Finishing with Finesse: Underclassmen in the Paint

Greats like Megan Gustafson, Monika Czinano, and Audi Crooks have had a lot of influence on how post players are viewed in the state of Iowa. In recent seasons there has been a heavy emphasis on post players' effectiveness based on their shooting percentage, so I thought I would highlight a few underclassmen who are fitting that bill — go-to forwards and centers who are converting at a high rate. These up-and-comers are players to watch in the paint.    [player_tooltip player_id='1143192' first='Kyndall' last='Stigge'] is a 6'2" center who has put up consistent numbers so far through her sophomore season. Averaging 8.2 points and 7 rebounds for the Wapello Arrows, Stigge is shooting at an impressive 56% from the field. Working herself into a starting position this season, Stigge has proven herself to be a consistent, productive threat at the rim. She also stays pretty disciplined defensively, averaging only 3.2 fouls per game. As the season progresses for the Arrows I envision the offense will play through Stigge as well as her sophomore counterpart [player_tooltip player_id='1182033' first='Macey' last='Kuntz'].     [player_tooltip player_id='1143194' first='Sira' last='Doumbia'] is another young center with a huge upside for Cedar Rapids Washington. Through 11 games thus far as a sophomore, Doumbia is averaging 10.5 points per game, 7.7 boards, and is shooting at a 55.3% clip. Doumbia does a good job to keep the ball high on the catch and can finish through contact and the double team. Earlier this season vs. Linn Mar, I liked Doumbia's persistence with her positioning against a full denial defense. As she continues to gain experience, I think Doumbia will continue to grow and become an even more dynamic player in the paint.     I really like [player_tooltip player_id='686893' first='Cassidy' last='Danburg']'s game and how effective she is on both sides of the floor. Defensively, Danburg moves her feet well and uses her experience on the volleyball court to elevate and block shots (she had a six-block game just last week). Offensively, Danburg is shooting a cool 55% from the floor while averaging 5.9 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. She's mobile, runs the floor well, and isn't afraid to get physical in the post — the 6'2" sophomore can also step out and hit the three ball. On a young and talented Waukee Northwest team, I expect to hear Danburg's name more and more.     [player_tooltip player_id='1143197' first='Keely' last='Derochie'] is a prime example of an undersized forward that is productive around the rim — the 5'9" sophomore is scoring 7.6 points per game while shooting 54.8% from the floor. Serving as a solid role player off the bench this season, Derochie is also getting it done in other areas of the game with 4.4 rebounds and 1.6 steals. Her Hinton Blackhawks squad is rolling this season with an undefeated record so far, and they have continually been able to count on Derochie to come into the game, be efficient, and make an impact.     [player_tooltip player_id='919620' first='Mykaela' last='Vincent'] is another young up-and-coming forward that has her best basketball ahead of her. The reserve for Pella is averaging 4.4 points and 3.2 rebounds so far this year on an experienced, ninth-ranked squad. Vincent is fundamental around the rim, finishes off two feet on either side of the rim, and runs the floor well. She's also finishing at a very efficient clip — 54.1%. Defensively she's not afraid to switch out on guards and really uses her length well to disrupt passing lanes. At 6'1," Vincent also does well to help in the paint and pick off lob passes over the top.

Greats like Megan Gustafson, Monika Czinano, and Audi Crooks have had a lot of influence on how post players are viewed in the state of Iowa. In recent seasons there has been a heavy emphasis on post players' effectiveness based on their shooting percentage, so I thought I would highlight a few underclassmen who are fitting that bill — go-to forwards and centers who are converting at a high rate. These up-and-comers are players to watch in the paint.