Small School Standouts

Brady Peterson December 16, 2024 @ 09:43 AM

Small schools around the state have had kids playing well all season. Today, before we look at some things within my first RPI Rankings, we'll highlight a few small school kids in D3-D5 who've had solid seasons.   [player_tooltip player_id='844281' first='Jorja' last='Hoffman']   A senior from Oakfield, Hoffman has been a standout for the Oaks since she arrived in 2022. The 6'0 forward has been an inside-out threat who's been efficient at every level on the offensive end of the floor. Hoffman is a physical kid who can play with her back-to-the-basket, spin, and score over either shoulder. The Oak has also been a mid-upper 30 percent three-point shooter in her time at Oakfield. It also helps that Hoffman is a walking double-double at the D5 level.   Maddie Ratzow   Players develop at different rates, and as they get older, they tend to find their footing, which has been the case for Ratzow. The Lake Country Lutheran wing has been a zone-buster for the Lightning. She's shooting north of 50% from the three-point line this season, and paired with her athleticism, she's been one of the most improved kids in Southeast Wisconsin. Time will tell if that holds throughout the season, but she's been excellent in games thus far. Ratzow is a solid shooter and should be a solid defender at the next level if she wants to play in college.   [player_tooltip player_id='533079' first='Brooklyn' last='Love']   Speed kills, and Love has plenty of it. The threat she poses off the dribble is something that defenders have to respect, which allows her plenty of space on the perimeter. The Dominican guard has caused headaches for opposing defenses because Love can attack teams off the dribble, and she's shot 37% from the three-point through the first handful of games through the season. The Knight has all the physical tools to create for herself and others, and I'm unsure if people around the state have respected her abilities in the way they should, but if she keeps playing the way she has, that's sure to change.   [player_tooltip player_id='992515' first='Sydney' last='Loerke']   The Deerfield newcomer has made her mark in her first month for the Demons. Loerke has been an efficient double-double kid in her first six games, leading the Demons to a solid start to their season. Loerke stands at about 6'1 with solid touch around the basket and has the mobility to play the four if any of her coaches wish to play her there. The Deerfield native still has room to grow, but early returns are everything the Demons could've hoped for.

Small schools around the state have had kids playing well all season. Today, before we look at some things within my first RPI Rankings, we'll highlight a few small school kids in D3-D5 who've had solid seasons.