Who Could Step Into Significant Roles From the Freshman Showcase?
After a quick pitstop a few days ago, I want to continue highlighting kids who played well in Appleton last weekend. I thought there were plenty of talented kids up there, so I want to spend another day or two…
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Continue ReadingAfter a quick pitstop a few days ago, I want to continue highlighting kids who played well in Appleton last weekend. I thought there were plenty of talented kids up there, so I want to spend another day or two highlighting them.
Ava Van der kooy
I loved how well Van der kooy read defenses. Without any structure to the game, she continuously made good reads when the ball got kicked out to her, and when she shot the ball, it felt like it went in the basket more often than it didn’t. She’s a physical wing, fundamentally sound, and makes good decisions when the ball gets to her. I don’t see why she wouldn’t play a prominent off-ball role for Oconomowoc and fill the void left by now Carroll University wing Natalie Gricius.
EllaMay Cooper
I’ve known about Cooper for a little over a year now, and the first time I saw her as a rising 8th grader, what stood out about her was her poise, speed, and press resistance. The first time I saw her play, she was playing a North Tartan team, who ended up as a Final Four team in EYBL and won Boo Williams this past summer, and they tried to press Cooper for a half and then gave up because they couldn’t get the ball away from her. She could be the most integral player for McDonell this year if they have to play teams like Racine Prairie or Laconia to make a run at a D4 state title.
Rita Kuepper Rita Kuepper 5'6" | PG Hartford Union | 2027 WI
Hartford will get a handful of uber-talented newcomers, and Kuepper is one of them. The way she sees the game is well beyond her years. It feels like she has a plan of attack every time she dribbles the ball. Some guards never truly comprehend how to play with pace, which doesn’t mean playing at 100 miles per hour, and Kuepper has an understanding of that. Her presence at Hartford could be as critical as anyone because every team that wins state titles has trustworthy point guards, and Kuepper could be the piece that changes everything for the Orioles.
Josie Piurowski
The 5’11 guard has all the talent you could ask for. She’ll be able to play anywhere from the one through four at Brookfield Central, and her skillset allows her to do anything needed from her. She’ll be able to initiate offense from the start. She can operate in pick-and-roll actions as a ball handler, screener, or off-ball cutter. Piurowski will be one of the most versatile kids in the GMC when the season tips off.