If I could give a “Defender of the Game Award” for last night’s game, that award would go to Addison Merritt Addison Merritt 5'5" Springville | 2027 IA . The stats say she finished with six steals, but I bet with deflections and forced turnovers it was closer to 10. She was consistently darting into passing lanes, picking pockets at the top of the zone, and diving for extra possessions. Offensively, Merritt opportunistic against Maq. Valley’s press. She had a stop and pop in the paint off of the press break in the first half and followed with an and-1 in off the dribble later in the second half. She also took advantage in the half court — when the defense didn’t close out aggressive enough, Merritt flashed a solid jumper, including a huge three to solidify Springville’s lead in the fourth when the Wildcats were threatening.

Addison Merritt Addison Merritt 5'5" Springville | 2027 IA is going to play a big part on both sides of the ball for Springville this Winter at the guard position. Merritt is a skilled player that puts up respectable numbers each season up to this point in her career in the scoring category, while also being a productive on-ball defender. Merritt finished last Winter as a Sophomore with 112 steals in 25 games. That’s a solid number each contest from a general standpoint. Her fast hands and quick acting instincts helped her get a lot of tips/deflections, which lead to turnovers in one way or another. If she can do that more this Winter, they should be in good shape with what they will bring to the floor offensively.

Springville is going to once again play though their D1 – Post player but someone who is in charge of making sure she gets the ball in opportune positions is Guard – Addison Merritt Addison Merritt 5'5" Springville | 2027 IA . Merritt has posted respectable numbers every year up until this point but she is looking to make a statement as a Junior. She is ready to show that following this Winter, she could be the top dawg if she stays locked in and dedicated to the process. Two things that are both possible at this point in the game. Springville will have chance to make the State Tournament once again over the next eight months. If they play their cards right and keep it simple, you better watch out.

Addison stuffed the stat sheet for the Orioles last season as a freshman, tallying 7.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.7 steals per game. Merritt was third on her team in scoring and with the graduation of senior guards Kennedy Moore and Hannah March, there is an even bigger opportunity this season for Merritt to shine. Alongside teammate Rowan Jacobi Rowan Jacobi 6'2" | PF Springville | 2026 State IA , a South Dakota commit, I anticipate Merritt will step up and be an excellent 1-2 punch for Springville.

Addison Merritt Addison Merritt 5'5" Springville | 2027 IA of Springville High School has been an individual that has shown promise, at a better than average level over the past year and she is ready to take that big stride this upcoming season. Merritt is someone that moves around the perimeter, to whichever spot is needed from her team in that specific moment. She is a player that might not blow you away in her individual movement but if you forget about her, she will have an easy 10, 7, and 5 in a hurry. Springville is going to be able to thrive once again this season with their dominating post presence, Rowan Jacobi Rowan Jacobi 6'2" | PF Springville | 2026 State IA . If everyone else can work off of that, they will put together a year to remember and Merritt will be a major piece to that.