Intriguing Prospects: North Polk vs. Gilbert
North Polk came into this game sitting at 17-1 on the season and a past 15-point victory over Gilbert earlier this year made them just a little lackadaisical. From the opening tip, you could tell that Gilbert wanted it more…
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Continue ReadingNorth Polk came into this game sitting at 17-1 on the season and a past 15-point victory over Gilbert earlier this year made them just a little lackadaisical. From the opening tip, you could tell that Gilbert wanted it more on their home floor. A big contribution from the young guns for Gilbert allowed them to get out to a double digit lead in the second half and hold on to win the game. I take a look at the seven most intriguing prospects from the game below.
North Polk
Jaedon Murphy – 5’10 F – 2020
**2 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists**
While Murphy didn’t score a ton in this one and struggled on the offensive end, I thought that she played an overall good game. She rebounds the ball at a high clip and is pretty versatile. She has solid court vision and the innate ability to find the open player. Murphy seems to be able to “feel” where her teammates are and delivers them good passes. A good small school type player.
Maggie Phipps – 5’10 W – 2021
**10 points, 5 steals**
Even though Phipps tied for team-high with 10 points, I didn’t think that she played all that well. She seemed to press it a little bit and was being a little selfish with the ball. Took a few really bad shots where there were open teammates on the floor. She’s a player who plays really well as the game comes to her, and it just didn’t in this one. Really tough player who gets after it on the defensive end when she wants to. Committed to Drake.
Katie Scott – 5’2 PG – 2019
**3 points, 5 assists**
Even though Scott isn’t very tall, her motor is outstanding. She had five rebounds all of which were from flying in from the perimeter. She is a player who plays with a ton of energy and that energy was much needed tonight. Scott isn’t likely to play at the next level, but if a school is looking to take a flier on a vocal leader with handling, this would be the player you look at.
Abi Zimmer – 5’6 G – 2021
**4 points, 4 rebounds**
I really liked the play of Zimmer in this one. The point guard of the future for North Polk, I thought that she handled herself well in the face of pressure. Zimmer was fluid with her game and while she didn’t translate that into points or other counting statistics, I thought that she really looked good within the flow of the game.
Gilbert
Ava Hawthorne – 5’10 PG – 2022
**25 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 steals**
Hawthorne was spectacular in this one. She’s a long lead guard who is so much more advanced than anyone on the floor. Doesn’t make many mistakes and can light it up from behind the arc. She’s got control over the team when the ball is in her hand. Great leader who directs her team. Hawthorne can do really whatever you ask of her and she does it at a high level. She’s one of the best freshmen in the state.
Theo Rotto – 6′ F – 2021
**13 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks**
Rotto is a very athletic and versatile forward who I think could play the wing at a really good clip but her rebounding is so solid she will end up down low. Rotto is a player who is very strong and her frame supports that muscle that she has. Love the grit that she shows down low and doesn’t back down from anyone. Great shot blocker who does it without fouling. She’s able to step out and knock down the deep ball too.
Emma Bulman – 5’10 F – 2020
**4 points, 7 rebounds**
Bulman played pretty well and her hustle really allowed for Gilbert to extend their lead. She was aggressive at going to the boards and is able to high point the ball really well as it comes off of the rim. Bulman is an interior presence who I don’t think has yet tapped into her ability down low to the full potential.