Byron’s Open Gym Notes: Maine South Hawks

<!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"18px","fontStyle":"italic","fontWeight":"400"}}} --> <p style="font-size:18px;font-style:italic;font-weight:400">With a past that consists of a winning culture and winning records, this upcoming season should be another successful campaign for the Hawks. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"italic","fontWeight":"500","fontSize":"18px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:18px;font-style:italic;font-weight:500"><em>Coach Jeff Hamann is in an ideal situation with all of his starters returning for the ‘23-24 season, A season that could conclude with a trip downstate. The program is filled with no egos and a tremendous amount of talent, including two standout seniors, high-level juniors, and promising underclassmen. Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='743604' first='Hayden' last='Fahy'], Gianna LaVecchia, and Riley Storey, along with sophomores Amelia Fernandez, Anya Chojnowski, and standout [player_tooltip player_id='796983' first='Emily' last='Currey'], will be the backbone of the program for the next few years.</em> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center"} --> <p class="has-text-align-center"><strong><em>*Junior Standout [player_tooltip player_id='523041' first='Caitlin' last='Leyden'] was not present</em> - Top #20 in the 2025 class* </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["265972"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cp style=u0022text-align: centeru0022u003eWash U commit Blagojevich has had a consistent past couple of years, and her confidence has seemed to increase as well. Her ability to score at the rim in a minimal amount of moves, while also being a threat from downtown continues to be a huge part of her game. However it was her leadership skills that stood out to me the most. From running open gym (for all levels) from start to finish, to pushing and encouraging teammates, to her constant communication on the floor.. Ava will be a key part in the programs success this year.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["523138"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"u003cp style=u0022text-align: centeru0022u003eOne of the top players in the 2025 class, Pape has unlimited talent and a feel for the game that goes perfect with a college ready frame. The ability to score in transition, with contact and isolation are there, but it's her constant movement without the ball that will be appreciated this season. Shes adaptable, effective and competitive. All the qualities of a standout player.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["405510"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"u003cp style=u0022text-align: centeru0022u003eQuick, fast, confident and unbothered. Fahy in the open court will be a problem for a majority of teams that will suit up against her this year. The speed matched with the handles, the body control and aggression will be there on every fast break possession that she leads. Offensively, three levels of scoring and I'm sure she'll take advantage on every mismatch that comes her way. Defensively, she has the foot speed and awareness to be a huge threat as well.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["523139"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"u003cp style=u0022text-align: centeru0022u003eBarker seems to be the nucleus for this program. Not a ton of mistakes will be made when the ball is in her hands, and you can bet that she'll look for the best option on each possession. She plays the game with a smooth pace but can flip the switch and be the main scoring option if need be. A threat from the outside, and attentive on the defensive end. Barker's versatility is key to her impact that she provides for this team.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["675826"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"u003cp style=u0022text-align: centeru0022u003eAsia is a promising player with great size and athleticism. She has a smooth shooting form, can be dominate in the paint, and shows flashes of excellence at catching and finishing around the rim. She plays the stretch post, but can adapt to various roles and still find success. Asia's high energy level makes her a standout on defense, whether it's grabbing rebounds, using her length to take risks on the passing lanes, or displaying her versatility by guarding both the perimeter and post. Her potential is impressive.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653ee822bb076"} /-->