IHSA State Tournament: Under the Radar (Part 1)

Byron Xerxes Livsey March 7, 2022 @ 04:23 PM

’24 | 5’9 Wing | Bolingbrook A hardworking athletic forward whose presence on the court is always needed. Williams hustles, dives for loose balls, and seems to be the “enforcer” of the team. She has the confidence to shoot the outside shot, but most of her scoring comes from the paint. Persais is usually the most athletic player on the court, and it’s on show when her teammates are throwing pinpoint lobs over the defense for her to finish. ’22 | 5’11 Point-Forward| Bolingbrook Kent State is getting a down-low force to be reckoned with in . On a team full of offensive stars, Thomas is one of the toughest and high motored players on the court at all times. She’s a brick wall in the paint and disciplined on the perimeter. Offensively, her game is in the post but can stretch the floor when needed. Her athleticism and pure strength is key factor in her skill set as well. She’s built to fill the stat sheets in all major categories. ’24 | 5’10 Combo Guard | Stevenson Williams can create her shot from any angle and or spot on the floor. has the skill set to play 1-3 with having the same type of efficiency. Her ball ha has an extensive string on the ball and can break down defenders with a simple set of moves. On the defensive side of the ball, Williams is as tough as they get. The clap in your face type, but she backs it up with a high amount of effort and discipline. She stays balanced on the defense and is in constant communication with her team regarding picks and switches. Tons of potential to fill the role as the primary scorer and playmaker going forward. ’24 | 6’0 Post | Nazareth Academy Austin has the skillset of a solid stretch post. Confidence to pull from the mid to the 3, while also being able to defend from the post to the perimeter. Good size and IQ are the key components to her skillset. Her passing ability from all levels of the court is a sight to see as well. She can see over the defense and also hold her ground when making passes from the block. Her perimeter defense is on notice too, she stays wide and moves well throughout the zone. ’24 | 6-2 Stretch Post | Barrington A strong-bodied and physical post whose impact is seen on the defensive side immediately. She’s a backside blanket that will touch up anyone who comes in the paint. She has an old-school skillset. Back to the basket, and sets hard screens. She has a smooth jumper that is knockdown from the elbow on inward. Molly has tons of mobility and stamina, and her comfort at the free-throw line is a major key also. The sophomore has tons of potential to be a dominant post going forward in her high school career. ’22 | 5’11 Wing | Barrington Athletic, long, and tough. The Wesleyan commit can affect the game in a multitude of ways. She can score at all three levels, defend both the perimeter and cause some stress in the post with her aggression. Her athleticism is seen on both the offensive and defensive side the moment she touches the court. Quick, fast and shows some strength too. Mahlum’s playstyle is magnetic and up-tempo and will fit in perfectly with her new team at the next level. ’23 Kate Arne | 6’2 Post | Stevenson A lefty lengthy defender who can score around the basket and runs the floor with a purpose. Arne plays with passion, fire, and an edge that every superteam needs. Offensively, her game is predicated around the basket but can make plays and stretch to the perimeter as well. She has a smooth release from the paint on it, it will knock them down. Defensively, she’s a baseline blanket for her team. She has the length and athleticism to throw off or alter any shots that come towards the paint. The size and length to be a dominant player going into her senior season. ’23 Mia Gillis | 6’1 Stretch Forward | Carmel A mid-range shooting forward who brings a wide-ranged skillset to her post-heavy squad. Mia is able to get herself going and her team going by just constantly being in the right place at the right time. Gillis has tremendous stamina and a certain poise about her that seems to be the glue that keeps her team moving in the right direction. She plays with some physicality as well. Her impact isn’t always statistical but when you watch her play, you’ll understand the major value she brings to her program.