Players I Like Heading Into 2024-25

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today, we're talking about players who've put themselves in a position to thrive in this upcoming season. That could be due to their play last season, through the grassroots season, or by others graduating, but let's talk about some intriguing names heading into the 2024-25 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='751291' first='Grace' last='Mitchell']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The physical 5'10 wing from Winneconne had a high-usage role in her first high school season. Mitchell was the focal point of everything the Wolves did and showed she could do a little of everything. The rising sophomore knocked down difficult threes off the dribble, and her percentage was low from back there because of the degree of difficulty of shots she had to take. However, I thought Mitchell showed her ability to get open away from the ball. She cut well without the ball, used her strength to get people off her and get to the rim, and her footwork helped her get into space in small spaces.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='842257' first='Sheamarie' last='Ashley']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The motor that [player_tooltip player_id='842257' first='Sheamarie' last='Ashley'] has makes it hard to take her off the floor. Some kids will make mistakes and immediately give up on plays. Ashley does everything possible to make up for something like a turnover. At her best, she is always around the ball, has solid help-side instincts, and finds ways to get her hands on the ball on the defensive end. Ashley is also a plus athlete in the backcourt and can push the tempo to put pressure on opposing defenses. She won't jump off the box score every night, but there's a reason that Beaver Dam has given her an extended run over the past two seasons under two separate head coaches. She helps her team win games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='882565' first='Lexi' last='Gruman']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Random Lake native impressed me with how well she handled the ball in traffic this summer and had a solid first season with the Rams. Gruman came into high school and didn't have a turnover problem, which isn't the norm for young kids starting varsity basketball. Her shot looks fluid and should develop as she matures and naturally gets stronger. However, her skillset will make her one of the best players in the Big East-South for the next three years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1045826' first='Hayley' last='Quinn']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Players who can make shots at a 41% clip in a talented conference are noticeable. The 5'10 wing can be a bit of a cheat code with her high-release. Few people can contest Quinn's shots because of that release, and in turn, she looks comfortable whenever she gets a ball up toward the basket. She can get her shot off the dribble and keep defenders on their heels because they know she's willing to get downhill. Another name I learned about recently that I'm eager to follow this season.</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 -->