Tagliapietra is an excellent athlete who I’d think will be participating in the State Track Meet in La Crosse. She has developed into a talented guard who can create for herself and score from all three levels. However, the more I’ve seen her, the more I’ve appreciated her leadership and poise on the floor. Her teammates listen to her and trust her to do the right thing on both ends, which speaks to the respect she’s earned from her peers.

Tagliapietra has grown in numerous ways in her first three seasons at the high school level. She has become a dynamic lead guard who can use her speed to make plays on both ends of the floor and excel in transition. She is also an excellent passer and can get her teammates open looks. However, she’s developed into an impressive leader who has the attention of all her teammates when she’s on the floor, which speaks volumes about the respect she has from the people around her.

Grafton has four games left, and there is a chance they find their way to sectionals. Whenever you put together a group of scrappy kids who can maximize the possessions they get in a game by how hard they play, they’ll give themselves a chance. Tagliapietra is a kid who flies around the floor and uses her athleticism to get to loose balls or jump passing lanes. Teams who aren’t used to that will have some issues dealing with someone like that, especially when there’s a team of them. Tagliapietra’s two-way ability could shine in regionals.

The Grafton guard has been among the focal points for the Black Hawks this season and can be a game-changer on any night. She’s possibly the most athletic kid on Grafton’s roster and knows how to use it. Her length and burst allow her to jump passing lanes and break for easy looks at the rim in transition. She’s shooting the ball from the perimeter well this season and has helped make the Black Hawks a frustrating team to play against.

Guards with tenacity jump out quickly, and Tagliapietra did that over in Minnesota at Summer Jam. I’d known of her previously, and people had spoken highly of her, but I was impressed by how seriously she took every possession. There’s a competitive edge to her that you can’t teach. It’s either there or it’s not. Defensively, you can line her up against anyone, and she won’t shy away from anyone no matter who they are, which is the best base to build off. Offensively, there’s plenty to work on, but I don’t worry about any development there because of her motor. I have no doubts that she’ll get the most out of her game as she possibly can.