802 Preseason Oracle: Freshman of the Year

Cody Quattrocci

October 24, 2023 @ 12:25 PM

It's late October and we all know what that means! I've analyzed my projected rosters for the winter and have picked out those who are bound for big first years with their respective squads. It's a blend of talent and opportunity that has landed these five on my Freshman of the Year board. Tap in!   [player_tooltip player_id='647510' first='Meg' last='Allbee'], 5'9 G - Vermont Academy Class of 2027   A tactical combo-guard who can create offense in myriad ways, Meg is atop my list. She's an excellent slasher who finishes well on either side of the cup. Once she establishes that space on the perimeter, her jumper drops at an efficient rate. Plus, she's someone who can initiate offense and organize, or she'll create opportunities with her off-ball work. Smart defensively with nice length, Allbee is dynamic, active, and impactful in so many ways. I don't know the team well down at VA, but I imagine Meg will be a key figure in their rotation.   [player_tooltip player_id='1046824' first='Anya' last='Davis'], 5'8 G - Colchester H.S. Class of 2027   With immense strength, nice agility, and an attack mindset, Anya brings tenacity to the table. Davis constantly punctures the paint where she consistently makes good decisions both as a scorer and as a distributor. Additionally, she has the tools to orchestrate or be an effective mover off the ball and score it off the catch. Finally, Anya can really lock down defensively. She moves her feet well, is physical, and understands how to corral ballhandlers into poor positions. I anticipate she'll be impactful, and possibly starting, from the outset of the season.   Colleen Sonnick, 6'0 W/F - Essex H.S. Class of 2027   Sonnick has solidified herself as one of the most impactful, all-around players in her class. With her size and length, she's a natural rebounder and rim protector. Yet once she has the rock, she's a playmaker in transition. With a somewhat herky-jerky style and solid physicality, Colleen can go point-forward and get to her spots, finishing plays. The southpaw is efficient at the rim and has impressed with her shooting, passing, and general offensive creation. Maybe most surprisingly, she's looked like one of the most comfortable and aggressive players on the floor amongst upperclassmen. Keep tabs.   [player_tooltip player_id='1046837' first='Abby' last='Nystrom'], 5'7 G - Bellows Falls Class of 2027   A pesky little guard with a well-developed skillset, Nystrom should jump right into the action this winter. With her ability to create offense for herself and others, while also having the IQ to make plays away from the rock, Abby will infuse the offense with smarts + talent. On the defensive end there's no letup; she attacks ballhandlers, forces tough decisions, and is constantly active whether she's weak side or on-ball. Nystrom will likely thrive as a starter once she shakes off any jitters, if there are any at all.   Mesa Long, 5'11 F - Mount Mansfield Union H.S. Class of 2027   A formidable presence around the paint, Mesa looks like she'll be plug and play at MMU. A genuine 4/5 forward, she comes with a solid little post scoring package featuring nice touch and polished footwork. Yet she's not a black hole; Mesa sees the floor pretty well from the post, giving them inside/out passing action. Moreover, she pursues boards well on both ends, protects the rim with good length and rotations, then runs the floor. As one of the few true forwards at MMU, I anticipate she'll be a huge part of their rotation from the jump.

It's late October and we all know what that means! I've analyzed my projected rosters for the winter and have picked out those who are bound for big first years with their respective squads. It's a blend of talent and opportunity that has landed these five on my Freshman of the Year board. Tap in!