Let’s Talk About Posts

Brady Peterson September 7, 2024 @ 09:19 AM

I don't think I highlight post-players enough. Guards always draw attention because they have the ball in their hands, and I feel like I let post players slip out of my mind more than I should. That said, today, we have a few post-player-based articles. Let's get rolling.   Lizzie Theirer   One thing that doesn't get discussed about post-players is how dependent they are on their guards to do what they do best. Post players can get in the best position to get an entry pass from a guard, but if their guards aren't great passers, there's still a chance they don't touch the ball. Theier does excellent work around the basket. The West Bend native also proved she can step out and hit some perimeter jumpers. Team success at West Bend West will keep her out of more statewide talk about post players, but she's among my favorite posts in 2026.   [player_tooltip player_id='877515' first='Samantha' last='Veldkamp']   The rangy 6'2 Sheboygan Christian post has all the length you could want in a post player and has good hands to go along with her length. After going through every conference this offseason, I stumbled on Veldkamp and loved what she does on both ends of the floor. Defensively, she can use her length to alter a team's shot chart because people don't want her to block their shots. On the offensive end, Veldkamp is a mobile post who doesn't necessarily look to score with her back to the basket but by floating into space. She can finish with either hand, so it's easier for her, but she looks for pockets of space to fill and gets countless layups by staying active. Veldkamp has also shown an ability to space the floor.   [player_tooltip player_id='995788' first='Elsah' last='Rubis']   The St. Croix Central post has talent but is still raw skill-wise. She has the motor on the boards to be a consistent double-double threat. You can tell she's still learning and gaining confidence with her footwork in the post. She still thinks about what steps come next. Although she has that hesitancy, she was a productive post in her junior season. Rubis is willing to play with physicality and doesn't mind taking contact. Rubis is from a more remote part of the state but will be a productive next-level kid if she wants.   [player_tooltip player_id='883558' first='Aariona' last='Howard']   Few post kids in the state have the footwork that Howard has around the rim. She's a physical kid who could knock people over but does an outstanding job creating space with step-throughs and ball fakes, so she doesn't have to utilize force that often. Howard also has solid touch, which showed around the basket last season. There's room to grow still for her.

I don't think I highlight post-players enough. Guards always draw attention because they have the ball in their hands, and I feel like I let post players slip out of my mind more than I should. That said, today, we have a few post-player-based articles. Let's get rolling.