Five freshmen who are poised for a breakout in the Final Four
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The high school State Tournament offers a tremendous opportunity for players, not only to win a coveted team title but also as a stage to demonstrate just what they are capable of as individuals. Last year, Becker’s Maren Westin Maren…
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Continue ReadingThe high school State Tournament offers a tremendous opportunity for players, not only to win a coveted team title but also as a stage to demonstrate just what they are capable of as individuals. Last year, Becker’s Maren Westin Maren Westin 5'8" | CG Becker | 2023 State MN had a breakout game against Waconia that made every Division 1 coach in attendance realize that the then-freshman was a player to pay attention to in the years ahead. Which freshman will make the most of her opportunity this week to step into the spotlight and shine?
Here are five 9th graders who we think might be poised for a breakout Final Four.
Kylan Gerads – forward, Albany
Kylan has been on our radar over the past couple of months but the 5’9 freshman has really stepped up her game in the home stretch of the season. Gerads can play forward or out on the wing, and she can defend all five positions. She is very long and athletic and has high upside. We’re told Kylan is a terrific teammate and her biggest fault might be that she is sometimes too unselfish. Gerads is averaging around 5 points per game for 21-2 Albany but scoring isn’t likely to be her trademark.
Alyssa Sand – forward, Albany
Alyssa is a lesser-known commodity than Kylan but her level of performance has taken a big jump in the second half of the season. The 6-foot forward is long and quite athletic for her size. She moves well and is learning to use her body more effectively. Once Sand adds a more physical element to her game she will likely improve her stock significantly. She’s among the Huskies’ top four scorers and her production has escalated in March. Both Sand and Gerads will play for Mike Durban’s 2024 Minnesota Comets this spring.
Brooke Hohenecker – guard, Providence Academy
Providence Academy has had a heck of a year and 7th grade point guard Maddyn Greenway Maddyn Greenway 5'8" | PG Providence Academy | 2026 State MN has drawn the majority of the attention. Her fellow guard Brooke Hohenecker probably deserves as much credit as Greenway for the Lions’ success this season. The newcomer has been a pleasant surprise from the get-go for the 21-1 squad. Hohenecker has made 46 three-point baskets and is averaging around 12 points per game. She plays the game with poise and confidence and has a solid skillset.
Marisa Frost Marisa Frost 5'8" | PG Centennial | 2024 State MN – guard, Centennial
Marisa had an outstanding summer and fall in 2020 and impressed so much that she earned the #10 ranking in the first Prep Girls Hoops sorting of the class of 2024. How much impact the 5’7 combo guard would have as a freshman on a veteran-laden Centennial squad was far from certain. Frost began the season with rotation minutes, ended in the starting lineup, and along the way established herself as a go-to player at both ends of the floor. Marissa is averaging just under 7 ppg along with 4 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.3 steals. If Centennial advances on Wednesday there’s no doubt Frost will have been a big factor.
Kiera O’Rourke Kiera O’Rourke 6'0" | CG Holy Angels | 2024 State MN – guard, Holy Angels
Kiera made it clear last month that she is more than capable of handling the big moment. When the Stars faced Becker in what may have been a preview of this week’s AAA state championship game, O’Rourke executed the biggest play of the night, slipping a difficult pass off the inbounds into Frankie Vascellero down low for the winning basket with one second remaining. In far less dramatic fashion, the 5’10 O’Rourke (#43) has crafted an outstanding freshman campaign, averaging 5.4 ppg on 49% field goal shooting along with 3.7 assists. Like the others profiled here, she could have her breakout moment this week.