Goliaths of the Region: NEPSAC Star Bigs
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The New England area is filled with an immense level of talent and with the new age spacing, bigs often have got left in the dark and we sometimes forget to show them some love. NEPSAC is one of the…
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Continue ReadingThe New England area is filled with an immense level of talent and with the new age spacing, bigs often have got left in the dark and we sometimes forget to show them some love. NEPSAC is one of the best conferences in the country and sometimes as fans of the game we get sidetracked by the fancy footwork and highlight plays from the guards of the area, but let’s not forget who finish most of these assists! I’m talking about the frontline of the premiere defenses, the shot swatters, the backline leaders of the court that make our game that much better.
Most of the bigs mentioned below are more of the traditional power forwards and centers of the world. These girls are stars who many teams have prepare for and make major impacts on the floor. The girls are difference makers and create an impact for their teams that are vital for their team’s success.
Olivia Van Patten (2025)/ 6-2 PF-C / Saint George’s/ Rivals
Olivia has quick feet, hands and an even quicker release in her mechanics. She has the ability to put the ball on the floor a bit, but her bread and butter is a smooth inside-out game that seems to come second nature. She uses her frame to easily get position and does most of her work early which always has defenders at a disadvantage. Her shooting ability makes her a tough cover as well because she can space the floor and knock down shots as a trailer. Olvia is highly productive playing next to a star player on her high school team, which means she doesn’t need the ball a ton to be highly effective.
Brooke Nunnally-Gardner Brooke Nunnally-Gardner 6’0″ | PF Dexter Southfield | 2026 State NewE (2025)/ 6-0 PF/ Dexter Southfield
A strong force who uses her frame to take advantage of her competition. Nunn is typically effective backing down defenders, but she can turn and face very well which leads her driving and getting to the basket. Her high motor and tenacious attitude allow for her to be a fierce competitor who is rarely stopped from her getting her buckets down low. Brooke is a force to stop in the half court and she is constantly being fed. What’s impressive about Brooke is she isn’t satisfied from getting her bucket, she is looking to exploit her mismatch at all times.
Maddison Krug Maddison Krug 6’4″ | PF St. Andrew’s | 2025 State NewE (2025)/ 6-4 PF-C/ Saint Andrew’s/ Bay State Jags
A 6-4 player who uses her long limbs to affect the game with ease. She has the ability to shoot the 3, hit the midrange and her jump hook is a go to move that is hard to stop for most. Maddison can affect the game without scoring, but when she is getting on the scoreboard, she can score in bunches. A very capable screen and roller, natural post up and spot up or trailer Krug is active on the floor. She gets on a roll very quickly and she can insert energy into any lineup she is inserted into and can make an impact at any moment.
Jessica Ross Jessica Ross 6’3″ | PF Tabor | 2024 State NewE (2024)/ 6-3 PF-C/ Tabor/ Bay Sate Jaguars
Ross is a bucket down low using her 6-3 frame to get position in the post. Ross can finish over the left and right shoulder and has a very textbook arsenal of post moves to allow her to give defenders different counters. Ross is rarely stopped from getting where she wants on the floor and uses patience and not just brute force to overwhelm defenders. Ross is a tough big that fights for position and plays hard on defense. Playing along stars on her AAU and high school teams Ross is always a factor on both ends of the floor and always rises to the top as a crucial part to her team’s success.
Kat Lipatova
Kat Lipatova
Kat Lipatova (2025)/ 6-4 C/ Putnam Science
Kat Lipatova hailing is a 6-4-star big hailing from Moscow, Russia. She brings some of the Euro flare to the game with fundamentally sound post moves and the ability to knock down shots from a high release point. Kat can also knock down free throws despite her size and long arms making her an effective option who is extremely efficient. She doesn’t require the ball much and runs the floor very well for her size. Kat also is one of the best shot blockers and alters most guards attempts at the rim.