Zender was one of the more physically impactful players in the building. She established position early and often, running the floor hard and getting to her spots with purpose. She’s not just a traditional post—she showed touch facing up and the ability to step out and knock down perimeter shots, which adds another layer to her game. Defensively, she anchored the paint, altering and blocking multiple shots.

Zender continues to show why she’s a freshman worth tracking. She played with physicality in the paint, using her size and strength to carve out space and shield defenders. She finished with a near double-double, and most of her production came from toughness plays — rebounds, put-backs, strong finishes through contact. For a freshman in an Open Division matchup, she looked composed.

Karlee is growing into a real impact player. She is learning where she is the most productive and where her impact is needed most. She will hustle and dive on the floor for the loose ball and she will be the first in the air for a rebound. Zender is physical in the post and can defend the paint well. What I love about her game the most is her ability to hit long jumper and hit shots beyond the arch. Karlee will be a elite player as she grows.

The freshman post player showed glimpses of her overall skill level in the game against Campo Verde. She wasn’t afraid to bang inside and assert herself in the post. She also showed the ability to step out and shoot perimeter shots with confidence. Karlee also showed good footwork on the defensive end being able to switch off onto players much shorter than her.

Karlee is a force in the middle. Karlee is a very confident scorer in the middle and has a commanding presence every time she steps on the floor. She uses quick second jumps, which makes her very dangerous as a rebounder. She anticipates the ball, which leads her to create strong rebounds around the rim. Her box outs are extreme, as she remains disciplined on the boards, especially against aggressive rebounders. Karlee demands attention from defenders because she is consistent in scoring inside the paint. In a few games, I noticed how she is a good shot blocker, which discourages offensive players from driving to the basket.

Karlee Zender Karlee Zender 6'2" | C/PF Gilbert | 2029 AZ is an intriguing prospect in Arizona that will only continue to get better and better. She has great size and length for a Freshman. Gilbert was in the Platinum Bracket at the Classic, despite losing their All Region star Aspen McClees Aspen McClees 5'10" | PF Gilbert | 2026 State AZ . Zender did a nice job defending in the post and she showed some toughness on both ends of the floor. She runs the floor well and she can score in the post and from mid range. Look for Karlee Zender Karlee Zender 6'2" | C/PF Gilbert | 2029 AZ to start climbing up the rankings the next few years.

Zender may not always start, but her impact is undeniable. The freshman post player has been productive in limited minutes, making her presence felt with strong rebounding and physical post play. She also brings a modern wrinkle to her game, showing the ability to step out and knock down perimeter jumpers. That versatility gives Gilbert a valuable option off the bench and points to a high ceiling as she continues to develop.

The freshman played very well for the Tigers and showed that she will be an important piece. She ran the floor very well and knows how to use her size on the interior. Karlee rebounded well and on the offensive end of the court showed that she has inside/outside potential.