Players I Enjoyed Watching at the USJN Windy City Classic
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I believe today will be the last time I review this past weekend’s events in writing, but I’ll have two articles up tonight, this being the second. I’ll likely rewatch a few games on BallerTV and may have things up…
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Continue ReadingI believe today will be the last time I review this past weekend’s events in writing, but I’ll have two articles up tonight, this being the second. I’ll likely rewatch a few games on BallerTV and may have things up this next weekend regarding some kids at the Windy City Classic, but today will be the final day talking about kids I watched.
Addisyn Viestenz Addisyn Viestenz 5'5" | CG Oconto | 2025 State WI
When you watch Viestenz’s 1848 Legends 16u team, she won’t get the plaudits that some of her teammates will, but she’s deadly when the ball gets swung to her on the weak side. She’s naturally a guard, so she’s comfortable attacking the middle of defenses to attack the rim or kick out to a teammate on the three-point line. Each time I saw her, I thought she did an excellent job being a threat away from the ball, then exploding to the rim on the catch, and she shot the ball well.
Payton Morgan Payton Morgan 5'10" | SG Laconia | 2025 State WI
I believe Morgan is one of the more under-appreciated kids in her class. She’s been a part of successful teams wherever she’s played the past few years and has been one of the more effective kids on the floor each time. She’s a 5-10 wing with length, and she’s been a lethal 3&D kid since the second she stepped onto Laconia’s campus. Once teams see her shoot and defend, they’ll fall in love with her.
Karsyn Bauman Karsyn Bauman 5'10" | SF Ripon | 2024 State WI
I believe every elite team has at least one of these three kinds of kids, a leader, a scorer, and a maniac. A leader and scorer are what they sound like, but let me explain why Bauman fits onto elite teams at the next level as the other type of player. Successful groups have one kid who plays harder than anyone else and has the confidence to take on the challenge of guarding the other team’s best player. Bauman will lead every team she plays on in the number of times someone dives on the floor, chases a loose rebound, creation of extra possessions, and she’ll have a smile on her face afterward. Sometimes she may go over the line and get into foul trouble, but every team in the WIAC will want her on their team because every elite group needs a kid who plays desperately. That’s what makes Bauman stand out.
Gracie Gopalan Gracie Gopalan 5'4" | PG Waupun | 2024 State WI
I’ve said it before, but if I had to pick the five lead guards I’d want on my team to win a game, Gopalan is easily one of those kids. She can pass kids open, put her teammates in a position to succeed, and break down defenses off the dribble. Gopalan’s so good at helping her teammates in a place to thrive that I think she could make me look like a passable rotation player, which says a lot. I believe she improves a team at the next level.