Breakdown Fall League: Climbing the varsity ladder

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Breakdown Fall League series has officially begun, which means we're getting our first glimpses of this year's lineups for varsity squads from across Minnesota. This weekend I headed to Hopkins for the autumn festivities, hoping to find a handful of players who are stepping into bigger roles for their respective squads. Here is a look at four of the most impressive stock risers from the event.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["764224"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac526e2999f4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Slowly but surely, Wasserman's game has been steadily improving year after year. She's gotten more skilled, developed more confidence with the ball in her hands, and has spent some serious time in the weight room. The 6-foot senior (pictured above) has been a staple on Delano's roster for some time now, but with the graduation of point guard <strong>Abbie Pietila</strong> (Michigan Tech), the Tigers have some big shoes to fill this season. From what she showed at Fall League, Wasserman looks like she may be ready to step up to the plate. Using her significant size and strength to her advantage, Rachel owned the paint on Sunday. She set solid screens, boxed out hard, and displayed some skilled footwork down low, finishing off two feet at the rim. With the athleticism and versatility to play multiple positions on both ends of the floor, Wasserman is going to be crucial for the Tigers going forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1313200"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac526e299a7d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">De Los Reyes is another player with big shoes to fill. Last season <strong>Kate Holmquist</strong> and <strong>Sophia Anderson</strong> averaged a combined 36.4 points per game for Maple Grove. This season they're off to Montana and Augustana, respectively. That means there's plenty of opportunity on the Crimson roster for players like Kalia. Standing at 5'10 with a big frame and plenty of athleticism to go along with it, the junior forward's steady improvement has been on our radar for a couple years now. On Sunday she looked fully prepared to step into a key role with the Crimson. A versatile and fundamentally sound glue player, Kalia affects the game in a variety of ways. She finishes consistently around the rim, shows plenty of energy and aggression on the glass, and is highly effective in the pick and roll. On the defensive end her size and length are major assets. This is a player who could be a key difference maker this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["786398"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac526e299aec"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Last season we saw Jenkins step up in a big way for the four-time reigning 3A state champions. As a sophomore she took a big leap in terms of production, averaging 12.5 points and 4 rebounds per game. Now after an outstanding summer with the [program_tooltip program_id='714566' first='Minnesota' last='Stars'], she looks ready to make yet another jump for Benilde-St. Margaret's. Standing at 5'10, Zaida's size and strength give her a leg up at the guard position. With plenty of speed and power, she's able to barrel her way to the basket and elevate over defenders in the midrange. On defense her lateral quickness, tenacity on the ball, and tremendous length make Jenkins a key component for the Red Knights. With the graduation of 2026 forward <strong>Mira Wismer</strong>, Zaida's size and athleticism will be absolutely crucial on the guard-heavy roster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1314135"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ac526e299b56"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Incredibly long and lanky, Mismash is a player who could play a pivotal role for Benilde-St. Margaret's this season. A smooth, fluid athlete with plenty of quickness in the open court, Harper has been quietly putting the work in for multiple seasons now. Over the summer we saw her excel with the [program_tooltip program_id='712665' first='Metro' last='Stars'] 2029 3SSB squad, where her perimeter shooting, ability to space the floor, and defensive versatility were all major keys to the team's success. This weekend at Breakdown's Fall League, the 5'10 guard was providing all of that and more. Using her length to her advantage, Mismash showcased her potential as a disruptive rim protector in the paint. She also showed no hesitation when it came to guarding much bigger and stronger opponents down low. Harper's willingness to get her hands dirty and take on a challenge are exactly what will earn her minutes in her sophomore season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->