Junior Spotlight: Under the Radar SG’s

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the world of girls' basketball, where the spotlight often falls on the most hyped prospects, a group of emerging talents is poised to take center stage. They command the back court and have been diligently refining their skills and pushing their limits. With the 2023-2024 season fast approaching, these newly minted juniors are now on the cusp of stepping into bigger roles within their teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='525406' first='Lizzie' last='Calandruccio'] | 5'6" | Spotswood</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>You can't bring up summer stock risers without mentioning Lizzie's name. With her AUF Lady Hawks squad, she had an aau season to remember, culminating at the USJN U17 National Championship where she averaged just under 14 points in a 6-1 team showing. Lethal off the catch and shoot, she can swish it from just about anywhere and is legitimate from deep. With her overall game peaking and her confidence through the roof, expect big things from Lizzie in her junior campaign. Career milestones of 100 made 3-pointers, 900 points, 100 assists, 200 rebounds and 200 steals are all within striking distance. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='333333' first='Cassidy' last='Kruesi'] | 5'7" | St. Rose</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The recent Tampa commit had a sensational summer with the CJ Hawks. Tournaments in Louisville, Atlantic City and beyond saw Cassidy chase buckets and rack up offers in the process. Efficient, lights-out offense and effective, hard-nosed defense had opponents far and wide scrambling to contain her. Her ability to glide down the court and weave through defenders not only created buckets for herself, but also opened up the court for others once the defense tried to collapse on her. Career totals of 500 points, 200 rebounds and 100 steals are all within reach before her junior season wraps in March.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='414408' first='Alexis' last='Lease-Springer'] | 5'8" | South Brunswick</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After a successful summer with Team Elevation, Lex is primed for a sensational breakout season with the Vikings. High-level physicality and a knack for scoring buckets at will makes her a handful for any defender. Strong and explosive, Lex's dribble penetration and "all-out attack" mentality gave her team the upper hand over most opponents. Couple that with consistent 3-point shooting, scrappy defending and ferocious rebounding from the guard spot and you have a certified MENACE. She may eclipse career milestones of 800 points, 400 rebounds, 250 assists and 150 steals before her junior campaign is over.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='414352' first='Talia' last='Battavio'] | 5'7" | Woodstown</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'm fully convinced there isn't anywhere Talia can't splash it from! She stuffed stat sheets all summer long with the NJ Soldiers, draining 3's in rapid succession and deflating defenses around the country. Terrific off the catch and shoot, she never hesitates to pull the trigger and has a lightning quick release, making her shot THAT MUCH MORE DIFFICULT to defend. She's zippy, bouncy and electric in transition. Her hot hand guided Woodstown to their first ever sectional crown and she looks to do more of the same in 2024. She may eclipse career milestones of 100 made 3-pointers, 150 rebounds 100 assists, 100 steals, and yes, even 1,000 points before season's end!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='414349' first='Bella' last='Curanovic'] | 5'9" | Cranford</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From Spooky Nook, to the NJ Showcase, to Louisville and beyond, Isabella turned on the jets and turned up the heat this summer! With the Panthers of New Jersey, she faced some of the toughest teams in the country; New Heights NYC, Team Thrill, TN Flight Trotters, iDream, etc. Her hot hand was scorching in Orlando, where she helped her team claim the Platinum Division Championship. With confidence soaring high and more experience under her belt now as a junior, she looks to help the Lady Cougars achieve much success this winter. Career marks of 700 points and 400 rebounds are both within striking distance!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->