Northwest Showdown: my key performers

I spanned across the state yesterday to catch the matchup between ranked teams West Lyon (6th in 2A) and Sioux Center (15th in 4A). Before I dive into the action I wanted to applaud both teams for their in-game fitness — neither team went too deep into their benches and both squads played high-tempo for all 32 minutes (something this pro player loves to see). With both teams pushing the pace it was easy to spot the players that thrived in all the action. Continue reading on to see which hoopers shone in this exciting Northwest-ranked Showdown between the Wildcats and the Warriors.    Bleeker was the star of the show in the first half of this matchup and almost singlehandedly gave Sioux Center its initial lead. She showed range early by knocking down two triples when the defense didn't close out well enough. Once defenders did close out on her catch, Bleeker showed high-IQ by attacking off the dribble. She looked confident pulling up for jumpers off the dribble and also flashed a smooth floater along the baseline. Finishing the first half with 15 points, Bleeker had her teammates and the crowd on her feet. Though she's only a sophomore she looks comfortable handling pressure, finishing different ways on the floor, and converting contested shots. Bleeker is averaging 9 points per game thus far into her season — I think this number will continue to rise as Bleeker and teammate [player_tooltip player_id='777226' first='Maryn' last='Franken'] look to be a solid one-two punch for Sioux Center.     Last night [player_tooltip player_id='777226' first='Maryn' last='Franken'] showed why she is one of the top players in the state. A do-it-all small forward for the Warriors, Franken did just that by making an impact in just about every category. My favorite aspects of Franken's game are her athleticism on the offensive end and her willingness to push the pace with the ball after a rebound, switching from forward to guard with ease. The South Dakota State commit drew a boatload of fouls by using her pivot and ability to hang in the air, forcing West Lyon defenders to overreach and make contact. A smooth operator at the free-throw line and in the paint, Franken also hit a number of turnaround fadeaways that the Wildcats simply didn't have an answer for. If you think you're safe from Franken on the perimeter she'll make you pay with either a solid jumper from beyond the arc or a face cut and finish at the rim.     If you don't have Ava Carolan on your radar, you should. The athletic guard, who just picked up an offer from Wayne State College, has a solid skillset with the ball, a lightning quick release, and the ability to guard both guards and posts at a high level. Carolan was faceguarded for the majority of the game and still finished one bucket below her season average — she just knows how to make an impact. In the first half Carolan looked self-assured facing Sioux Center's frenzied press. She handled pressure well and consistently kept her head up to dish to open teammates. She also finished possessions well by crashing offensive boards and finishing with touch on either side of the rim (including a smooth lefty step-through). In the second half Carolan showed one of her best skills, which is her range. She needs just a split second to let the ball fly and her shot looked true every time it left her hands. Despite the close loss Carolan definitely showed a high ability to perform against quality opponents.     Kaitlyn Ter Wee is a player that kept getting better as the game went on. The small forward showed ability around the rim with a strong package of moves, including a step through, spin, drop step, and inside seal. I also liked her confidence attacking the rim from the perimeter — if defenders were slow-footed or closed out too hard, Ter Wee did a good job to read the defense and take what was given to her. All game, I was continually impressed with her decision-making on offense — not once did I think she took a poor shot. Ter Wee knows how to get defenders in the air and convert out of it. She also made her presence known on the defensive end. I counted three blocks by the 5'8" small forward, who showed timing and discipline. Ter Wee is a solid, capable presence for her West Lyon squad.     Freshman Belah Kramer played beyond her years last night, leading West Lyon with pace and tact as the team's primary ball handler. When the Wildcats faced adversity with foul trouble Kramer stepped up and helped keep West Lyon in the game down the stretch. Kramer brings a lot to the table — averaging 11PPG, she's got a really strong first step off the dribble, looked confident in her shot selection, and handled the majority of the pressure in the backcourt. In the paint Kramer finished strong off two feet against much bigger defenders. She also showed ability to move off the ball with a nice slip for a lay in, and unselfishness across the floor for kick ahead passes against the press. I think this Freshman has a huge upside and will only get better as the season progresses.

I spanned across the state yesterday to catch the matchup between ranked teams West Lyon (6th in 2A) and Sioux Center (15th in 4A). Before I dive into the action I wanted to applaud both teams for their in-game fitness — neither team went too deep into their benches and both squads played high-tempo for all 32 minutes (something this pro player loves to see). With both teams pushing the pace it was easy to spot the players that thrived in all the action. Continue reading on to see which hoopers shone in this exciting Northwest-ranked Showdown between the Wildcats and the Warriors.