Prospect Report: Millard North and Papillion LaVista South
After a disappointing loss Saturday, the defending Class A state champion Millard North Mustangs hosted the Titans of Papio South Tuesday night. Both teams had really nice looks early, but it was Millard North that connected on them, which enabled…
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Continue ReadingAfter a disappointing loss Saturday, the defending Class A state champion Millard North Mustangs hosted the Titans of Papio South Tuesday night. Both teams had really nice looks early, but it was Millard North that connected on them, which enabled to extend their lead to as large as 18 in the second quarter. However, a furious comeback by the Titans, fueled by senior Emily Richards, chipped that 18 point lead down to six in the third quarter. In the final frame, the senior-laden Mustangs were able to pull back away with a 50-38 win. Both teams had some exciting kids to look at!
I saw Millard North play earlier this season, and I wanted to give an update on their prospects.
Ella Danley (5’9″ Senior, Millard North): Danley is one of the headiest players in the state. Uncommitted midway through her senior year, if schools are looking for a terrific individual and team defender who knows how to win, Danley is that player. Already drawing double digits in charges this season, Danley was hampered by a bit of foul trouble in this game, but she is a nice shooter who needs to work on creating her own shot. However, her intangibles are off the charts and she is the type of winner that every program needs to have in it.
Update: Danley, who has since committed to NAIA power Hastings College, is really hitting her stride. She hit two 3-pointers to keep the Titans at bay, ending the night with 18 points all together. She is so active on defense, but her shooting has been more consistent of late. Look for her to make a big difference in the Mustangs post season journey.
Kaylee Kessler (6’0″ Junior, Millard North): Kessler, the hero of Millard North’s triple overtime victory in last year’s state semi-final victory, is an improved post player. Strong and with a good knack of finding post position, she has a nice touch and has expanded her scoring range this year. She needs to work on her footwork and attacking quicker, but she has another year of growth and has a chance to be a very nice post player.
Update: Kessler had a nice floor game Tuesday night. She is an active player, but Papio South’s quick perimeter players and active hands in the post did give her some troubles. Kessler is not a great athlete, but she does have a good knack for finding the ball and creases around the basket.
Lexi Finkenbiner (5’9″ Freshman, Millard North): Finkenbiner is a long, athletic freshman who has a really nice feel for the game. She doesn’t try to force anything and understands her role within Millard North’s senior dominated squad, but she has a smooth jumpshot and is a very nice passer; Coach Diehl has her take the ball out on all out of bounds plays, indicating his trust in her decision making and passing ability. Finkenbiner figures to really grow as she takes over next season for the strong senior class for the Mustangs.
Update: With Danley and California Baptist recruit Nicole Avila-Ambrosi leading the charge, Finkenbiner is still playing a secondary role for the Mustangs. As with my initial scout on her, she will greatly expand her role next season in all areas with the graduation of six seniors for the Mustangs.
Emily Richards (5’7″ Senior, Guard, Papillion LaVista South): Richards is the lone senior seeing significant playing time for the Titans, and she is a dead eye shooter. Last week, she set a school record with seven three-pointers in one game on the way to 34 points. Richards was integral in their 3rd quarter run, hitting three 3’s in short stretch to bring the Titans back into the game. Slight of build, she is an adequate ball handler but is quick with the ball. Probably a natural two-guard, she would be a nice fit for an NAIA school late in the recruiting process.
Lydia Hodges (5’8″ Junior, Forward, Papillion LaVista South): Hodges is a nice athlete with a good face up game. She is strong going to the rim and has a little scoop shot around the rim that is hard to defend. She has solid range, but will need to expand it to really be ready to play at the next level. A good summer will put her right in the middle of NAIA and Division III schools who would like to have a hard working player with a good skill set.
Tate Norblade (5’8″ Junior, Guard, Papillion LaVista South): A pleasant surpirse, Norblade has a very nice looking shot (she has a very nice, high release), and her shooting helped bring Papio South back into the game, along with Richards. She has good length and also has enough of an off the bounce game to keep her defenders off balance and make it difficult to just take away her jump shot. Like Hodges, if she puts in a solid summer, she has a chance to play at the small school level.