One of the most efficient players over this weekend was Olivia Austin Olivia Austin 6'0" | PF Nazareth Academy | 2024 State IL . A 2nd place title is nothing to look over, and that wouldn’t have been possible without Austin. Game 1 she put up 16 points and 8 boards with only 3 missed shots on the night. In the finals, it was more of the same, 16 and 4 boards. Austin will be heading to Dartmouth this upcoming fall, and the way she plays the game should translate seamlessly.

Co-MVPrnAustin was a force to be reckoned with in the paint, averaging 16 PPG and 12 RPG on the weekend, including a 23pt, 12reb line in the Championship game against Lincoln. She did an outstanding job using her strength and length in the lane against a smaller team, who couldn’t keep her from getting to her spots. Olivia is very active at both ends of the court, using her quickness to drive by slower Post players and get clean looks at the basket.

There’s not many players in the state that can match Austin’s physical stature, athleticism  and overall versatility to play the 3-5. While her skillset is still being put together, she uses her natural gifts to insert her self in each game. She can score from the post, knockdown the midrange and the three when open. Her importance in this program is necessary.. especially when most teams don’t have what Naz has as far size and athleticism. 

Austin physical ability is beyond anything I’ve seen in a while. She’s built to take contact and shrug it off.. she has a tremendous quick step, and her vertical is crazy. She has peaked interest from some strong D1 programs over this past season, and when she’s standing out on a highly successful program like Nazareth Academy.. you understand why. She is hell to deal with on the offensive end due to being a complete physical mismatch (while still putting her skillset together). On the defensive end, she has the coordination to stick with guards and the strength to deal with bigs. She will also send your shot off the backboard or to the bleachers.

Built perfect for the stretch post position. Though she’s more of a catch and drive, rather than shoot.. Austin can cause problems for her defenders on every possession. Wether its draining her matchup in the post from being aggressive on gaining a position, attacking the boards, or setting solid screens using her strength. Her skillset is impactful on both sides of the ball.