When you first see the Varsity floor sometimes it’s a situation that you need slowly gain the coaches trust. You need to demonstrate that you can handle that pressure and responsibility at a young age while doing all that you can to show up as a producer for your squad. Lyza Britten was somewhat in this situation as a Freshman last year. She wasn’t her team’s main offensive weapon as a scoring threat but she ranked second in RPG and APG when the season came to an end, demonstrating that she can make her mark on a contest without having to score the rock. This Winter I expect her to be a little more confident within her own scoring ability though. She is coordinated, athletic, and knowledgeable in the game so it’s not crazy to think that she will take a big step forward throughout her Sophomore season.

The left-handed Britten is a well-rounded hooper with a skill set capable of helping her team in a wide range of areas. Her game is mature for a prep freshman. She’s fundamentally sound, makes good decisions and limits mistakes. Britten is capable of guarding multiple positions and is aggressive on that end of the floor. She handles the ball well in press-break and when running offense in the half court. Britten can run the point or seamlessly slide off of the ball and make plays. She can get to the rim and finish, pull up or take her shot behind the arc.

I swung across the state for my final three-level finisher, where Lyza Britten Lyza Britten 5'7" | /PG Ames | 2029 IA of Ames High School caught my eye. Britten is a freshman to watch — as she begins her young career she is already averaging nine points and five rebounds per game as a shooting guard. In her matchup vs. Iowa City High Britten showed poise at the rim and patience to finish around bigger defenders. Using a quick first step and confident dribble, Britten was able to finish over hands if the help defense was late as well as jump stop and finish around defenders in the paint with a soft touch. Shooting 36% for the season from behind the arc, the lefty hit two deep balls vs. the Little Hawks and is showing she is not a player you can leave open. Britten is wise beyond her age in terms of decision-making with the ball — she didn’t force shots and showed craftiness to create her own shot as well.