New Hampshire Names to Know: Part I
New Hampshire is home to some uber-talented student-athletes. There have been some competitive and compelling matchups throughout the state, and I look forward to watching more as the year continues. Here are some of the players that should be on…
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Continue ReadingNew Hampshire is home to some uber-talented student-athletes. There have been some competitive and compelling matchups throughout the state, and I look forward to watching more as the year continues. Here are some of the players that should be on everyone’s radar.
Catelyn Wheeler – Bishop Guertin/C4 Elite – 5’11” – SG/SF – 2023 (pictured above)
Wheeler does a little bit of everything for Bishop Guertin. One of the most versatile players in the state, Wheeler can defend the 1-4 position better than most. Her physical and mental toughness is on another level, and her motor is second to none. Always giving maximum effort, Wheeler is the first on the floor for loose balls and never gives up on plays. An intelligent defender who plays straight up without fouling, makes a living cutting off angles and getting in position to draw charges. Not just a defensive specialist, but also a very polished offensive player. A reliable shooter who regularly makes defenses pay with her sniping ability from three-point territory. A flexible offensive player who is comfortable on the perimeter and inside, Wheeler relentlessly fights for offensive rebounds and putbacks. So fierce and aggressive, the 5’11” wing’s activity underneath leads to many foul calls. An above 80% free-throw shooter combined with a +/- of +17, Wheeler is a player whose team can always depend on making winning plays and coming up clutch when needed.
Avah Ingalls – Pinkerton Academy/Team Saints – 5’9” – SG/PG – 2022
Ingalls is a fantastic rebounder at the guard position. It is so valuable to have your guard battling the bigger forwards underneath for rebounds, and it speaks to her toughness. Ingalls is excellent at moving the ball after a rebound. Her eyes are always up, and the combo guard throws beautiful outlet passes that lead her teammate to the hoop. Ingalls is smooth in the halfcourt running the offense. Under control, the junior penetrates the lane, draws the defense, and consistently finds the open teammate spotting up. Along with being a great passing point guard, Ingalls can also score the ball at a high level. She is a crafty ball-handler and has good footwork, which allows her to sneak by her defender to get the basket. A lethal shooter, Ingalls needs the tiniest bit of daylight to unload from downtown. An efficient scorer at all three levels combined with her brilliant facilitation makes her one of the most dangerous floor generals in New Hampshire.
Olivia Fleming – Presentation of Mary Academy/Lady Rivals – 5’4” – PG – 2026
Fleming is a player that is going to be on everyone’s radar for the next few years. What sticks out with the middle school prospect is her confidence in shooting the basketball. Off the dribble, she has no problem setting up her defender and firing from beyond the arc. When a player shows that kind of comfort shooting the basketball, it speaks volumes about their work ethic in practice. Fleming is an athlete who spends a lot of time in the gym, fine-tuning her skillset and doing drills focusing on her ball handling and shooting. It is an encouraging sign for a young player to have that mental makeup at this stage. It is terrifying for opposing defenses because Fleming will continue to develop and get better. She uses ball screens well, shows off her acceleration and strength when coming off the pick, absorbing contact, and finishing strong at the hoop. An athletic defender who has excellent anticipation of picking passes off and is a blur going the other way in transition. Fleming is going to be an exciting player to follow moving forward.
Ava Winterburn – Goffstown High/Team Saints – 6’1” – SF/PF – 2023
A brilliant three-level scorer, Winterburn’s combination of size and athleticism makes her a tough cover for any defender. Albeit an excellent three-point shooter, Winterburn’s mid-range game is most impressive. She sets up her 15-foot pull-up game with convincing shot fakes from the perimeter and is automatic from the free-throw line range. She is a stretch 4 who is fundamentally sound in the post and possesses a face-up package that includes jab steps and ball fakes, leading to smooth fadeaway jump shots. Always shooting with confidence, Winterburn’s length allows her to shoot comfortably over any shot contest. Winterburn is also a player who can impact the game on the defensive end as well. She reads passes well and uses her athleticism and length to disrupt passing lanes. Winterburn is also active on the interior altering shot attempts turning her into a valuable two-way player.
Jasmine Becotte – Pelham High/BDS Basketball – 5’9” – PF – 2024
Becotte is off to a terrific start for Pelham High. A double-double machine, Becotte is relentless, crashing the glass on both ends of the floor. She plays sound post defense and does a great job staying straight up and not fouling. Becotte has also shown the awareness to finish off every defensive possession with a physical boxout which helps her rebound prowess. A scoring machine, Becotte can light up the scoreboard showing versatility on the inside and the outside. The freshman forward seals hard in the post with purpose, wanting the ball, and can drop step in the paint to score. A willing and unselfish passer, Becotte also has displayed her court vision in the half court by hitting cutters or teammates spotting up. With range extending beyond the three-point line, she forces defenses to step out and guard her, which opens up the lane for her teammates to penetrate. Becotte is getting more confident by the game and is developing into one of the state’s best young players.