Intriguing 2024 NoCo Forwards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='216712' first='Alex' last='Ridenour'] - Erie</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ridenour will provide valuable rebounding and shows upside as a multi-positional defender. The 5'10 forward already has a baseline of impactful interior physicality, either swatting away layup attempts or keeping both hands up to make for a difficult shot attempt. One area worth tracking is her shooting efficiency off the catch, knocking down 29% of her triples this season. It will be worth tracking her defensive ability out on the perimeter, how she matches up against 2s and 3s coming off of closeouts.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='495884' first='Kinsey' last='Grauer'] - Akron</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Grauer is an intriguing 5'10 playmaker, already showing the ability of finding teammates out of the pick and roll. Typically contributing on passes or shots from on-ball screens, Grauer brings a steady pace of play in the halfcourt. She will be worth a watch, posting 10.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. She has shown the ability to handle the rock with either hand, possessing plenty of gravity going downhill.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='222385' first='Ella' last='Pears'] - Longmont</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The small forward does well getting out on the break, pushing the pace however possible. Through her junior season, Pears has posted 8.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. At roughly 5'9, she seeks out contact while getting downhill, drawing over four free throws per game. Occupying the paint fairly often, Pears is efficient getting towards the rim, drawing contact or shot attempts within a couple dribbles. Continuing to develop her shot volume beyond the arc will be important for her offensive versatility.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='329403' first='Attley' last='Helzer'] - Severance</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Helzer plays a fast paced brand of basketball, getting out on the break and making impactful offensive reads. One of her standout games occurred versus Niwot, scoring 42 points, ranging from multiple triples to transition layups. Helzer has taken a step up for Severance, proving vital towards their offensive output, typically getting those shot attempts while the defense is still scrambling. Through her junior season with Severance, the guard has posted 17.5 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. Attempting roughly 7.5 three pointers per game, Helzer is a volume shooter, most often contributing shots off the catch. The junior guard has picked up some interest, including an offer from North Central University and Saint Mary's University of Minnesota.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='263612' first='Mackenzie' last='Flikkema'] - Resurrection Christian</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Flikkema is a valuable scoring threat with Resurrection Christian, proving effective within their offensive flow. The junior is putting up a team high 14.3 points per game, contributing buckets in a variety of ways. Typically getting her looks within the halfcourt team flow, Flikkema is most dangerous attacking downhill following a screen, often while the defense is scrambling. At roughly 5'11, Flikkema is a highly impactful rebounder with this group, including eight double-doubles throughout the junior season. Primarily coming from the defensive end, she rarely stagnates in one spot while the shot bounces off the rim, continuing to move around, vying for position. Through her season, Flikkema posted 14.3 points, 9 rebounds, 2.4 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->