2025 Review: NoCo Wings Stepping Into Larger Roles

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='608631' first='Brooklyn' last='Jiricek'] - Windsor</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Among the leading contributors from a variety of areas through her sophomore season, Jiricek was no small part in Windsor's dominant playoff stretch. The 5'11 forward is a valuable defender first of all, especially consistent defending from the help side, keeping both arms up while getting physical on opponent drives. Proving excellent at rotating early to intercept passing lanes, Jiricek shows consistency either on or off the ball. Fourth in points per game (7.6) and second in defensive rebounds (3.3), the forward will be stepping into a larger role for this group, following the departures of sharpshooter Hailee Wright and lead guard Sam Darnell. Jiricek's continued growth as a shotmaker on jump shots and free throw consistency will be key areas to round out her scoring volume.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='780113' first='Callie' last='Gillespie'] - Resurrection Christian</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gillespie is a strong lefty forward who brings a consistent motor on either end of the glass. Effective at leveraging space for rebounding opportunities, the 5'10 forward is constantly on the move for putbacks over the defense. Continuing her growth as a downhill scorer, Gillespie is most active attacking on straight line drives, blowing by a recovering defense. The junior comes into the program following a much improved season, posting 10.5 points and 4 rebounds per game. Her growing consistency on spot-up attempts will be one area to track, making herself more dynamic away from the ball.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='374165' first='Jaque' last='Forrest'] - Poudre</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Forrest brings intrigue on the offensive end, capable of stepping into quick trigger jump shots within the arc. Standing right around 5'9, the incoming junior shows upside at changing speeds, getting to a jump stop for the pull-up middie. This same strategy often employed drives and layups at the basket, getting into the jump stop to solidify a strong base versus incoming contests. Particularly valuable on the glass, Forrest makes sure to stay in position for a putback, getting the shot up quickly before needing to dribble. Her lasting impact on the boards will be a necessity going into the season, given this group's primary focus on taking shots inside the arc.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='329397' first='Caroline' last='Kron'] - Mead</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kron brings value on the defensive glass, staying true to the fundamentals and grabbing box outs whenever possible. Boasting a notable height advantage along the wing, she is worth tracking as a complementary wing who is still growing on the offensive side. Previously showing capabilities as a floor spacer off of spot-up attempts, the junior will likely be given a higher volume of potential shot attempts throughout this season. Following departures of Kyra Haan and Charlotte Brennan, the wing is set to improve her offensive volume in due time. Her growth as a playmaker with the ball is an area worth tracking this season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='495903' first='Milana' last='Rowe'] - Resurrection Christian</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The incoming junior has been highly impactful grabbing loose balls, having no trouble diving onto the floor to secure the possession. Especially active sneaking into scoring position while off the ball, Rowe has excellent awareness for at-rim shot attempts. No doubt the wing can become a steady complementary scoring threat this upcoming season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->