35th Annual Coach Kipp Hoopsfest: Standouts From Day 1

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Though most teams didn't deliver the level of competition most fans anticipated, it still highlighted standout performances from Day 1. Below are players who either earned the Player of the Game award or were key in securing a W for their team. </h3>    Harden has been playing this game off potential, energy, and athleticism.. and when those skills start sharpening and kicking.. you get games like yesterday where she ends up outscoring the opponent by herself. Players like this will always find a way to be impactful on a program, no matter what their role is. She hustles, she has no ego and plays both sides of the ball with a ton of energy.     Sakalas finished the night with 17 points, but those 17 were especially significant as they pushed her past the 1,000 career points mark—a hell of milestone, particularly because she's been on a team that has consistently been state-bound since her freshman year. These aren't just empty points; they've been key in two deep state runs, including one that ended with a state title.     It's rare to come across talent that could get better at the next level, but Reed is one of those players. Though she consistently shows how impactful she is with the ball in her hands, her instincts without the ball often get overlooked. She could easily thrive as a catch-and-shoot type of player when she arrives at Akron.     The Wash U commit was one of the best players on the floor during their game against Glenbrook South, and that goes for both teams. On many occasions I've preached how well Molly just fits into systems. She plays her role with the upmost focus and energy.     Some players are ready when their number is called or when the moment demands it… Warner showed up in both scenarios in yesterday's matchup. As the captain of a rebuilding program, Natalie has consistently shown no ego, and only a care for bringing up the W. No matter what her role is.