Senior Pairings: 1-2 Punches Poised to Stand Out

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">These seniors are the go-tos for their teams. If one isn't on, the other steps up and gets it done. They compete, they lead, and they find ways to win. Below are some of the top duos in the state.</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='419726' first='Emma' last='Briggs'] | [player_tooltip player_id='407517' first='Bridget' last='Rifenburg'] - Benet Academy</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>These two pairings have had multiple state trips since arriving in Benet, and with them being two of the more versatile players in this class, their skillsets, in my opinion, blend. Emma is your versatile playmaking scorer who has the strength and power to be effective from the three to the paint. Bridget's ability to play with pace, grace, and smoothness is what makes her a threat to any defender. She has the length to get where she needs to, and can guard 1-4. There's a lot of talent between these two. </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='625058' first='Grace' last='Lee'] | [player_tooltip player_id='663975' first='Kaitlin' last='Totaro'] - DePaul College Prep</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>If you're thinking about getting to the rim when you have DCP on the schedule, think again. From a defensive standpoint, these two are paint blankets. Kaitlin uses her length to block and alter, and Grace has no problem dealing with stronger players in the paint. Offensively, they both can score from 15ft and closer. Totaro is more of your versatile athlete who can get it going on the open floor or in the paint. Grace has the ability to stretch the floor as well, but it's her comfort level in the paint that's been growing and developing, which is making her a true issue to deal with. </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='514035' first='Danyella' last='Mporokoso'] | [player_tooltip player_id='514036' first='Arianna' last='Garcia Evans'] - Waubonsie Valley </h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Nothing can be perfect, but these two guards have been extremely successful over the past couple of years, and on both ends of the floor, they are a nightmare to deal with. Danyella can go off for 20+ on any given night, and theres not many players in this state that can actually stop her from doing so, and she has a certain no quit edge, that makes it hard on defenders to slow her down. Garcia-Evans is one of the last Swiss army knives in this state. This kid is truly a walking triple double waiting to happen. She excels in whatever role she's in and seems to have no ego while doing it. A hell of a backcourt that can definitely find its way downstate. </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='773817' first='Gwen' last='Smith'] | [player_tooltip player_id='514945' first='Emma' last='O'Brien'] - Lyons Twonship </h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Two players who have different games, but should be able to feed off each other with ease. Gwen is your downhill aggressor who can score off the dribble, off the catch, as well as on the fastbreak. Emma is at her best in the halfcourt, in my opinion, and her ability to stretch the court at a high clip, while also being one of the best playmakers on the court at all times, is another reason why these two could generate a strong amount of wins this year. </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='513525' first='Stella' last='Sakalas'] | [player_tooltip player_id='514892' first='Lyla' last='Shelton'] - Nazareth Academy</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Two aggressive players who go about it in different ways. Stella is a tough matchup for anyone. She never slows down, rarely looks tired, and is a true 3-level scorer who can also make plays. There's a quiet confidence about her that shows every time she's on the floor. Shelton is a problem on both ends. If you can't handle pressure or a player who's in your ear, she's not the matchup for you. She stretches the floor, attacks hard, and finds ways to make plays off the drive. A downstate trip is possible. </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">[player_tooltip player_id='840240' first='Dani' last='Guedet'] | [player_tooltip player_id='728033' first='Avery' last='Tibbs'] | [player_tooltip player_id='728413' first='Becca' last='McDougall'] | [player_tooltip player_id='728415' first='Mazzy' last='O'Brien'] - Washington</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Four players aren't a duo, but this Washington team has one of the best senior groups this year, and these four are a big reason why. Each of their games is different, but they've played together long enough to feed off each other without missing a beat. McDougall and Guedet are aggressive and versatile. Tibbs and O'Brien are a headache on the drive, and truly can't be left unguarded. Any of them can score big on any night, but all play hard from start to finish on both ends, regardless of individual impact. I believe they'll return to state because they play as one team. tough guards to face on drives </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->