South Dakota Series: Wizards And Magicians
Ever Hear “What Just Happened?” from fellow spectators? Or, watched an exquisitely timed pass graze or glance off a wide-open player, who was blissfully unaware that anytime on the BB court a pass is possible? PGH Salutes “Wizards And Magicians,”…
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Continue ReadingEver Hear “What Just Happened?” from fellow spectators? Or, watched an exquisitely timed pass graze or glance off a wide-open player, who was blissfully unaware that anytime on the BB court a pass is possible?
PGH Salutes “Wizards And Magicians,” the gifted artists of the hardwood who create clean scoring opportunities, always staying in a shuffle/repeat cycle.
On the other hand, most wizards are also obsessive thieves, ready to steal face-to-face, from behind, and run away. Who behaves like this? Let’s meet the talent up close.
Zoey Wohlleber, Waubay/Summit – Check NFHS video replays, and you’ll marvel at her snap release from either hand, bounced or lobbed, to the open shooter. Sneaky handles, coupled with darting feints and jerky moves, do open lanes and windows that appear mystical until the video is re-run. Then, you understand the talent at work.
Rylee Haldeman, West Central – Already known as the fastest hands west of the Pecos Minnesota, Haldeman’s return to the West Central line-up is a spark welcomed and needed by the Trojans. Her steals must average 5+ per game, usually off pressure traps – Boom – Gone. Her drives result in lay-up’s, mid-range pops, or stepbacks, unless she feeds another for a better look.
Halle Heinz, Ipswich – A one-girl scoring machine, Heinz often uses the dribble-drive to score. Once the defense “wises up” Heinz hesitates but drops the ball inside on the cutter’s hands. Defensively, Heinz roams to disrupt, providing help side in the low block, end line traps, and pushing ball handlers as far out as possible.
Haleigh Timmer, STM – An all-state scorer, Timmer distributes all too well, says her coach. Jump shot chances turn into hitting the hard cutter; penetration drives go back out to spot up shooters. She messes up foes’ passes and lanes with “invisible” touches. Timmer steals frequently off one-on-one ball pressure, when mysteriously, the ball is loose then scored by STM.
Stevi Fallis, Red Cloud – Remarkable performer, going 100-mph, whether attacking on the dribble, rebounding, & ever in motion on defense to trap/rob/frustrate. Her foot speed and floor IQ result in amazing stats for steals, and assists. Not shabby at all in the scoring column; she zig-zag’s, ball fakes, and directs the Red Cloud never-slow attack with great success and enthusiasm.
Jayda McNabb, RC Stevens – Anticipation marks the athletic style exhibited by McNabb. Her BB IQ leads her to the foes’ weaknesses like a bloodhound follows a scent trail. Then, suddenly, the theft is complete and the ball is back downcourt. Neither is McNabb reluctant to fire a half court heave to the open teammate, yielding easy bunnies, or giving time to stop, pop and score the ball. Sure fire college prospect becoming more confident each game.
Izzy Moore, O’Gorman – Another athletic finisher, committed to the University of Sioux Falls, and possessing wicked quick hands. Often, Moore emerges from floor scrums going full tilt to the hoop. Or, jumping to grab the rock away from the careless dribbler who dared to turn her back to an O’G defender. Ever alert and ready, Moore triggers traps and squeezes, which O’G executes nicely. Her scoring usually complements others, but she checks all the boxes for heady, intuitive play making.
Kalla Bertram, Winner – Seriously efficent defender forces mis-handles, mis-reads, and missed oppotunities. Great floor vision finds team mates open with very accurate darts. Other players’ passes arrive behind or at the feet – not where the receiver can exploit an opening. Not Bulls-Eye Bertram – stellar player, under rated, and owning quick-silver moves.
Hannah Parsley, Flandreau – Again this year, Parsley grabs, tips, and snags errant passes – last year’s average of five per game will be surpassed. Her floor game improved as well, with teammates enjoying smart assists from Parsley. SW Minnesota State has signed a genuine BB magician.
JC Pulse,McCook – Speed and quickness are the one-two punch for Pulse. Speed makes her seem to “flow effortlessly” around defenders, She just appears inside to score, to dish, or to rebound – a great testament to self-improvement. Quickness shows in the ball snatches made away from rivals, where upon Pulse usually wins footraces to the rim.
Rianna Fillipi, Lennox -Senior mainstay on a really good Oriole team, Rianna stays in the middlle of the action, usually with her hands on the ball. Offensive understanding allows pin-point ball placement for points. Her defensive anticipation regularily is two moves ahead, placing her ideally for strips and steals.
Emily Fox, MVP – Youngest member of this group, Fox dazzles with dribble moves, hesi’s and cross overs, and step-backs that draw the eye and applause. Other players might watch too much, and seem surprised when the pass inside leads to easy finishes for MVP. Fox is getting better at her craft, and trying new techniques continually.