North Central Makes a Statement win vs Franklin Central

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On Friday, November 13, I had the opportunity to watch a matchup between No. 6 Franklin Central and No. 16 North Central. Both programs entered the contest with high expectations for the season, featuring talented rosters with plenty of potential to make noise this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Franklin Central is led by an experienced and talented senior class, headlined by Kent State commit [player_tooltip player_id='692561' first='Ashlee' last='Baker'], Loyola University Chicago commit Payton Duvall, IU Kokomo commit [player_tooltip player_id='751048' first='Carly' last='Holmes'], and Indiana Tech commit [player_tooltip player_id='751043' first='Briley' last='Layton']. The Flashes also return point guard [player_tooltip player_id='756239' first='Riley' last='Huotari'], giving them a strong group of experienced players who understand what it takes to compete at a high level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>North Central is led by an experienced senior player in [player_tooltip player_id='890884' first='McKenzi' last='Rutland'] along with two young players in Division 1 recruits, 2028 Guard [player_tooltip player_id='992351' first='Halle' last='Daniels'] and 2029 Guard [player_tooltip player_id='1263942' first='Malyiah' last='Evans']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The game was competitive and back-and-forth for much of the night, with both teams showcasing their talent and ability to make plays. However, North Central put together a strong fourth-quarter run that helped create separation and ultimately secure a statement 70-58 victory over Franklin Central.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>North Central will look to carry that momentum into its upcoming matchup against Lawrence North on November 18th. Franklin Central will look to bounce back when it takes on New Palestine on November 17th.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["992351"],"_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-6af9bb674158c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='992351' first='Halle' last='Daniels'] was arguably one of the biggest standouts of the night, finishing with an impressive 25 points against Franklin Central and proving she is one of the best players on the floor in a Top 20 matchup! Daniels put together an outstanding shooting performance, knocking down 7-of-10 shots from beyond the three-point line. Yes, seven three-pointers! Her performance may have even set or broken a North Central program record, which makes her night even more impressive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What stood out to me most about Daniels was not just her ability to score the basketball, but the versatility and confidence she brings to the floor. She showed that she can take on the responsibility of running the point guard position at times while still being a major scoring threat from the perimeter. Her ability to create opportunities for herself, make plays for her teammates, and stretch the defense with her shooting makes her a difficult matchup for any opponent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her hard work, confidence, and continued development are certainly not going unnoticed. Performances like this are a testament to the type of player Daniels has become and the impact she can have on a game. When preparing for North Central, teams will have to be aware of the problems she can create offensively, especially with her talented teammate and running mate, [player_tooltip player_id='1263942' first='Malyiah' last='Evans']. This is a duo that can make things difficult for opposing defenses and will be one to keep an eye on throughout the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1263942"],"_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-6af9bb67415c8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I was equally impressed with [player_tooltip player_id='1263942' first='Malyiah' last='Evans'], who brings a true <strong>"DOG" </strong>mentality and competitive edge to the floor every time she plays. Her transfer from Pike has been a tremendous addition for North Central, not only elevating the team's talent level this season but also bringing another high-level player to a program with plenty of potential. Evans plays with a level of confidence, toughness, and aggression that immediately stands out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On Friday night, she showed just how difficult she can be to guard. Evans was able to get to her spots offensively whenever she wanted, using her length, athleticism, and ability to create separation to put pressure on the Franklin Central defense. What makes her such a special talent is her ability to score at all three levels. Whether attacking the basket, creating her own shot in the midrange, or knocking down shots from the perimeter, she has multiple ways to impact the game offensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At 19 points, Evans put together another impressive performance against a highly ranked opponent. What I really like about her game is the combination of physical tools and competitive mentality. She plays with an edge, isn't afraid of the moment, and has the ability to take over stretches of a game. With her talent, continued development, and the impact she is already making, Evans is certainly making an early case to be one of the premier players in the Class of 2029 and a name to watch in the future Miss Basketball conversation!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["890884"],"_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-6af9bb67415eb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='890884' first='McKenzi' last='Rutland'] is another player who I believe is going to make a significant impact at the next level. This senior has put in a tremendous amount of work to continue developing her game, and it is evident when you watch her compete. Her preparation, poise, and understanding of the game make her such a valuable piece of this North Central team. She brings a level of composure and confidence that is important for a team with high expectations.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One thing that really stood out to me was how smooth and effortless her shooting motion looks. She has a nice touch when shooting the basketball and does a great job playing within herself. Rutland may not always be the player who gets the most attention, but the little things she brings to the floor make a difference. Players like her are extremely valuable to successful programs because of their consistency, preparation, and willingness to do what the team needs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She finished the night with 8 points, but her impact goes beyond what shows up in the box score. I am excited to see what the future holds for Rutland. She has earned the opportunity to receive more attention, and I believe she has a lot of success ahead of her as she prepares to take her game to the next level!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["756239"],"_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-6af9bb674160a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The return of Franklin Central point guard [player_tooltip player_id='756239' first='Riley' last='Huotari'] is a huge addition for this Flashes team! After missing last season, having her back on the floor brings another level of experience, leadership, and confidence to this group. It was great to see her competing again and making an immediate impact in a matchup against a talented North Central team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What impressed me most about Huotari was her ability to compete on both ends of the floor. She brings a great balance of offensive production and defensive effort while giving Franklin Central a true floor general who can help control the tempo and create opportunities for her teammates. She also showed that she can be a scoring threat herself, finishing the night with an impressive 20 points while shooting 3-of-6 from beyond the three-point line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her return gives Franklin Central another dynamic piece offensively and someone who can help take pressure off an already talented senior group. As she continues to get comfortable back on the floor, I believe her presence and leadership will be extremely important to what this Flashes team hopes to accomplish this season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2002683"],"_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-6af9bb6741627"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This was my first opportunity to watch [player_tooltip player_id='2002683' first='Jaydah' last='Brewer'] compete, and the freshman certainly did not disappoint! Brewer immediately caught my attention with her length, athleticism, and ability to use her size to create opportunities offensively. She has long arms, moves well, and does a great job using her physical tools to attack the basket and get downhill against defenders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What impressed me most was the poise she displayed as a young player competing in a Top 20 matchup. She didn't look overwhelmed by the moment and showed a level of confidence and composure that you love to see from a freshman. Brewer finished the night with 7 points, but I came away even more impressed with the potential she showed throughout the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She is an exciting young talent with a lot of room to continue developing her game. I am looking forward to watching her progress throughout the season and seeing how she continues to grow as she gains more varsity experience. North Central has another young player worth keeping an eye on in the Class of 2030!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->