Large School Game-Changers and Difference-Makers

In this article, we look at players who had huge impacts on the final results of the game. A player's impact can't just be measured by the number of points on the stat sheet. when you look beyond the numbers, these players were some of the difference makers in the Semifinals and Finals for 5A and 6A and 7A.    [player_tooltip player_id='430262' first='Corrin' last='Austell'] was a difference maker in the 5A Finals. Offensively, Austell was aggressive getting to the rim. Austell did a good job of making timely cuts to the rim and making herself available for the pass in the paint. Austin had the ability to draw the foul and get to the line. Austell was a player whose presence on the floor put her team in position to win. Her team had a plus 9 advantage when Austell was on the court.     She was an X Factor before the 6A Finals even began. Some things can't be coached. They are innate: In Salter's case- speed and quickness. Salter's ability to close out on two players on two consecutive passes was remarkable. Also her helpside defense was special in the finals. She would help prevent a drive to the basket and by the time the ball was kicked to the corner she was able to close out before the shooting guard could get in position to shoot. This occurred throughout the game and was a reason that Salter's team was a plus 11 when she was on the court. Salter had a few impactful offensive plays in crunch time: a mid-range jumper in crunch time and a wrap around pass in the final moments.     [player_tooltip player_id='249386' first='Jatia' last='Markes'] is use to the big moments and plays best in the big games. She help lead her team into the finals last season and this year she rose to the occasion in the Final game: three "killer threes" and impressive defensive play. Her speed and quickness on defense allowed her to close out on shots and prevent drives to the rim. Marke's team had a plus 12 point differential when she was on the floor.    [player_tooltip player_id='219956' first='Jaeden' last='Williams']    [player_tooltip player_id='219956' first='Jaeden' last='Williams'] has that type of game that requires a closer look at the data to realize her impact on the game. Williams had 9 assist, 5 rebounds, and constant defensive pressure in the semifinals. Her team was at a plus 24 with her in the game. In the Finals, Williams's team had a plus 3 point advantage and her team won by three. She had 6 rebounds, scored 6, and drew 4 fouls in a 3 point win. Williams is always around the ball and is a selfless player who does what it takes to win. It's the little things that makes Williams a special player     [player_tooltip player_id='400775' first='Amaya' last='Shaw'] provided a strong presence in the paint and her team was always on the plus side when she was in the game. In the semifinals, her team won by 24 and her team was a plus 34 when Shaw was in the game. She pulled down 10 rebounds and rejected 3 shots. She has the ability to defend in the paint and can also cover in space. Numbers don't tell the whole story. Shaw's presence was felt in the Semifinals and in the Finals.     [player_tooltip player_id='1215714' first='Sariah' last='Ammons'] had the basketball on a string ball and in addition to the good handles, the point guard was quiet shifty on the court. The stat sheet shows with 5 points in the finals. She handled the ball well in the final minutes of the game and played in sync with her two scoring guards, especially Olson. Ammons's team was in good hands with her on the floor and running the point. They were a plus 7 with Ammons in the game. She was an X Factor and a difference maker.     [player_tooltip player_id='346884' first='Jennie' last='Gutman'] always seems to provide a spark when on the court. In one game, she is driving down the middle with a floater or shooting a turn around jumper from the baseline. In the 6A Finals, Gutman was making her presence felt by being on the floor. At one time her team had a “plus 8” advantage” when she was on the floor. She is tall, physical, and athletic and didn't have to score any points to be impactful. Gutman has good footwork and is physical. With the ability to play inside and on the perimeter, Gutman is able to keep the opponent from getting into the paint and scoring and keep them off the glass as well.

In this article, we look at players who had huge impacts on the final results of the game. A player's impact can't just be measured by the number of points on the stat sheet. when you look beyond the numbers, these players were some of the difference makers in the Semifinals and Finals for 5A and 6A and 7A.