Bright Lights: Top Performers – 802 D3 Final
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Here it is! The D3 Final bit, featuring a ton of talent whether they’re seniors or freshmen, we’ve got it all. The game hung in the balance at halftime, then it was a huge 2nd half from both sides but…
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Continue ReadingHere it is! The D3 Final bit, featuring a ton of talent whether they’re seniors or freshmen, we’ve got it all. The game hung in the balance at halftime, then it was a huge 2nd half from both sides but Hazen especially. Lock in on the best performances!
Caitlyn Davison Caitlyn Davison 5'9" | CG Hazen | 2024 State NewE , 5’8 G – Hazen Union H.S. Class of 2024
The first half featured D3s best player as an orchestrator, defender and rebounder as she handled ball pressure, got Hazen into their stuff, and aided on the boards with good anticipation. Once the 3rd quarter came, CD was firing on all cylinders. She got it going at the rim and from deep, balancing her attack well as she slashed inside and navigated the 2nd layer with fine footwork to find space, finish, and draw fouls. From the perimeter, it was a patented little step back that Davison was dropping. Her 2nd half featured 26 of her 34 points, going to the line often to close the 4th. Best, and hungriest, player on the floor.
Kelsie Rivard, 5’9 W – Hazen Union H.S. Class of 2027
It’s just astonishing that Rivard is a freshman. She plays with such confidence, court awareness, and always at her own pace; those are often tells that someone is a “vet”. Her 16-points came from the inner 2-levels, nailing spot-up jumpers with ease and finishing inside with her impressive touch. Mix in her on time + on target passing as she read the D, which greased so much of Hazen’s offense. And we haven’t even gotten to the defense. Kelsie impacted what felt like every single possession. She’s anticipatory on-ball while applying pressure, rotates well to help, and jumps passing lanes intuitively. Moreover, she was often defending the 6′ post presence from Windsor, guarding up and putting in relentless work on the glass. An all-around player with impressive feel, decision making, and wide-ranging impact. She’s a stud.
Mya Lumsden, 5’7 G – Hazen Union H.S. Class of 2027
Lumsden’s work revolved mostly around her gluey offensive abilities, some facilitation, and defense. Mya’s aware play consistently led to smart reads as she attacked closeouts, moved the ball ahead of rotations, and hit teammates in open space. Plus, her defensive work was paramount in Hazen’s ability to limit Windsor’s scoring guards, using her length, footwork, and anticipation to keep them at bay. Another star in the making out of Hardwick.
Taylor Thompson, 5’5 G – Hazen Union H.S. Class of 2027
You’ve got to love having a high-IQ guard off the bench that comes in and makes the right play. Thompson did just that, providing a connective presence on offense with her reads of the defense; she attacked space, fed teammates ahead of the defense, and took care of the ball. Then defensively, Taylor brought the activity to continue junking up the perimeter with her air-tight rotations in help and with tough pressure on ball. Another PG who’ll be making noise in D3 for years to come.
Sydney Perry Sydney Perry 6'0" | PF Windsor | 2024 State NewE , 6’0 F – Windsor H.S. Class of 2024
Sydney did all she could to help claw WHS back into the game. Perry had it going inside as she found little gaps vs the zone or went straight to the block to post-up, turn, and finish. Her team-high 23 came off of plays just like that, or they came off of her open court hustle, beating her defender down floor for bunnies at the rim. On the defensive end, Perry brought an interior presence against Hazen’s slashers, defending the rim and cleaning glass. Tough two-way play to close a solid HS career.
Audrey Rupp Audrey Rupp 5'5" | CG Windsor | 2025 State NewE , 5’7 G – Windsor H.S. Class of 2025
It was the defense from Rupp that stood out in this one. Audrey’s defense, both on the ball and off, made everything tough. She showcased nice agility, using foot speed and footwork to cut off angles, stay attached, and force tough plays time after time. Rupp caused a few turnovers in doing so, collected a few rebounds, and used those opportunities to get into the open court. Her scoring was limited to a couple lays and FTs but her intent never wavered, and she worked to get Windsor into their stuff via her facilitation. Sound game and a fantastic defensive effort.
Brianna Barton Brianna Barton 5'7" | SG Windsor | 2025 State NewE , 5’7 G – Windsor H.S. Class of 2025
Barton provided that steadying offensive presence for much of the game. She moved the ball well and moved nicely herself off of it, doing well to provide pressure releases and get the ball inside to the post. Then came a late 4th quarter run from Brianna; she upped the ante and dropped 11 of her 14 points in the fourth I believe, getting to the rack and knocking down a couple 3s to keep Hazen honest. Good effort on both ends as she flashed the offensive potential.
Kemari Wildgoose Kemari Wildgoose 5'9" | PF Windsor | 2026 State NewE , 5’9 W/F – Windsor H.S. Class of 2026
With Kemari, you get the ultimate hustle player. Wildgoose was that one who was flying around for loose balls, tracking down rebounds, and defending hard. Kemari had the assignment on Hazen’s talented freshman wing and Kemari made plays difficult on her as she used her physicality, athleticism, and smarts to anticipate moves and force counters. A force defensively and she added a few 2nd chance points as well. Tough stuff from the up-and-comer.