More Standouts From The State Tournament
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There are still plenty of things to unpack from the state tournament a week ago, and I want to do that today. There are still a handful of kids that I’d like to talk about for various reasons, and I’ll…
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Continue ReadingThere are still plenty of things to unpack from the state tournament a week ago, and I want to do that today. There are still a handful of kids that I’d like to talk about for various reasons, and I’ll continue to do so until we’ve highlighted everyone who deserves it.
Kamryn Kurt Kamryn Kurt 5'6" | PG North Linn | 2024 State IA
North Linn’s point guard was one of the standouts in 1A over the state tournament for a few reasons. One was that she was superb at dealing with full-court pressure Newell-Fonda puts on opposing guards. Kurt cut through that well throughout her time on the floor and found ways to keep her team in the game, even though they gave up a few runs. However, my takeaway from that game is how unbothered Kurt was by the trapping.
Alliyah Thompson Alliyah Thompson 6'1" | SF Ballard | 2024 State IA
There weren’t many kids that defended the paint better than the Ballard wing/forward. Although Thompson didn’t shoot the ball as well, she probably would’ve liked to say she wasn’t a significant reason the Bombers nearly made the 4A state title game would be a lie. She stifled everything Decorah brought toward the basket and even hit the game-tying shot against eventual champions Dallas Center-Grimes. She was as influential as anyone in 4A, and I enjoyed watching her use her length and athleticism to change games.
Emma Martinek
The West Fork senior was a kid I found to be an intriguing prospect. Sometimes small-school kids can fly under the radar for a while, but a few things about Martinek’s game stood out. For one, she’s a long 5-foot-11 wing that can defend on the perimeter and displayed some flashes of being productive offensively. She shot the ball well throughout the year, and obviously, the college level is better than 1A basketball, but some signs show she could help a small school program at the next level. Coaches love tall wings that can shoot and defend, and Martinek can do that. If she wants to play at the next level, she can help a team over her four years.
Ashlie Meyer
Vinton-Shellsburg upset No. 1 seed ELC in the first round in 3A. The Vikette was one of two players her coaching staff had face-guarding the opposing team’s best shooter, and she chased her around all game and did a great job. She displayed excellent attention to detail and found ways to score around the basket. Meyer had double-digit scoring nights with her defense in both games at Wells Fargo Arena.