Playmakers to Watch: Class of ’23

<span data-preserver-spaces="true">Taking a deeper dive into the ’23 class, I’m going to start with some intriguing playmakers. I’m not just going to list the top lead guards in the class. I believe that some of these players can break out due to their circumstances. I’ll highlight some of these players in the ’23 class that may be worth keeping tabs on these next two years.</span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">[player_tooltip player_id="329537" first="Julia" last="Kennedy"]-5’6 G-South Milwaukee: </span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Kennedy played sparingly last season as a sophomore. This season Kennedy will take on an increased role offensively for the Rockets. Kennedy had a solid summer capped off with an impressive performance at the PGH Top 250 Expo. With the momentum from that and an expanded role for the Rockets. Kennedy has a chance to pop. After drawing some interest from the next level, a good season for the Rockets may be on the cards.</span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">[player_tooltip player_id="206725" first="Michelle" last="Certain"]-5’6 G-Greenfield:</span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> Playing on a team with other ’23 prospects makes it hard to find an increased role. Certain’s role may include an increase due to guard Jillian Landgraf’s move to Florida. Certain has shown that she does well in a reserve role, making nice plays on both ends. If Greenfield repeats their success from a season ago, Certain will have stepped up. If she does, Certain’s stock will rise.</span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">[player_tooltip player_id="206731" first="Lily" last="Truchon"]-5’10 G-South Shore: </span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Truchon is a big guard who can play big. It’s not often you find a player score 18 a night and lead her conference in rebounding and assists. Truchon is a unique talent that can do it all. Truchon can make things happen on both ends. On defense, she blocks shots like a big and can cut off passing lanes like a guard. She is as versatile as any player in Wisconsin. With her dominance a season ago in her conference, with another summer playing for Team Wisconsin, Truchon may be a stock riser over the next year.</span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">[player_tooltip player_id="206579" first="Bella" last="Samz"]-5’9 G-Arrowhead: </span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Samz has all the tools to be a good lead guard. Samz has control of the ball at all times, even when she drives under the basket with multiple help defenders waiting for her. Her scoring is something I expect to rise these next two seasons. Samza has her spots that she wants to get to when she gets the ball, and it’s evident in how she maneuvers getting to her shot. Samz has all the talent to be an excellent lead guard.</span>