Classic in the Country- Saturday Freshmen
Stepping on the big stage such as this can be intimidating for a lot of high school players, especially freshman. Most of them have not played in front of the crowd they experienced at Hiland High School. While it can…
Access all of Prep Girls Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingStepping on the big stage such as this can be intimidating for a lot of high school players, especially freshman. Most of them have not played in front of the crowd they experienced at Hiland High School.
While it can be tough at times, these freshman on Saturday didn’t get the spotlight get to them, and they had a solid performance. Tomorrow, I will start to look at some of the top players from Sunday’s action at the Classic in the Country.
Rylee Sagester Rylee Sagester 5'6" | CG Tri Village | 2023 State OH , 5-6 Tri Village
Was a key part in the near comeback by the Patriots in their game Saturday morning. After struggling early in the game, Tri Village scored 34 points in the fourth quarter. Sagester hit some big threes and that is her forte. Excellent perimeter shooter, good handles and loves to run in transition.
Margo Mattes Margo Mattes 5'11" | CG OH , 5-11 Mason
In my eyes, the most impressive freshman of the tournament. Margo opened the eyes of those who had not seen her before. Solid defender both on-ball on the perimeter and in the paint. Can match up with either a guard or post, a solid shot blocker. Great floor leader with a high basketball IQ. Runs the floor well, can get to the rim and score with either hand.
Kylie Leibacher Kylie Leibacher 5'11" | SF Castalia Margaretta | 2023 State OH , 5-10 Margaretta
A key part of a very good Polar Bear team. Kylie has active hands and runs the floor well in transition. Can play north-south and will play at whatever tempo the game is. Can knock down the perimeter shot. Mature for her age and plays above her years. Learning the game daily being around solid upperclassmen. Her future is bright.
Kendall Braaten, 5-9 Laurel
Loved her perimeter game, can catch and shoot from beyond the arc. Has good court awareness. Solid on-ball defender, causes turnovers with her quick hands. Anticipates well, has good handles and has good one-on-one moves to the rim. Can run in transition.
Mari Bickley Mari Bickley 5'10" | PG Shaker Heights Laurel | 2023 State #20 Nation OH , 5-10 Laurel
The other half of the dynamic freshman duo at Laurel. This nationally ranked taller guard can really do it all. Loved her range out to beyond the arc, and has very good handles. Solid intangibles and will make things happen. Strong moves in the paint. Can defend a guard or a post, can get physical as needed in the paint. Great court vision to start the break, finishes strong at the rim.