Underclassmen to Watch: Frontcourt
After highlighting the underclassmen who represented the backcourt, I wanted to spotlight a few forwards from the class of ’23 and ’24 who have popped. These frontcourt athletes are unique and are capable of impacting the game in countless ways. …
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Continue ReadingAfter highlighting the underclassmen who represented the backcourt, I wanted to spotlight a few forwards from the class of ’23 and ’24 who have popped. These frontcourt athletes are unique and are capable of impacting the game in countless ways.
Meghan Stack – Bishop Guertin – 6’0” – SF/PF – 2023
Stack is one of the best all-around players and a triple-double threat whenever she steps on the court. She can fill up the stat sheet in every category. In a recent game vs. Salem, Stack went for 13 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, 7 steals, and 2 blocks. She is a player who will do whatever it takes to win, and that is evident by her statistics and, more importantly, by the way she plays. If there were a statistical category for picture-perfect closeouts, Stack would be the region leader. If there were a stat on making the extra pass, the 6’0” forward would lead New England in that category as well. Stack is such a willing passer, and because of her height, sees the floor well. The versatile wing handles the ball well, especially in transition. On defense, she is one of the most fun players to watch because she is so active, flying around, making her presence felt. She is a winning, passionate player, who understands how she can impact a game’s outcome. Stack is developing into a leader who can inspire her team by her hustle and maximum effort every possession.
Cameron Rust – Worcester Academy – 6’2” – SF – 2024
When you watch Rust showcase her offensive repertoire for the first time, it is easy to mistake her for a senior. The freshman is so polished on offense that at 6’2”, she is unguardable. Rust post-game is second to none. Her use of ball fakes, pivots, and body control lead to some of the smoothest fadeaway jump shots you will witness. When observing Rust, it is clear she is a student of the game who studies the elite pro and college athletes and incorporates their moves into her offensive collection. Capable of shooting from the perimeter, Rust makes it look easy lighting it up from 15 feet and beyond. Shooting over defenders effortlessly is reminiscent of Kevin Durant or Jonquel Jones. Like Rust, those players are so tall, long, and surgical when shooting from the outside that defenses shrug because no opponent can slow them down. Combined with her ability to score off the dribble and in transition, Rust can single-handedly take over the game on offense. She is a workhorse in the gym, who is continuously getting stronger and developing her game. The 6’2 combo forward is a player that will be on everyone’s radar for the next 3 years, and what is frightening for opposing teams is that she is only going to get better.
Cadence Johnson – St. Andrews – 6’0 – SF – 2023
Johnson is so strong, and when she attacks the basket, is unstoppable when she rips and drives middle. The St. Andrews forward is so hard to contain, and defenders bounce off her when en route to the basket. She is one of the more unique offensive players because she has the size and strength of a post player, but Johnson is such a threat outside that she has the tools to be a great stretch 4. Her three-point shooting helps open up the line because defenses have to respect her deadly jumper. Therefore, a simple ball fake can get the defense off-balance, and Johnson can get in the paint and dominate. Johnson can defend multiple positions and is so physical on the boards that she could be an effective center for small-ball lineups. An intelligent defender who makes an effort to communicate to her teammates, Johnson is the type of leader you want anchoring a defense.
Sarah Chenette – Cohasset High – 5’8” – SF – 2024
Coming off of a week averaging 24 points per game, Chenette has been vital to Cohasset’s current 5 game winning streak. A force on the offensive glass, Chenette crashes relentlessly and is an and-1 threat when she goes up for putbacks. An excellent finisher who is comfortable making layups with either hand, the 5’8” combo wing is not intimidated by any defender standing in her path. The combo wing is terrific when she catches the ball in the high post against zone defense. She has a scorer mentality and off the catch, faces up, rips through, and can get to the rim and finish in one dribble. An athlete who has confidence in her outside game, the freshmen can terrorize defenses at all three levels. Chenette is a unique talent possessing a guard skillset but the toughness and rebounding prowess of a forward. This makes her valuable to Cohasset for this year and years to come.
Payton Richard – Nashoba Regional High – 5’10” – SF – 2023
Richard is an excellent fit for a Nashoba team that emphasizes defense. A long and athletic forward, Richard has quick hands and gets into passing lanes forcing turnovers constantly. Her man defense is stout, and Richard can stay in front of any player on the perimeter. Even on the occasions she gets beat, her athleticism allows her to get back in the play and alter shots. Her offensive game is what sticks out. She is one of the most lethal long-range snipers you’ll have the pleasure of watching and does not need much space to pull the trigger. Her three-point shooting and aggressive defense would make you think she is a “3 and d” specialist, but she is much more than that. Richard has no problem taking her defender off the dribble and creating offense for herself or her teammates when she gets into the teeth of the defense. Richard is off to a great start to the season displaying her efficient scoring at all three levels. The sophomore shows the potential to be one of the top scorers in the Midland-Wachusett League.