Players to Watch in Appleton

Brady Peterson May 1, 2024 @ 11:27 AM

My favorite PGH event of the year is the Champions Challenge. Usually, a significant portion of the independent programs from Wisconsin shows up for each year along with some talented out-of-state programs, which means plenty of talent walks into the doors of the Champions Center the first weekend of May. Today, I'll talk about a few kids that, as far as I know, will be at the event that could be worth watching for a game.   [player_tooltip player_id='329591' first='Jade' last='Warren']   Warren's burst sets her apart from every other Wisconsin guard in the 2025 class. When she sets her mind on getting past a guard defending her, she can leave anyone with their feet stuck to the floor. She's fast and has shown flashes of being an elite guard in the 25 class. It's been inconsistent over the past year, but the talent is there for Warren. At any time, she could look like the best guard in the gym, among some of the top 25 guards in the region. I've been high on her ever since I saw her at a Menomonee Falls open gym, and once you notice the talent, you'll never forget it.   [player_tooltip player_id='844276' first='Kylie' last='Heller']   The 5-9 guard put together an excellent season for Mauston this season and was one of the top performers in the South Central Conference. She was a solid perimeter shooter, given the attention she demanded from defenses, and she's a tough kid. Don't be surprised if she draws a handful of charges as well. She has played at the base of a 2-3 zone and has been willing to step out and take some contact to earn an extra possession. The smaller schools that head over to Appleton will like what she does.   [player_tooltip player_id='813295' first='Jenna' last='Ott']   Ott could become a high-level 3&D player at the high school level. She can find open pockets of space to knock down open looks from the three-point line, and she's athletic enough to stick with opposing guards for a few dribbles off some switches. Even when her shots haven't fallen, teams have had to stay connected to her, which allows her teammates to attack the basket and get easy finishes around the rim. Her presence opens the floor for her teammates, improving her team's offense.   [player_tooltip player_id='335792' first='Aria' last='Mazza']    Mazza flies around the court on both ends and if she has or doesn't have the ball. The Benet Academy guard can make things happen off the dribble, and she can create something out of nothing. I've only seen her a few times, but she's capable of doing something you haven't seen before, which makes her fun to watch. I expect her Midwest Elite Meanstreets group will fly up and down the floor and try to light up the scoreboard because they have a kid like Mazza as their lead guard. I highly recommend seeing her play if you have the time.

My favorite PGH event of the year is the Champions Challenge. Usually, a significant portion of the independent programs from Wisconsin shows up for each year along with some talented out-of-state programs, which means plenty of talent walks into the doors of the Champions Center the first weekend of May. Today, I'll talk about a few kids that, as far as I know, will be at the event that could be worth watching for a game.