Tony’s Takes: Fall League week 3 at Jefferson

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another week in to the high school preseason and things are starting to take shape. Players are looking sharper, more confident, and the energy in the gym is starting to feel like game season. With less than a month before tip-off, everyone's pushing a little harder and competing like it's already here. Week 3 of the Breakdown Fall League had me at Jefferson High School keeping an eye out for rising talent and those hungry to prove they belong in the conversation. The gym was buzzing with intensity, and a few players definitely separated themselves from the pack. Below are five who showed up ready to work and made sure everyone in the building knew their name.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hayden Tyler <strong>–</strong> guard 2030, Orono</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What's not to like about this up-and-coming prospect? Tyler (pictured above) was everywhere during the Breakdown at Jefferson, making her presence felt from start to finish. She crashed the boards, defended with energy, and did all the little things that winning players do – even the things that don't show up in the box score. The lefty's smooth handle and jumper make her a constant threat, and her length gives her a clear view of the floor. Orono's roster is loaded with experience, but Coach Bjorgaard will have a hard time keeping a talent like Tyler off the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1256275' first='Isabelle' last='Van Nett'] <strong>–</strong> guard 2027, Two Rivers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>No one can deny that when Van Nett is locked in, she's a handful to deal with. On Sunday, she put together a complete performance on both ends of the floor. Defensively, Izzy played with passion and intent, creating turnovers and turning them into easy transition points. On offense, she had the full arsenal working – knocking down shots off the catch, attacking off the dribble, and finishing strong at the rim. If Van Nett can bring that same focus every time out, she can be a difference-maker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Addison Peck, forward 2027 &amp; [player_tooltip player_id='897890' first='Ellie' last='Quast'], forward 2028 <strong>–</strong> Shakopee</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Peck and Quast formed quite the duo at the Breakdown on Sunday for Shakopee. Both standing 6'0, long and lengthy, they play with a contagious energy that lifts everyone around them. Peck showed off some smooth footwork in the post, consistently finding ways to create scoring chances. On one possession, she spun off her defender and finished about eight feet out with her “off” hand so cleanly I had to double-check if she was left-handed. Quast matched that energy with her relentless effort on the glass, creating second-chance points, blocking shots, and doing all the little things that swing momentum. They feed off each other, bringing size, athleticism, and effort every possession. This duo is sneaky good, and the scary part is – they're just scratching the surface of what they can become.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='990285' first='Kiyanah' last='McGriff'] <strong>–</strong> forward 2028, Roseville</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McGriff plays with a level of strength and confidence that demands attention. She's built for contact and doesn't shy away from it – if you step in front of her on a drive, you better be ready for a collision. On Sunday, she had everything working. She punished defenders in the paint with powerful finishes, then stepped out and hit shots from deep just to keep them honest. What stood out most, though, was her poise when things got tight. When her guards faced pressure, McGriff took control, handling the ball and making smart reads like a seasoned veteran. She competes with an edge, clearly taking each matchup personally. If you're lining up across from her, bring toughness and stamina – because McGriff is going to test both from start to finish.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->