Lisa’s Open Gym Notes: Fremd Vikings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fremd suffered a heartbreak in February when Hersey stunned them in an upset in the Class 4A Sectional Title Game. Fremd was poised for an uncontested run to the state championship when plans changed. A loss like that is great fuel going into a new season. They had nothing to hang their heads for and they seem to be getting back to work. If Thursday's open gym is any indication, they will use that to forge the same path. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coach Dave Yates helped bring the state championship to Fremd in 2020, and can do the same with this group. The returning starters have the talent and leadership skills to make another run. While they have a deep and talented group returning, they have a strong group of talented underclassmen. Standout sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='515520' first='Greta' last='Thompson'] will be accumulating varsity minutes and will show why she is at the top of her class in rankings. Sophomores Bella Del Mar, [player_tooltip player_id='585667' first='Lucy' last='Kim'], [player_tooltip player_id='728511' first='Nelly' last='Gonnella'] and [player_tooltip player_id='421237' first='Finn' last='Perry'] will be ready on the pine to go when needed. Up and coming freshman, [player_tooltip player_id='743602' first='Grace' last='Todd'], makes the future brighter for the Vikings. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's take a look at the upperclassmen leading the 2023-24 Fremd team this year: </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["352113"],"_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":"One of the top players in the 2025 class, Ella's skills refine every time I see her play.  She is a knockdown shooter with super tight handles and a court vision which is not seen at her level.  Her footwork has always been quick and fleeting, but it has gotten more refined and she is dominating the space she occupies.  When you think her game couldn't improve, she has been using her frame to distract her opponent and drive hard to the basket for easy buckets.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["335797"],"_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":"University of Portland commit, Eshoo will show her leadership skills on the court this season.  She has a commanding presence in the paint and a great touch around the rim.  Her versatility always stands out as one of her greatest assets.  A solid defender, she is usually on the winning side of a rebound battle and her put back is one of the smoothest out there.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["352121"],"_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":"[player_tooltip player_id='352121' first='Coco' last='Urlacher'] is tough.  She has a great frame and her strength can be overpowering if you are not prepared.  Incredibly athletic and strong,  she is agile with strong hands and a threat on defense.  Her speed allows for quick transitions for steals and easy breakaway layups.  She will be a key part of this Fremd team.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["349413"],"_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":"Zavilla is one of those players who flies under the radar but shouldn't.  One of the more physically stronger players out there, if you don't know it, you will be rudely awakened.  Her strength and domineering presence will be needed on this Fremd team with the graduation of some of their more physical players.  Her skills will be needed and utilized on defense and not to worry-she is a shooter as well.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["335714"],"_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":"Ellie is synonomous with spot on shooting.  She has great form and accuracy from the 3 point line.  Super smooth and easy to the basket, don't think her game is all offense.  While she shows patience and skill on the offensive end, she can defend all positions and trap even the most agile defender.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65219ce87508b"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->