2025 Freshman Player of the Year Finalists Pt 2

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Inspired by the Miss Basketball award, which seeks to honor the best senior basketball players in the state, we wanted to add our flavor to postseason awards. Danyle and I have collaborated to determine a list of deserving high school prospects for every grade that we wish to nominate as Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior Player of the Year Finalists.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>This award emphasizes individual accomplishments and performances during the 2024-25 season. Prospects who compete on teams that excel in their division, conference, and against competitive teams were prioritized. <strong>To be included as a finalist, a player must have played for a high school team ranked by an authoritative girls basketball resource and demonstrated consistent impactful performances throughout the season. </strong></em>Two Player of the Year Finalists will be selected for each grade. The girls chosen are those who we believe impact their team with such significance that their team would not be in the same competitive category without them. Their performance throughout the scope of this season stands above other finalists and makes them the most deserving recipient of what we hope will be a highly respected award for years to come. This is our attempt to offer a fresh award to several of the best basketball players in the state, on the best teams in the state. Here are five of our 2025 Freshman Player of the Year Finalists.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/paisley-stephens/">Read Freshman Player of the Year Finalists Pt 1</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["932753"],"_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-67c49e12f1822"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kassidy jumped into the starting lineup on day one as a freshman and her impact as the point guard gave the Phoenix an edge on both sides of the ball this season. She disrupted opposing guards with her ball pressure and turned steals into fast break layups. Kassidy knocked down perimeter jumpers and effectively facilitated passes to her teammates. Renaissance finished the season 19-2, defeating Mumford to win the PSL championship. The Phoenix earned statement wins against DEPSA, Dexter, Grand Blanc, Cass Tech, Hartland, and Mumford. Kassidy averaged 10 points, six assists, and three steals this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["898878"],"_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-67c49e12f188f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kaiya is a high-energy point guard who immediately stepped in and was a difference-maker for Midland. Kaiya chases the ball all over the court, won't stop talking, and is an expert facilitator. She knocks down triples, creates space from defenders using a variety of combo dribbles, and finishes well with either hand. Her uptempo style and leadership helped Midland to an 18-3 record and SVL title at 11-0. Midland earned statement wins against Saginaw Heritage, Northville, Flint Hamady, Powers Catholic, Midland Dow, and Mount Pleasant. Kaiya was clutch in SVL games this season, averaging 9 points, (46% 3PT%), 5.2 assists, and 4.9 rebounds with only 1.5 TOs per game; she was voted All-Conference First Team by SVL head coaches. Kaiya's best game came against KLAA West champ Northville as she scored 15 points with seven rebounds in their win. Kaiya scored 10 points with nine rebounds and seven assists in their win vs. Flint Powers Catholic. In non-competitive games, she looked to set up teammates, rather than pad stats. Kaiya energizes the team with her passion and strong vocal presence. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["933013"],"_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-67c49e12f1937"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A great player impacts a team's performance in several categories and that's exactly what Joslyn did as a freshman for Saginaw Heritage. Joslyn averaged 14.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 3.4 steals per game. She produced a total of 302 points, 151 rebounds, 104 assists, and 82 steals for the Hawks. Joslyn was assigned the task of defending the opposing team's best scorer and she held her responsibilities under double-digits all season. She helped Heritage to a 20-3 record (10-1 SVL) with statement wins against Sanford Meridian, Freeland, Flint Powers Catholic, Midland Dow, Kingston, Grand Blanc, Mount Pleasant, and West Bloomfield. Joslyn paced the Hawks with 25 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists vs. Freeland, 19 points, six rebounds, and four steals vs. Mount Pleasant, 19 points, 11 rebounds, and four steals vs. Hemlock. She added 16 points with six rebounds and four steals vs. Mount Pleasant, and 18 points with six rebounds and four assists vs. Grand Blanc. Joslyn turned in a terrific triple-double against Garber with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 steals. Joslyn holds D2 offers from Ferris State and Saginaw Valley State. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["848305"],"_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-67c49e12f1994"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Molly contributed mightily to Forest Hills Northern as a freshman, helping the Huskies reach a 20-2 record and the O.K. White Divison championship (9-1). She helped the Huskies earn statement wins against Hudsonville, Portland, G. R. Catholic Central, East Grand Rapids, and Wayland. Molly was productive all-around for the Huskies. She showed her potential as a perimeter player, burying four triples against Wayland. In 24 minutes, Molly averaged 9.7 points (42.7 EFG%, 67.1 FT%), six rebounds, 1.9 steals, 1.5 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game, earning First Team O.K. White All-Conference recognition. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["808352"],"_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-67c49e12f19db"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mayrese came in as a freshman and made a difference for the Cardinals on day one. Michigan Center ended the season 19-2 (12-2 conference) defeating Leslie twice, Hanover-Horton twice, Concord, and Brooklyn Columbia Central. Mayrese led the Cardinals in points and 2PT FG%, finishing second in steals, rebounds, and assists. She averaged 12 points (47% 2PT%), 4.3 rebounds, three assists, and 2.3 steals per game. She embraced the challenge of defending the opponent's best scorer and was very effective at disrupting ball-handlers. Two of her top performances included 19 points, five rebounds, and four assists vs. Springport, and 18 points with five rebounds vs. East Jackson. In two wins vs. Leslie, Mayrese stepped up to score 18 points with five assists and 17 points with six assists. Mayrese had 10 rebounds against Napoleon, seven steals vs. Manchester, and several games with six assists. Mayrese earned First Team All-Conference honors. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->