Competitors Built For February/March

Here are five hoopers that are built for the Playoffs.   These prospects not only embody what it means to be a big producer during the regular season. They embody what it means to be a big producer all the time, during the regular season and the post season.   Thanks for tuning in and enjoy!    One of the most complete players out of the 2027 Class in Iowa in general is [player_tooltip player_id='777226' first='Maryn' last='Franken']. Franken, the 6'0 SF, has proven that she is a stat stuffer on both sides of the basketball. She is always showing up offensively as a threat with her back to the basket on the blocks, she can step out to shoot with a solid jumper, she rebounds hard on both ends, she can defend her position - smaller or bigger - depending on what is being asked of her, and she is a heck of a teammate. She is someone that everyone loves to be around in general and that says a lot. Franken has always shown up while competing and I expect the same over the next few weeks on the road to DSM. She is going to be S.C's main producer so I'm sure opposing teams are trying to figure out how to slow her down as we speak.     [player_tooltip player_id='923916' first='Lizzie' last='Beam'] of Ankeny Centennial is finishing up her Junior year and I think it's clear that she proved herself this Winter as a college level prospect. Whenever I see Beam or this Jaguars squad compete, she is showing up in numerous ways. She is always a consistent threat on the offensive end, while being a very good defender. Her mixture of size and coordination isn't too overwhelming but it's a better combination than most others possesses or anticipate. Offensively, Beam always use her body body to protect the ball in sneaky ways that throw defenders off balance. She can finish through contact near the hoop or she can screen from the outside and roll into the midrange. Beam has always been someone to show up, no matter the situation so the Playoffs don't bring too much stress. She keeps it simple and that helps her thrive in intense situations. Situations like she will be against on Saturday against DSM Roosevelt.     [player_tooltip player_id='557354' first='Jenica' last='Lewis'] is built for the Playoffs. Matter of fact, [player_tooltip player_id='557354' first='Jenica' last='Lewis'] is built for any moment on a Basketball court that might present itself and that's why her team high school team hasn't lost in three years and why she is going to be competing at Norte Dame to follow this season. Lewis shows up. Plain and simple. She can shoot the leather off the ball from all distances past the three point line, she can kill her defender off the bounce, she can assist others at higher rates than most, she can rebound well for her position, and she is always willing to sacrifice her body on the floor for the good of the time in loose ball situations. If you name it, Lewis can do it on the court except maybe guarding someone at the Center position who is over 6'1. Other than that, name it. Lewis is going to have a chance to lead her Johnston team to a third straight 5A State Title, a third-straight undefeated high school season in a row in general, all while being their star. An opportunity that I'm sure she is not taking for granted before heading off to compete with the Irish.     [player_tooltip player_id='896746' first='Ella' last='Thornton'] and Treynor High School are sitting with a 19-2 record overall throughout their first 21 games this season. It's hard to the argue with the results and Thornton, along with this group, are getting results. The coaching staff that this program possesses is very good at getting everyone to buy-in and they are very good when it comes to the X's and O's on the strategic side. Thornton transferred into this program a few years back and ever since they have gotten her into favorable situations. They have lined things up so she gets the ball on the blocks with adequate time and space offensively. When you have that occur and pair it with a player that is pretty physical in general, it can do wonders. Thornton is a vital key to this groups success in between-the-blocks. She continues to show up each and every night they lace up their kicks. Like we said to start this off, it's hard to argue with results and Thornton has been getting results for a while now.     [player_tooltip player_id='582805' first='Karis' last='Finley'] is the most underrated hooper out of the 2026 Class in Iowa. She might be rated within the Top 10 but most don't understand how good Finley is and how good she is going to be for Drake at the next level. Finley has been a big time producer ever since she was a Freshman. She has always put up major numbers while being smooth, crispy, and clean in her efforts with the basketball. She is versatile enough to move on and off of the ball and still produce results at the same rate. She is also very athletic. She never seems to run out of energy or motivation, always keeping the upper advantage in those situations. Cedar Fall is ranked highly within these Playoffs. Now they have to prove to everybody why that is.

Here are five hoopers that are built for the Playoffs.