Shelsta has played a significant role in her Hartford team’s success over the past three seasons, but I feel, as someone who doesn’t see her daily, I have learned a lot about her in the past six months. She struggled to open her junior season, and each time I saw her play, she never seemed fazed by her early-season struggles, which shows her character. The cherry on top of that is the second half against Whitefish Bay to help earn a share of the conference title. Her Orioles team hit its stride late in the season because of her, and she helped Hartford nearly reach its second state tournament in the past three seasons. The more I see her play, the more I enjoy what she brings to the floor.

The Hartford guard played well when I saw her Playground Elite team play down in Kentucky. I thought she looked confident when the ball was in her hands, and shot well in the stretches I saw her play. Her ability to space the floor and attack defenses off the catch on the weak side of the floor can open an offense up. She doesn’t need to score 20 to impact the game; defenses are well aware of what she’s capable of doing.

Shelsta ended her junior season on a tear from beyond the arc and was a reason the Orioles were a game away from the state tournament this season. She started the year slowly, but once she hit her groove, Hartford played some of its best basketball of the season. Shelsta is as important to the Orioles’ success as anyone, and with more responsibility coming over the next year, she may take off. She’s a player who may pick up more interest this summer than some expect.

Every time I looked over, to her game, she seemed to be knocking down a 3-ball totaling at least four in the first game. More than just an outside shooter, Alexis showed great handles and the ability to create her own shot off of the dribble, getting to the hoop, or hitting from mid-range. She looks to be shooting even better than last season where she shot 36.5% from distance.