D2 Hidden Gems: Savvy Play as of Late

Digging into D2 a little deeper, I've scanned the landscape and come to you with a handful of players who've been instrumental in their team's success. While it's important to mention D2s top dogs such as [player_tooltip player_id='481355' first='Charlotte' last='Jasmin'] and [player_tooltip player_id='645601' first='Sabine' last='Brueck'], I want to go further and highlight these gamers who get it done as well.   [player_tooltip player_id='594763' first='Marlie' last='Bushey'], 5'11 G/W - Milton H.S. Class of 2026   Bushey is Milton's star and swiss-army knife, someone who defenses gameplan for and then often adjust as she figures them out. A natural wing, Marlie's often tasked with ballhandling duties out of necessity. In turn, she's an organizer and creator. Once she gets downhill, she's tough to quell with her finishing and distribution. Plus, her shooting off the catch forces defenses to scramble, and when dominos fall, she sees gaps. One of the more versatile defenders around too, she covers 1-4 with perimeter pressure, rim protection, and rebounding. Dynamic.   Eloise Lilley, 5'8 G - Harwood Union H.S. Class of 2025   A defensive force and the engine behind this Harwood group, Lilley just notched her 1,000-point. She's an aggressive guard who relishes contact on both ends. She's constantly hounding the ballhandler or battling for 50/50s, and on the other end her physical slashing culminates in lays and FTs. A tough transition player too, Lilley creates O from her D. Unfortunately, Eloise is shutting it down for the year for knee surgery, but she's had an impressive career at HUHS.   [player_tooltip player_id='645778' first='Katelynn' last='Hadwen'], 5'7 G - Fair Haven Union H.S. Class of 2025   A gifted offensive presence for the reigning champs, Hadwen's gluey playstyle is so vital for the Slaters. Katelynn's vision, accuracy and timing on her passing creates easy offense. Moreover, she's a dynamic mover away from the ball, hitting her cuts or coming off ball screens well to create advantages. She knocks down the 3, finishes craftily inside, and certainly sees the pass ahead of the rotation. Defensively savvy and smart, she's tight in her rotations and anticipatory to disrupt. Two-way glue.   [player_tooltip player_id='645784' first='Evie' last='Pirie'], 5'8 G - Lamoille Union H.S. Class of 2025   The go-to scorer for the Lancers does it in a few different ways. She moves well within the press or off a rebound and then finishes efficiently in transition. In the halfcourt, Pirie moves naturally and knows how to exploit sleeping defenders with cuts or she'll slip by off the crossover. The jumper off the catch is clean, she attacks closeouts intuitively, and sees the passing window as the D rotates. An efficient offensive presence with the length and wit to bother defensively.   Greta Nolan, 5'6 G - North Country Union H.S. Class of 2028   Freshman in the house! Nolan's starting on one of D2s toughest teams and for good reason. Greta's offensive skillset and feel is quickly apparent; she's constantly peeking at the rim on catches, forcing defenders into hard closeouts. Her slashing and short-range scoring can cut opponents up, and if they don't closeout hard, she hits the jumper. Moreover, her off-ball movement is well-informed and bends defenses. On the other end, Nolan is gritty, full of energy, and pretty tightly knit for a freshman. Keep tabs up north.   [player_tooltip player_id='834838' first='Isabelle' last='Cole'], 5'10 W - Fair Haven Union H.S. Class of 2025   A shooter and gluey floor spacer, Cole brings a crucial element to FHU's offense. Her smart movement into open space often culminates in good clean shots, ones she knocks down at a good clip from range. With the shooting presence, she opens up the interior for Kelly or savvy cutters, hitting teammates on time with her crisp and quick passing. Defensively steady and aware, Cole ties the team together with her size and mobility on the perimeter. High-IQ and in the flow of the game.   Victoria Kelly, 6'1 F - Fair Haven Union H.S. Class of 2026   The most formidable forward in D2, Kelly is a problem. Victoria's post-game is tough and skilled, able to drop step and finish with either hand or turn into the middle for baby hooks. Her jumper and comfort extend too, able to knock down the 12-footer or pull the defense out and move the ball on the wing. An intuitive ball screener too, Kelly creates a lot of offense with those hard screen and rolls along the 3pt line. Defensively, you can guess she's a presence. With her size and length, it's all rim protection, rebounding, and post defense. A true forward with nice feel and footwork.   Alyssa Small, 5'9 W - Lamoille Union H.S. Class of 2026   There's a relentlessness to Alyssa's game. She's a constant double-double threat with her high rebounding tallies and physical work around the cup offensively. Small battles for position, hunts the ball, and in turn, creates 2nd chance opportunities or transition offense. Her scoring often comes at the rim, either with a 1-2 dribble slash or while cleaning up. Her defensive might and anticipation clogs up the middle and forces offenses into perimeter play. Tough with constant activity.

Digging into D2 a little deeper, I've scanned the landscape and come to you with a handful of players who've been instrumental in their team's success. While it's important to mention D2s top dogs such as Charlotte Jasmin Charlotte Jasmin 5'9" | SG Hartford | 2026 State New E and Sabine Brueck Sabine Brueck 5'8" | CG North Country Union | 2025 State New E , I want to go further and highlight these gamers who get it done as well.