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Hidden Gems: The Overlooked Players Lighting Up Their Teams

Hidden Gems: The Overlooked Players Lighting Up Their Teams
Brandyn Newbins
Brandyn Newbins February 12, 2025 @ 01:00 PM
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In this article:

Ashley Houlberg
Ashley Houlberg 5'10" | PF | 2025
CO
Claire Wilson
Claire Wilson 5'8" | PF/SF | 2026
CO
Ava Pelaez
Ava Pelaez 5'8" | SG | 2025
CO
Cate Wetterling
Cate Wetterling 5'10" | SG/PG | 2027
CO
Shay Vigil
Shay Vigil 5'4" | PG | 2026
CO
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the midst of a competitive season, some players fly under the radar despite being vital to their team's success. These five girls might not always get the spotlight, yet their unique skills and determination elevate every game. They consistently contribute in ways that often go unnoticed, proving that hard work and versatility are just as important as star power. As the season progresses, these overlooked players are poised to make an even bigger impact when every possession counts.<br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1188988"],"_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-67ac2b0f58811"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1188988' first='Ashley' last='Houlberg'] is a player whose game-changing efforts sometime fly under the radar. Her team benefits when she is able to create extra opportunities while she is on the floor. Ashley aggressive approach, especially in rebounding and attacking the rim, makes her a threat. She is the ultimate team player, willing to do whatever it takes to secure a win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["758940"],"_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-67ac2b0f58872"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ava has seen more playing time since her team has been hit with some recent injuries. By guarding multiple positions and fitting into her team's dynamic. Ava's ability to knock down open shots and attack from the wing when given the opportunity. Her willingness to crash the glass and rebound adds value to her team.<br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["571042"],"_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-67ac2b0f588b6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Shay has been the X-Factor for her Riverdale Ridge team all season long. She adjusts her play based on what her team needs, showing how unselfish she is. Her sharp shooting means she can knock down open looks when it matters the most. On the defensive end, she is reliable defender on the perimeter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1164919"],"_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-67ac2b0f588f3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Claire is one of the biggest stock risers of the year, doubling her numbers in just 18 games. Her presence on the court brings a toughness that helps her team, whether she's controlling the glass or defending the paint. Offensively, she able to score in a variety of ways, from beyond the arc to drives at the rim. With only a few games left before the playoffs, look for Claire to continue building her confidence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["673669"],"_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-67ac2b0f5892f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cate is a Valor guard who brings effort and energy to every game. Her ability to handle the ball, and shoot when open, makes her a well-rounded player. She fits great into her team's style of play, playing multiple roles that help balance out the floor. Cate's skill set allows her to impact the game in ways that can't be coached.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

In the midst of a competitive season, some players fly under the radar despite being vital to their team's success. These five girls might not always get the spotlight, yet their unique skills and determination elevate every game. They consistently contribute in ways that often go unnoticed, proving that hard work and versatility are just as important as star power. As the season progresses, these overlooked players are poised to make an even bigger impact when every possession counts.

Ashley Houlberg

Ashley Houlberg

CO
PF
HEIGHT 5'10"
POS PF
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Ashley
Houlberg PF
Class
2025
Height
5'10"
HS
Legend
|
CO
Hidden Gems: The Overlooked Players Lighting Up Their Teams
Ashley Houlberg is a player whose game-changing efforts sometime fly under the radar. Her team benefits when she...
Written by Brandyn Newbins
Read more at PrepGirlsHoops.com
Prep Girls Hoops

Ashley Houlberg

State: Colorado
School: Legend
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Monmouth College
Ava Pelaez

Ava Pelaez

CO
SG
HEIGHT 5'8"
POS SG
CLASS 2025
View Player
​
Ava
Pelaez SG
Class
2025
Height
5'8"
HS
Cherokee Trail
|
CO
Hidden Gems: The Overlooked Players Lighting Up Their Teams
Ava has seen more playing time since her team has been hit with some recent injuries. By guarding...
Written by Brandyn Newbins
Monmouth College
Read more at PrepGirlsHoops.com
Prep Girls Hoops

Ava Pelaez

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Cherokee Trail
Club: Colorado Hoopsters
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Shay Vigil

Shay Vigil

CO
PG
HEIGHT 5'4"
POS PG
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Shay
Vigil PG
Class
2026
Height
5'4"
HS
Riverdale Ridge
|
CO
Hidden Gems: The Overlooked Players Lighting Up Their Teams
Shay has been the X-Factor for her Riverdale Ridge team all season long. She adjusts her play based...
Written by Brandyn Newbins
Read more at PrepGirlsHoops.com
Prep Girls Hoops

Shay Vigil

Instagram
State: Colorado
School: Riverdale Ridge
Club: GRIT
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Claire Wilson

Claire Wilson

CO
PF/SF
HEIGHT 5'8"
POS PF/SF
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Claire
Wilson PF/SF
Class
2026
Height
5'8"
HS
ThunderRidge
|
CO
Hidden Gems: The Overlooked Players Lighting Up Their Teams
Claire is one of the biggest stock risers of the year, doubling her numbers in just 18 games....
Written by Brandyn Newbins
Read more at PrepGirlsHoops.com
Prep Girls Hoops

Claire Wilson

State: Colorado
School: ThunderRidge
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Cate Wetterling

Cate Wetterling

CO
SG/PG
HEIGHT 5'10"
POS SG/PG
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Cate
Wetterling SG/PG
Class
2027
Height
5'10"
HS
Valor Christian
|
CO
Hidden Gems: The Overlooked Players Lighting Up Their Teams
Cate is a Valor guard who brings effort and energy to every game. Her ability to handle the...
Written by Brandyn Newbins
Read more at PrepGirlsHoops.com
Prep Girls Hoops

Cate Wetterling

Instagram Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Valor Christian
Club: Colorado Hoopsters
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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Rankings

140 Players Ranked

  • 1
    Brihanna Crittendon

    Brihanna Crittendon

    Riverdale Ridge

  • 2
    Peyton Jones

    Peyton Jones

    Valor Christian

  • 3
    Isabella Shumpert

    Isabella Shumpert

    Highlands Ranch

    Colorado
  • 4
    Kinley Asp

    Kinley Asp

    Air Academy

  • 5
    Kyla Hollier

    Kyla Hollier

    Roosevelt

View Full Rankings

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