Guards and Wings to Watch This Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We might as well talk about some specific positions today. We'll start by highlighting some under-the-radar-type post kids and close out the day by discussing some guards and wings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1045830' first='Raya' last='Shaw']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Athletic guards can swing games, and Shaw uses her athletic tools to make plays on both ends of the floor. No matter where she is, Shaw can find a way to turn defense into offense. There's a clip where she's guarding a post, forces a missed shot, gets a rebound, and creates a two-on-one opportunity in transition off that rebound. Few kids can do that. You can't always quantify with the rebound and assist that'll go down in the box score from that play. Her impact goes well beyond the box score, and it's easy to gather that everyone loves being around her. Having a kid like Shaw, who's athletic, excellent defensively, and can make things happen off the dribble, but being some teammates gravitate toward is the most valuable aspect she brings to a team. No number will quantify the value of having someone who can get people to buy in on the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='767268' first='Emily' last='Gomez']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I've talked about the void left by the class of 2023 at KM and how well Gomez filled that void ad nauseam. However, I don't think I've talked about how well Gomez finished the season for the Lasers. In the postseason, Gomez averaged 21.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists on shooting splits of 52/38/68. That is fantastic basketball to play in win-or-go-home games in the postseason. She earned first-team all-conference honors in the Classic Eight, which is nothing to scoff at. I believe she'll help a program win games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='556153' first='Kylie' last='Schultz']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Elkhorn guard had a productive season in her sophomore season. I thought she showed off her ability to make floaters and how comfortable she is with her floater game. That allows her to attack size under the basket without trying to find ways to finish around kids with a significant size advantage over her. Schultz also has a solid-looking jumper. Even if the numbers don't say she's a high-level shooter, I think the room to grow into that is there for her. Schultz's ability to get to her floater will open up the rest of her game over the next few seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='636142' first='Maddie' last='Gratz']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I believe Gratz stepped away from club basketball, but I love her game. She's a 5'10 powerful wing who can get downhill, play through contact, and knock perimeter jumpers. At Darlington, she's had a high-usage role and she's thrived within that setting. She plays with plenty of confidence and doesn't hesitate to put her head down and make a play like she had in the past. I'm unaware if she wants to play at the next level, but competitive programs at the small-school level could use a player like her.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>As a reminder, if you're reading this and considering attending either the Top 250 Expo or Freshman Showcase next month. Use code PetersonPGH2024 for a discount if you decide to head to Appleton!<br>Links for each event are below.</em><br><a href="https://events.prepgirlshoops.com/e/1182/register/wisconsin-freshman-showcase">PGH Wisconsin Freshman Showcase</a><br><a href="https://events.prepgirlshoops.com/e/1260/register/the-expo-wisconsin">PGH Wisconsin Top 250 Expo</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->