Notes: Classic 8 Title Game Between KM and Waukesha West

Brady Peterson February 18, 2023 @ 03:58 PM

Last night, I ended up conversing with people throughout the Waukesha West and Kettle Moraine game, so I didn't highlight any kids during the game and enjoyed the spectacle. Kettle Moraine snuck out of Waukesha West High School with a two-point win and the outright conference title. If you have time, I highly suggest watching the game back on stream because it was a nail-biter from start to finish, but let's talk about a few of the standouts.   [player_tooltip player_id='156050' first='Grace' last='Grocholski']   The West Virginia commit is one of the best kids in the state for a reason. Last night, when she found any space, she punished the Wolverine defense. Grocholski was lethal from behind the 3-point line and caused so many breakdowns defensively for the Wolverines. She's got a sneaky quick first step and would fire some ridiculous cross-court passes.   [player_tooltip player_id='156076' first='Braelyn' last='Torres']   When KM started to lose grip on their lead late, Torres was the one that steadied the ship and made some big shots down the stretch. When the Lasers began missing their free throws in the bonus, Torres was the one that steadied that ship. When the Wolverines would pull with two possessions, she always answered. The Northern Michigan commit was outstanding last night.   [player_tooltip player_id='579083' first='Keegan' last='Lodes']   Lodes has proven herself to be a winning player at the high school level. She's a 5-foot-11 athlete with a smooth lefty jump shot that looks good when it leaves her hands. She'll be someone to watch over the summer and next year at KM as the Lasers look to rework their shot distribution after their seniors move on to the next level.   [player_tooltip player_id='156078' first='Caden' last='Krohn']   The future Maryville forward came into the gym and didn't even miss much during warmups. She finished the game with 24 points and punished KM's defense when they left her alone on pick-and-pops. Her ability to excel under the basket and hit perimeter jumpers made her difficult to handle, and she made some plays defensively.   [player_tooltip player_id='440847' first='Annyka' last='Hellendrung']   The future Oral Roberts wing is one of the best deep-shot makers in this state. She doesn't need much room to pull up from deep. When kids come out to tag her from long range, she'll still shoot it and make it from anywhere inside halfcourt. Her shot-making is game-changing.   [player_tooltip player_id='602353' first='Jordan' last='Fenske']   I don't believe anyone has exploded on the high school scene like Fenske has this season. She's the primary ball handler on the floor, and even though she's not a natural point guard, she's handled the pressure well. Fenske is another one, like Hellendrung, who's in range when they step on the floor, and her shooting was a significant reason the Wolverines got back in the game late. On the final play, there was a 50/50 call that could've seen her shoot three free throws to tie it, but unfortunately, that call didn't go their way. However, if it did, the way she stepped up to the free-throw line gave me all the confidence she'd make all three of them if she got them. Her belief in her game is palpable.   [player_tooltip player_id='533083' first='Taylor' last='Gifford']   The Wolverine freshman had her moments last night, and her size and athleticism are on display for anyone in the gym. She's strong and knows how to use her height to her advantage. She'll be a player to know in the Classic 8 and Southeast Wisconsin for the next three years.

Last night, I ended up conversing with people throughout the Waukesha West and Kettle Moraine game, so I didn't highlight any kids during the game and enjoyed the spectacle. Kettle Moraine snuck out of Waukesha West High School with a two-point win and the outright conference title. If you have time, I highly suggest watching the game back on stream because it was a nail-biter from start to finish, but let's talk about a few of the standouts.