5A Hidden Gems Making an Impact

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 5A classification is filled with elite talent, but some players are flying under the radar while making a huge impact for their teams. These hidden gems have stepped up in crucial moments, proving their value on both ends of the floor. As the season progresses, their roles will only grow, and their contributions could be the difference between a good season and a championship run. Here are five players who deserve more recognition for their play this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["796631"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67b664cc7c8db"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Paityn, a sophomore guard for Windsor, has been a steady presence off the bench for a top-five team. She controls the tempo of the offense, making smart decisions while keeping the team in rhythm. A capable shooter from three, she also uses her handle to break down defenders and create opportunities for her teammates. As Windsor looks to make a deep playoff run, Paityn's ability to impact the game will be big.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["789197"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67b664cc7c965"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='789197' first='Ava' last='Grosboll'] has played a huge role in Roosevelt's quest for a three-peat. Her versatility allows her to impact the game in ways that don't always show up on the stat sheet but contribute to wins. Ava has a knack for being in the right place at the right time, giving her easy scoring opportunities. Roosevelt's success has been a team effort, Ava's presence has been a key factor in their run this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["904993"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67b664cc7c9c3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ella brings flexibility to Green Mountain, making an impact on both ends of the floor. Defensively, her quickness and athleticism allow her to get steals and deflections, creating transition opportunities. On offense, she can knock down shots from deep or use her speed to finish inside against bigger defenders. Her ability to contribute in multiple ways makes her an important piece for Green Mountain. <br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["789194"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67b664cc7ca1d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='789194' first='Izzy' last='Howard'], a 5'9 wing from Frederick, has made strides in her sophomore season. She more confidence, making her a more consistent scoring threat and an offensive option. Defensively, she brings toughness, rebounding, and the length to create havoc. With her development on both ends, Izzy has become a key player for Frederick this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["899650"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67b664cc7ca77"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mikaela-Zoe, a wing/post for Lutheran, has made her presence felt this year with her improved shooting. She has boosted her three-point percentage, forcing defenders to contest. Her confidence from beyond the arc has also allowed her to attack the rim more, making her more versatile. As Lutheran gets ready for the postseason, Mikaela-Zoe's will be a factor in their success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->