Natalie' last='Alesia'] and junior [player_tooltip player_id='335791' first='Annika' last='Manthy']. Natalie is a sharpshooter and an incredible defender. She handles the ball as a playmaker and is always ready to shoot. Annika has had a breakout season. She attacks the glass with a vengeance and has a smooth jump shot in the paint. She uses her length and wingspan to rebound and shoot the ball. Her presence on the court has been an asset to the Huskies all year. This team will be a menacing opponent in the post season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->