Returning Free Throw Artists – Part 1 (WDA)

Returning Free Throw Artists &#8211; Part 1 (WDA)

Justin "JD" Johnson

October 29, 2022 @ 08:00 PM

There is no question that one of the most important skills for players and teams is having the ability to connect on free-throws, I think we can all agree in the saying "Free Throws win and lose games". This might be one skill on the court people overlook, simply by thinking it's a free unguarded shot from the "charity stripe". I'll be the first one to say, it's definitely not the easiest thing to do, especially when the game is on the line, the fans are loud, and you can feel your heart beating out of your chest. These shots can simply be a major factor in a team winning or losing a game. Let's take a look at the best Free Throw shooters in both conferences, and the players who have nearly perfected the art of knocking um' down from the stripe. (Based off a minimum 50 attempts)     #1 [player_tooltip player_id='342164' first='Maggie' last='Fricke']: (Minot)- The veteran Freshman is nothing short of impressive all around with her abilities, and skills she has on the floor. Fricke averaged 16.3ppg but has a good ability to draw the foul when attacking the paint. As an 8th Grader she led the state with 88.3% (83/94) from the Free-throw line, a stat that shows she has spent plenty of time perfecting the art. I think it's safe to say "Shes clutch" from the line, and the one you want to put on the line when the game is close.   #2 [player_tooltip player_id='248044' first='Mykendra' last='Messer']: (St.Marys)- Messer a quality forward out of St.Marys High proved last year if you're going to foul her, she will make you pay. Last year she shot an impressive 87.0% (45/54) from the free-throw line but also accounted for a FG% of 42.3%. She led her team in FT %, was 2nd in FG% and put up 242pts. I think this year she will be a big focal point for the Saints, and could really cause trouble for other teams.   #3 [player_tooltip player_id='219714' first='Avery' last='Lunde']: (Minot)- Lunde overall can do it all on the court, she may not put up the biggest numbers every night, but she is reliable as they come offensively and defensively. Lunde is a refined shooter not only from the floor where she shot 47.7%, but from the line she was 3rd in the WDA with 78% (39/50). Another gifted athlete that has showed time and time again if you foul her, she will capitalize on it. Not sure what her plans are going forward, but she is another player that has all the abilities to play at the next level.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/pgh/uploads/2021/10/50-Avery-Lunde-731x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-341637" width="134" height="188"/></figure>

There is no question that one of the most important skills for players and teams is having the ability to connect on free-throws, I think we can all agree in the saying "Free Throws win and lose games". This might be one skill on the court people overlook, simply by thinking it's a free unguarded shot from the "charity stripe". I'll be the first one to say, it's definitely not the easiest thing to do, especially when the game is on the line, the fans are loud, and you can feel your heart beating out of your chest. These shots can simply be a major factor in a team winning or losing a game. Let's take a look at the best Free Throw shooters in both conferences, and the players who have nearly perfected the art of knocking um' down from the stripe. (Based off a minimum 50 attempts)