Bridgewater Knights 2024: Player Evaluations
Coach Whetzel and the Knights have a game plan to win at not only game play, but to aid the Knight’s organization with preparing for their players for high school and college placement. The Knights organization has evolved with the…
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Continue ReadingCoach Whetzel and the Knights have a game plan to win at not only game play, but to aid the Knight’s organization with preparing for their players for high school and college placement. The Knights organization has evolved with the support of Turner Ashby’s staff, assisting Head Coach Richard Whetzel in creating 10 teams with the youngest grade level being 3rd and 4th-grade level. Coach Whetzel reported, “the high school and middle school fully sports the Knights AAU Program which provides the players where collectively all ensure that the players flourish as a feeder program” evidenced by its raising JV squad “winning all 24 games on its schedule last season”. Determined to ensure the success of the program is long-lasting, Coach Whetzel and Coach Shifflet continue to train and implement work-outs that promote social distancing; utilizing outdoor courts like many programs to assist the players in reaching their personal goals to succeed in the upcoming 2020-2021 basketball season. Coach Whetzel expressed, “our program is a big deal. We teach our players not to get caught up in stats, but to focus on their development, effort, and team. I firmly believe if we focus on that success will follow our players.”
Acadia Bowen 5’5, PG, Class of 2024- Bridgewater, VA (Turner Ashby High)
Drawn to the game at the early age of 5 years old, the bonds that allowed to be forged. Acadia Bowen began “playing travel in the 6th grade” where she was placed as a “starting point quart and leader on the 8th-grade basketball team that went undefeated (16-0) and were district champions.” Pushing herself since her early years as a basketball player, Bowen “trains 3-4 times per week, from weight training to speed and agility. Acadia Bowen focuses on perfecting her ability to get to the basket with ease, driving, and dishing to her teammates. Bowen informed Prep Network “I work to become better as a person, leader, player, and I will not stop pushing myself. I am not afraid to go under the basketball and play with the big girls. I am quick and can make moves to get around people. I’m competitive!”
Samantha Whetzel 5’7, P/SG, Class of 2024- Bridgewater, VA (Turner Ashby)
“Playing basketball for about 8 years” Whetzel informed Prep Network “I have never grown tired of it I just really love this sport. When I am on that court nothing else matters. When I play basketball I play with my heart. Whetzel’s style of play is aggressively fueled by her need to see her team excel on the court, as she was groomed to do so by her father Coach Whetzel. Whetzel’s focus surrounds ensuring her teammates are “ok on the floor” as a point guard “I have to take care of the ball and be a leader on that court and when someone needs help I am there to help because that’s my job.” With Whetzel’s understanding of the game and her role she places emphasis on controlling the tempo to ensure she and the Knights shine brightly together “because win or lose we do it as a team.”
Adara Fox 5’6, G, Class of 2024- Bridgewater, VA (Turner Ashby High)
Presenting being shy and reserved when speaking to Prep Network initially. This observant player informed Prep Network of her love for her squad that is compiled of 3 different sets of family members allowed to play with together. Fox’s defensive quickness allows her to pick apart a team’s offensive efforts. Driven in the game by her ability to “take the ball and predict passes” as teams attempt to transition fast break opportunities into points. Fox is great at getting open to score and aiding her team in getting open looks as a result of the attention placed on her scoring efforts.
Raevin Washington 6’4 F/C Class of 2024- Bridgewater, VA (Turner Ashby High)
Commanding her opponents and her team’s attention, Raevin Washington is the heart of the Knights defense. Averaging 5 blocks a game Raevin Washington sets the defensive tone for her team and the Knights opponents to identify that attacking the paint won’t be an option. Washington is a force with superb timing that also aids her in controlling the glass averaging double-figure boards. Washington on the offensive end can get to the free-throw line, finish around the rim with a soft touch, and a definite college prospect.
Avrie Shifflett 5’8, G/F, Class of 2022- Bridgewater, VA (Turner Ashby High)
Sideline during last year’s season as a result of injury, Avrie Shifflett pacers herself as she returns to play as her rehab comes to a close. As many are aware of, returning to play from an injury can take a psychological and emotional toll of an individual. But, Avrie Shifflet’s mental fortitude allowed her to step into her returning role receiving the support of her squad and the reassurance from her coaches that her game will be better than ever as a result of the work she put into working on stationary ball handling and form shooting drills. Shifflet informed Prep Network “I missed being out there with my team. Were a family and take care of each other. I now just have to keep working on improving so that I can play college ball.”
Emma Rogers 5’6, PG, Class of 2024- Bridgewater, VA (Turner Ashby High)
Rogers is a great floor leader, communicating what is needed from her and her teammates to ensure all-out effort is given in each contest. Rogers expressed, “I like to get my team involved. I love defense and helping my team win and we do it together.” Modest about her game, her teammates expressed, “she can shot and we look for her to take it.” Roger’s dedication to improving her game every week will aid her team in excelling in the seasons to come.
Adeline Sajko 5’8, SG, Class of 2024- Bridgewater, Va (Turner Ashby High)
Training daily to be the best to outshine the team’s competition. Sajko attacks her opponents to help the Knights obtain an edge over their competition. Aggressive on both ends of the court. This natural leader’s calm demeanor assists her as she attacks the basket, finishing when contact is made, with the sole purpose of getting to the free line where Sajko gains the bulk of her points. This rising freshman reported, “I wanna play ball at the next level. I have a lot of work to do and do that every chance I get. I ready to play in high school this school year.”