Impact Juniors: Post Players Edition

The game is often decided in the paint, and this season, a talented group of junior post players is making sure their presence is felt. Stronger, more confident, and more polished than ever, these athletes are anchoring their teams on both ends of the floor. They're scoring with their backs to the basket, stepping out to stretch defenses, battling on the glass, and protecting the rim with authority. Beyond the stats, their growth in footwork, physicality, and basketball IQ is elevating their teams in meaningful ways. As they continue to develop and embrace bigger roles, these junior post players are proving that controlling the interior can control the game.    Nichole, a junior post player for DEPSA, brings strength, size, and a commanding presence to the paint every time she steps on the floor. She's a true rim protector, altering shots and making opponents think twice about attacking the lane. On the glass, Nichole rebounds effectively on both ends, securing possessions for her team and creating second-chance opportunities. Offensively, she showcases polished footwork and soft hands, allowing her to operate comfortably in the post and finish with either hand around the rim. Her physicality and skill set make her a reliable interior force and a key piece for DEPSA.     Harper, a junior post player for Saline, has been a steady force in the middle and a big reason her team sits at an impressive 17–2 this season. She works hard to establish deep position, using her strength and awareness to pin defenders behind her and create high-percentage scoring opportunities. On the defensive end, she plays with discipline and toughness, holding her ground and contesting shots without giving up easy looks. Harper is also relentless on the boards, attacking rebounds on both ends and frequently putting herself in position to record double-doubles. Her consistency and interior presence have made her a cornerstone of Saline's success.     Savanna, a junior post player for Okemos, has quickly become a valuable addition and a welcomed piece to a team that's showing major improvement from last season. An intriguing talent, she combines the foot speed of a guard with the strength and physicality of a true post, creating matchup problems all over the floor. Offensively, she brings inside-out versatility—comfortable scoring on the block while also stepping out to knock down the three. Her ability to stretch the defense forces opponents to adjust, and she doesn't hesitate to take advantage of mismatches. Defensively, Savanna's mobility and strength allow her to guard multiple positions, giving Okemos flexibility and toughness on that end. Her all-around skill set has added a new dimension to the team's success this year.     Kolbie, a junior post player from Royal Oak, brings impressive size and presence to the paint, using it to her advantage on both ends of the floor. She controls the glass by carving out space and attacking rebounds with strength and determination, and her length makes her a consistent shot-blocking threat around the rim. Defensively, she alters attempts simply by being in the right position. On offense, Kolbie pairs her physical tools with a soft touch, finishing smoothly around the basket and converting close-range opportunities with confidence. Her interior impact makes her a steady and reliable force for Royal Oak.     Gabrielle, a junior post player for Howell, has embraced her role in a frontcourt that features the top post presence in Michigan, and she's been a key contributor to the team's outstanding 20–1 season. While sharing the spotlight, she consistently brings toughness and reliability inside. Gabrielle thrives with her back to the hoop, using strength and positioning to create scoring opportunities in the paint. She attacks the boards with purpose, securing rebounds that extend possessions, and she provides defensive presence by contesting and rejecting shots near the rim. Her willingness to do the physical work and impact the game in subtle but meaningful ways has made her an important piece of Howell's success.

The game is often decided in the paint, and this season, a talented group of junior post players is making sure their presence is felt. Stronger, more confident, and more polished than ever, these athletes are anchoring their teams on both ends of the floor. They're scoring with their backs to the basket, stepping out to stretch defenses, battling on the glass, and protecting the rim with authority. Beyond the stats, their growth in footwork, physicality, and basketball IQ is elevating their teams in meaningful ways. As they continue to develop and embrace bigger roles, these junior post players are proving that controlling the interior can control the game.