Names to Know Following WIAA/WBCA Summer Slam

The scholastic live period in Wisconsin is in the books, and it had more teams than it had in the past four years. There were talented players all over the place, and schools from around the state and beyond. I had plenty of discussions with college coaches about players at the event, and we'll highlight some players who caught people's attention over the two days in Appleton. I also can't say enough good things about the WIAA and WBCA about how they handle this event; it keeps getting better every year I attend.    The Pewaukee forward has all the tools to be an effective and versatile piece of a frontcourt. Petzold is comfortable with the ball in her hands, can make reads, and space the floor as a perimeter shooter. However, I liked that she was more willing to be physical around the basket on both ends of the floor, and in one game I watched, she powered through contact to finish in the paint.     Everyone who saw Olmstead play left impressed by what she brought to the floor as an athlete. She impacts the game at the top of her team's 1-3-1 zone and will generate numerous transition opportunities. She also excels at finishing in transition and using her footwork to create space around the basket. I'm also always impressed by her ability to finish around the basket in unconventional ways.     The Appleton North guard is among my favorite players to watch with the ball in her hands. She can create space in a phone booth and break down a defense in ways most players around the state can't. She doesn't seem too bothered by how defenses play her and finds ways to get downhill with the ball in her hands. There are plenty of aspects of her game she can clean up, but she's a unique talent in one of the toughest positions to excel at when she gets to college.     The Wisconsin Lutheran wing has slowly improved her game over the past three years, and has become a versatile wing who can change a game. She can knock down shots from the perimeter and is among the most consistent perimeter shooters in the state, and can make the right play with the ball. I also think that she's become a more well-rounded defender who can move her feet on the perimeter and corral guards for a few dribbles. She also has the length to contest shots on the defensive end.

The scholastic live period in Wisconsin is in the books, and it had more teams than it had in the past four years. There were talented players all over the place, and schools from around the state and beyond. I had plenty of discussions with college coaches about players at the event, and we'll highlight some players who caught people's attention over the two days in Appleton. I also can't say enough good things about the WIAA and WBCA about how they handle this event; it keeps getting better every year I attend.