Breakdown Fall League: A new look for the Lions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>By this point everyone involved in girls basketball in Minnesota, as well as many across the country, knows the name Maddyn Greenway. And for good reason. The former Providence Academy star had an illustrious high school career in each of the three sports she competed in. With more than 10 state titles to her name, plus career scoring records in basketball and soccer, and a list of other accolades that runs a mile long, Maddyn will undoubtedly go down as one of Minnesota's greatest high school athletes of all time. But with the McDonald's All-American now in the midst of her freshman season at Kentucky, there is one big question lingering here at home; What comes next for the Lions?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's no doubt that this season, Providence Academy will be a different team. Given how much of the offensive load was shouldered by Greenway, every player's role will look a bit different. No one should be counting the Lions out, though. Led by a backcourt duo of <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/emma-millerbernd/">Emma Millerbernd</a></strong> and <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/beckett-greenway/">Beckett Greenway</a></strong>, who combined for 38.2 points per game last season, head coach Conner Goetz's squad is still going to be a dominant force, particularly in Class AA. Other key returners include seniors <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/lexi-nicolai/">Lexi Nicolai </a></strong>and Dakota Wesleyan commit <strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/lily-sabers/">Lily Sabers</a></strong> plus<strong> <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/stella-serie/">Stella Serie</a></strong>. What we're looking at today, though, are the new faces who will be shaping the future of girls basketball at Providence</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This past Sunday I headed out to Minnetonka for the fourth week of Breakdown's Fall League series, where I caught a glimpse of the new supporting cast for the Lions. Here's some background on the names you'll be hearing more of this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1256220"],"_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-6aed14d5ee56d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A recent transfer from Wayzata, Clemens is the newest face for Providence. The 6-foot forward has yet to make her varsity debut, but her athletic abilities and strong resume with [program_tooltip program_id='712722' first='North' last='Tartan'] EYCL speak for themselves. As a top-45 ranked prospect in the class of 2029, Sydney has already established herself as a high-level college prospect. While it may take some time to find her footing in a new role, Clemens' outstanding work ethic, high basketball IQ, and toughness on both ends of the floor are likely to translate immediately. When all is said and done, her abilities as a relentless rebounder, reliable and vocal defender, and all-around glue player are going to be a welcome addition to the rotation for Providence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["992417"],"_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-6aed14d5ee608"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">For Laughlin, it's been a long and winding road to her junior season. After missing time due to transfer rules, the 6-foot forward (pictured above) was forced to sit out all of last season after suffering an ACL tear. She made her return to the court with the [program_tooltip program_id='714566' first='Minnesota' last='Stars'] late in the AAU season, and is now healthy heading into her junior season. It may have been a long time since Lilah saw varsity playing time, but rest assured, her unique blend of size, athleticism, and skill are going to be a huge leg up for Providence. At Fall League on Sunday, the Lions junior stood out thanks to her assertiveness with the ball in her hands, and imposing physical presence on the defensive end. We can't wait to watch the comeback unfold.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1243759"],"_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-6aed14d5ee667"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Given that she's only in the 8th grade, Barsky is going to play a large role in the Lions' future. After appearing in 17 varsity games last season, Adriana went on to have an outstanding summer with the [program_tooltip program_id='712687' first='Minnesota' last='Fury'], often leading her team in terms of offensive production. Standing at 5'5, the Fury guard is an explosive, crafty ball handler whose footwork and ability to change pace allow her to beat many defenders one on one. Just as, if not more effective from distance, Barsky is a quality shot maker off the catch. On the other end of the floor, her speed comes in handy. The Lions 8th grader defends with consistent energy and intensity, using her lateral quickness and active hands to pester the other team's ball handlers and force turnovers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1993022"],"_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-6aed14d5ee6c0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Grande's game is riddled with potential. We saw her earn some minutes in the rotation as a freshman, but after a strong summer with [program_tooltip program_id='712697' first='MN' last='Crossfire'], the lanky 5'10 guard looks ready to take on a much larger role this season. Right now Mallory's game isn't the most polished, but what she made clear on Sunday was how much she can bring to the table for Providence. The Lions sophomore is quick, light on her feet, and moves well in all areas. She routinely fought for extra possessions on the offensive glass, made smart decisions with the basketball, and was incredibly active on the defensive end. If given the opportunity, Grande is a player who could provide key contributions off the bench as Providence aims to bring home their 6th consecutive state title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->