Class 1A – Region 4: 2023’s to Watch
As we look for other ways to cover prospects we thought it would be beneficial to cover players in a way that allows us to cover those we don’t write much about. We will be using the region’s from last…
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Continue ReadingAs we look for other ways to cover prospects we thought it would be beneficial to cover players in a way that allows us to cover those we don’t write much about. We will be using the region’s from last season as they were constructed.
Obviously, these regions will change into next season but for these stories it was the easiest way to divide players and teams as equally as possible.
We will be writing a series of three stories for each region in the state and the categories are as follows: 2023’s to put on Your Radar, 2022’s who can Breakout, and 2021’s Who Should be Valued by Colleges.
We will continue to go through each region and aim to hit as many players as we can that we haven’t talked about previously. Here are five 2023’s who need to be on your radar.
Gabby Deery – F – Burlington Notre Dame
The Burlington Notre Dame lineup can be difficult to break into as a freshman, but Gabby Deery was able to do that and more.
Deery started 23 of 25 games, scoring 204 total points on 45 percent shooting from the field. She also had team-highs with 180 rebounds and 41 blocks, adding in 30 steals and 29 assists.
Notre Dame will look to build off a 20-5 season that ended in the regional championship with Deery and the other returning players.
Ellah Kissell – G – Wayland WACO
The second-highest scoring freshman in the region was Wayland WACO’s Ellah Kissell, as she finished with 158 total points.
Kissell was immediately forced into becoming a top producer in her first season. She attempted a team-high 229 shots, including 119 three-pointers with 82 rebounds, 40 assists, 30 steals and 16 blocks.
Following a season of experience, Kissell should be primed for a breakout if she can improve on her overall percentages from the floor.
Kali Nelson – G – Lisbon
After a bit of a slow start, Lisbon showed strides thanks in large part to the play of freshman Kali Nelson.
Nelson was among the team leaders with 147 points, knocking down 18 three-pointers. She also had 74 rebounds, 33 assists and 23 steals on the year.
Despite being a newcomer, Nelson showed no hesitation, attempting the second-most free throws on the team. She was also one of three players with over 60 attempted triples.
Abby Stransky – G/F – Highland
One of the top ninth graders in the region, Highland’s Abby Stransky has the ability to play both inside and out on the court.
Stransky finished her first season of varsity basketball with 135 total points, joining teammate and classmate Dani Laughlin as triple-digit scorers.
Highland will look to improve upon a six-win season behind Stransky, who also had 135 rebounds, 57 steals, 34 assists and 13 blocked shots.
Bradie Buffington – F – Winfield-Mt. Union
Winfield-Mt. Union took advantage of the talents of freshmen such as Bradie Buffington this past winter on the hardwood to win 12 games
Buffington saw action in all 23 games, recording 122 rebounds – which placed her second on the team. She also had 98 points, 31 blocks and 12 assists, adding in eight steals on 37 percent shooting from the floor.