Players I’ve Enjoyed Watching Play This Season
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After a long season, some kids stand out in different ways, and today, I’d like to highlight some of my favorite kids to watch play. The kids I want to highlight do various things and make things happen to help…
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Continue ReadingAfter a long season, some kids stand out in different ways, and today, I’d like to highlight some of my favorite kids to watch play. The kids I want to highlight do various things and make things happen to help their team compete.
Laynee Hogan Laynee Hogan 5'9" | PG East Buchanan | 2025 State IA
Throughout the game, Hogan throws body shots against defenses when she doesn’t see zones. She’s not afraid of going right through her defender, and when they feel her, some kids don’t want to stay in front of her and play a little softer. I love the fearlessness Hogan plays with because it’s infectious. There isn’t much that fazes her, and she’s so skilled that she’s not always going to use her power to get to the rim. She can make shots and create some space off the dribble.
There aren’t many kids I have more fun watching get hot than Kay. She’s a confident shooter, and it’s easier to understand why when you watch her get in a rhythm. Her shot is very repeatable, but she has a different look in her eye when she gets her offense going. When Kay gets in that zone, it’s challenging to rattle her. Her jumper makes her intriguing in one game. That’s not to say I think any less of their opponents, but kids like Kay are lethal in one-off scenarios.
Journey Houston Journey Houston 5'11" | CG Davenport North | 2025 State IA
Elite athletes always find a way to impact games, and Houston is no different. I love how hard she plays on both ends of the floor and always moves with a purpose. The sophomore can flip a game on its head in the span of one possession, and the second Houston gets to play in transition, you might as well foul her because otherwise, Houston is going to score two points, assist a teammate for two points, or kick out to a teammate for an open 3-pointer. She’s a kid you don’t have to run a play for, and she’ll still score 15 points per game.
Alyssa Bartlett Alyssa Bartlett 5'7" | PG Southeast Polk | 2025 State IA
The Southeast Polk guard has her hands in just about everything. There was a game where she didn’t score a point and still pushed a double-double in the game, she understands how she can affect a game when she isn’t making shots as a sophomore, and some kids never figure it out. She’s a treat to watch play and witness her level of engagement every time down the floor.