Intriguing Playmakers: Class of 2023

<span data-preserver-spaces="true">At the start of 2022, I want to highlight some niche players in Wisconsin. I want to begin that process with some playmakers in the junior class. Most of these players in that class have a rhythm and solidified their roles on their respective teams. I want to highlight some of the lesser-known players in this incredibly talented class. These four players are in no particular order.</span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">[player_tooltip player_id="206729" first="Mya" last="Hartjes"]-5’6 G-University School: </span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Even with most defenses having Hartjes at the top of their scouting reports, she still manages to wreck games. There will be games where the junior will flirt with triple-doubles due to her ability to put so much pressure on ball handlers and get steals. Hartjes, with the ball in her hands, looks extremely comfortable and aware of her surroundings. The junior looks like she plays the game in slow motion and looks like she glides by defenders in transition with the balance to change directions on a dime. Hartjes’ ability to create compliments her shooting ability. In the halfcourt, she will pick apart defenses like a surgeon.</span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">[player_tooltip player_id="264943" first="Tieryn" last="Plasch"]-5’7 G-Northwestern: </span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">[player_tooltip player_id="264943" first="Tieryn" last="Plasch"] is one of my favorite players in Wisconsin. The Maple, Wisconsin native is one of the most well-rounded guards I’ve seen. If you need a playmaker, Plasch is a great one. If you need a guard to help your team rebound, she does that too. If you need an elite shooter that can make shots off the dribble or on spot-ups, Plasch does that too. There is so much finesse in her arsenal it’s almost impossible not to adore her game after seeing her play. She is also one of the most consistent players I’ve come across. The junior has gotten better and better since her freshman season, and wherever she goes after graduating will be in for a treat.</span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">[player_tooltip player_id="329592" first="City" last="Figlinski"]-5’6 G-Appleton West: </span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">In almost any other conference in the state, Figlinski would be a shoo-in for an all-conference spot on either first or second teams. However, the FVA has silly talent, and the junior only received an honorable mention last season. That said, Figlinski is so intelligent on the floor. When I get the chance to watch her, I feel like I’m watching a player that can read the mind of her defender. I love seeing how she makes the defense react to what she does. If the junior gets going offensively, she’s almost impossible to guard. Figlinski is not shy about making aggressive passes to teammates, and once she gets her confidence up in a game, she is a joy to watch.</span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">[player_tooltip player_id="156056" first="Chloe" last="Vogel"]-5’8 G-St. Mary Catholic: </span></strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">My favorite aspect of Vogel’s is her comfort in tight spaces. In some game highlights I saw from the Zephyr, Vogel had four defenders around her in the backcourt and managed to dribble out of pressure. I don’t see any panic in her game, and if four defenders in the backcourt can’t speed her up, I don’t think anything can. The junior doesn’t turn the ball over that much for a player with her usage. To add to her ability with the ball in her hands, she is also a lethal left-handed shooter. The balance defending her is to play tight without fouling because she’s not afraid to get hit and knock down some free throws, but too much space means she’ll make a 3-pointer and not bother touching the rim.</span>