Players Who’ll Play a Significant Role in Their Sectional Finals
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Before the sectional finals, I want to discuss some players who will have a say in what’ll happen in their games to decide which team is going to the Resch Center. The players I’ll highlight have all the talent you…
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Continue ReadingBefore the sectional finals, I want to discuss some players who will have a say in what’ll happen in their games to decide which team is going to the Resch Center. The players I’ll highlight have all the talent you could imagine and have the ability to send their teams to state.
MiKayla Werner MiKayla Werner 6'0" | PF Hortonville | 2024 State WI
In every Hortonville-Neenah game, Werner tends to make an impact. Her ability to rebound the ball is more important than anyone realizes, and it could create issues for Neenah without their post player due to injury. I love her fight to get every rebound that comes off the rim, and she’s a swiss army knife on the offensive end that can do anything her coaching staff could need this afternoon.
Last season, Kelley knocked down a few 3-pointers in the first half against Arrowhead, and her shooting has improved over the past year. As long as she doesn’t get into foul trouble, she could be a significant figure again in the rematch of the sectional final a year ago. Both teams will be looking for an edge, and Arrowhead may bet on Kelley to shoot the ball, which could go well for them. However, Kelley has shown she can knock perimeter jumpers down in bunches and could hurt the Warhawks early and often.
Teagan Mallegni Teagan Mallegni 6'1" | SF McFarland | 2024 State WI
McFarland has the best player in Division 2 this season, and they are rolling. It seems the Spartans figured out some issues that plagued them early in the season. No one person can defend Mallegni in an isolation scenario multiple times down the floor, and in a game to send her team to state, I expect her to be at her best. Her size, athleticism, and skill will be an issue for Union Grove, and they’ll have to send multiple bodies to the talented sophomore. The moment she gets multiple defenders sent her way she’ll make the right pass to her shooters on the perimeter, and the Spartans could punish the Broncos from the 3-point line.
Kristina Ouimette Kristina Ouimette 6'1" | PF Lakeland | 2025 State WI
Lakeland has played challenging non-conference schedules for the last few seasons and has prepared for games like this with that schedule. Last season, a second-half run came up just short against Menomonie. This season, the younger Ouimette could make a statement and send her team to the Resch Center. Menomonie has nobody that can contest her jumper, and if she gets to making shots, she could shoot Menomonie out of the game.