Freshmen Players to Watch

<span style="font-size: 18pt"><strong>Freshmen To Watch</strong></span> It's always a tough task entering a different environment where you have no idea what to expect.  Leaving middle school, where you were the top dogs. Only to become a fresh face and the youngest of an already established group of upperclassman.  These freshman have not only stepped on the scene and fit in, they also have began to make a name for themselves.   Here is a look a some of freshman ladies to watch in 2019-20. &nbsp; <strong><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif">S'Maya Nichols, SM West, Guard/Forward, 2023, PGH #2 Ranked In 2023 Class</span></strong> A 6'0, versatile and high IQ athlete that plays with the maturity and poise of a senior. She has great size and length that allows her to be a threat both on the perimeter and inside. Good ball-handling skills and a strong finisher through contact with either hand. Displays great court vision and awareness by dropping pinpoint passing to open teammates consistently. Solid on the defensive end and doesn't mind battling for rebounds amongst the bigger girls down low. As she continues to develop a consistent jump shot look for S'Maya to be one of the top girls in Kansas for years to come. &nbsp; <strong><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif">Syndey Watts, St. Thomas Aquinas, Guard, 2023</span></strong> The 5'9, duel sport athlete with a non-stop motor and athleticism to go along with it. A very high energy lefty, with speed and intensity that is rare. Fundamentally sound ball skills and finishes well with both hands. Knocks down the three with consistency yet shows good feel for the game by utilizing ball fakes to get in the paint to and finish with floaters over bigger defenders. An active defender that uses her speed and quickness to limit offensive players in access to the rim. Look for Sydney to be a key player to an already strong Aquinas team. &nbsp; <strong><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif">Mariyah Noel, Bonner Springs, Guard/Forward, 2023</span></strong> 5'10, solid, with good length.  Plays multiple positions for Bonner which allows her some freedom during competition.  Noel, has good court awareness and gets the ball to teammates for easy baskets.  Strong right-hand finisher and as she continues to develop her left hand will become even stronger.  Good mid-range shot and stretch it to three.  Active defender, that uses length and size to bother offensive players. &nbsp; <strong><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino, serif">Lauren Steinlage, St. James Academy, Guard, 2023</span></strong> A solid right-hand guard for the Lady Thunder.  Shows good IQ and feel for the game at a young age.  Fundamentally sounds ball-handler with both hands.  Fearless in her penetration to the basket and shows the ability to finish in traffic.  Shot is there but needs to be more willing to shoot it.  Good defender on ball and in help. &nbsp; &nbsp;