Day Two Standouts at the IHSA State Finals

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The second day of the IHSA State Finals did not disappoint. The 2A and 3A classes once again showed why they consistently produce some of the state's most competitive teams and players. With the stage getting bigger and the stakes even higher, several players stepped into the moment and made their presence felt. Below are the players who stood out to me from day two.</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["852625"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69aab29e5068a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><em>Neumann has consistently been one of the best players in this state, and that showed on the opening day of the 3A state semifinal. From the start, her athleticism stood out, along with her ability to switch roles while still maintaining efficiency. Whether the moment called for scoring, defending, or simply making the right play, she adjusted without the game speeding her up. What really sticks out is how much room there still is in her game. This kid still has another level to unlock in her skill set, and when she does, you are going to have a problem. </em>| <strong>20 pts, 11 rebs, 5 stls.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["513525"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69aab29e50859"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><em>Since her freshman year, Stella has been a key figure in the Nazareth game plan, and in the last couple of years, she has truly become the focal point of the program. Her game is simple but effective in every way. Defensively, she made her mark just as well as she does on the offensive side, staying active in the passing lanes and taking the right amount of risks. </em>| <strong>30 pts, 6 stls, 5 rebs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["728033"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69aab29e50762"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><em>Washington has been one of the best teams in the state all year, and even though it is truly a team effort, Tibbs has been the main x-factor in scoring output. In game 1, she put up more her average, but her effort on the boards stood out more in this game. </em>| <strong>20 pts, 8 rebs, 4 asts</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["884801"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69aab29e50801"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><em>First year in high school and a starter on a powerhourse program. Mia is a player who can blend in but also has the talent to stick out. A maority os her scoring came near the rim. Whether it was cuts, slips, or dives to the rim. She has strong hands, strong vision, and doesn't rush. </em>| <strong>13 pts, 8 rebs, 3 stls</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1311034"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69aab29e507bd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><em>McDougall comes from a family of basketball players, and the comfort she showed in her first state game pointed toward that. She helped on the scoring side of the ball, but the defensive end and the boards were what stood out the most. A young player who was not afraid to be physical on the boards and take risks when the ball was in the air, and on the ball.</em> | <strong>10pts, 9 rebs, 4 stls</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1798267"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69aab29e50701"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><em>A name to follow for sure when the AAU season starts up. Lamb came into today's game with one thing on her mind. Aggression. From the beginning of the game, she was in attack mode, and when you draw nearly 10 fouls, it shows how effective she was. | <strong>16 pts, 3 rebs</strong></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["914260"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69aab29e5089c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><em>All season, Maddie has been a spark for this program, showing up in big moments and making an impact when it is needed most. That confidence in her game has been consistent, and it was on full display in today's game. Her offense played a key role for them, but she also made her presence felt on the boards, finding ways to impact the game in multiple areas when the moment called for it.</em> |<strong>15 pts, 8 rebs, 2 stls</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["773806"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69aab29e508e6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><em>One of the more efficient performances of the day. Ramel plays the game at her own pace and rarely gets sped up. She showed strong touch around the rim and did not shy away from any of the contact waiting for her. She is active when she is off the ball, and that has been consistent in the rebound column.</em> | <strong>18 pts (8-11), and 10 rebs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->