CIML Standouts - Valley Tigers

Though the Des Moines Valley Tigers were handed a close loss to Ankeny on Tuesday there is a lot to like from their young team. Despite only one senior getting minutes, the Tigers had a strong defensive core, smart decision making, length on the perimeter and scoring potential from a handful of players. Keep on reading to see who stood out for Valley this week.    I am really impressed with what [player_tooltip player_id='892063' first='Ashlee' last='Brown'] brings to the table. Defensively, she's a lockdown defender that brings energy to her team - she's got the athleticism and IQ to defend high-level players. Offensively, Brown has the ball on a string, can finish with both hands at the rim, and is a consistent threat from behind the arc, hitting the first two threes of the game with ease. Brown finished with 13 points, 4 boards and 2 steals on the night while only shooting 6 shots - I envision lots more of this efficient production from Brown for Valley this season.     From the tip, [player_tooltip player_id='1201883' first='Kari' last='Rose'] stuck out to me defensively - she's fun to watch and you can tell she takes pride in being a hustle player. She keeps a low, athletic stance and scoring against her is does not come easy. On the other side of the floor she is a good decision maker with the ball in her hands. She uses her jab step nicely and knows when to attack off of it. She'll take it to the rim with a head full of steam and is comfortable shooting the three with a hand in her face too. Rose looks like she is ready to have a breakout junior year.     After earning seldom minutes as a freshman, combo guard [player_tooltip player_id='1044930' first='Baileigh' last='Uthoff'] has put the work in and earned herself a starting spot this season for Valley. On Tuesday she proved herself to be a solid role player for the Tigers - she is a dependable, consistent defender and does a great job keeping players in front of her. When the Tigers needed the ball in the fourth quarter, Uthoff ran the top of their trapping press and forced a handful of Ankeny turnovers. I'm looking forward to Baileigh's progress as she gains experience this season.     [player_tooltip player_id='1044965' first='Tylee' last='Weite'] made an impact in all aspects of the game on Tuesday, and showed that she'll be Valley's go-to player this season. Finishing with 18 points and 3 boards vs Ankeny, the sophomore scored in a number of different ways - off the blow-by dribble, stepping behind handoffs for deep threes, and using crafty footwork in the paint. At 5'10", Weite also defended Ankeny's post players and did so with aggression and intelligence. She contested passes in the paint well, and stayed disciplined for a smooth block too. Weite is the motor that makes Valley go and I predict a breakout season for her.     It's clear that [player_tooltip player_id='912093' first='Avery' last='Moon'] has put in work this offseason. After averaging 4.6PPG last season, the junior is scoring close to 8PPG this year along with pulling down 5 rebounds. On Tuesday Moon showed off a solid handle, aggression off the dribble (including on a nice hesitation-go for a finish at the rim), and ability to turn the corner with speed. Moon is also a smart defender that fits nicely into the Tigers' system. She's not afraid to stretch the floor on defense and takes risks at the right time.

Though the Des Moines Valley Tigers were handed a close loss to Ankeny on Tuesday there is a lot to like from their young team. Despite only one senior getting minutes, the Tigers had a strong defensive core, smart decision making, length on the perimeter and scoring potential from a handful of players. Keep on reading to see who stood out for Valley this week.