Queen of The Nook: Class of ’23
In this article:
Now let’s look at who from the class of 2023 shined from the Live! At The Nook event. One team, in particular, caught my attention. The MCW Starz ’23 team was highly impressive, especially on defense. Some of their players individually popped, but collectively as a whole, I did not see a team play more together than they did; and their efforts propelled a 5-0 weekend. That said, here are the players who represented the ’23 class who I saw play that stood out the most.
TIER 3:
Anna Foley Anna Foley 6'3" | PF Andover | 2023 State NewE – Andover/Evolution – 6’2’’ – PF
PGH Rank: #34
- Good post passer
- Attacks offensive glass hard
- Rim runs consistently
- Great finisher around the basket
- Hard to matchup with
Nina Minicozzi Nina Minicozzi 5'9" | CG Rivers | 2023 State NewE – Rivers/MA Huskies – 5’9’’ – PG
PGH Rank: #16
- Tough/digs in on defense/super competitive
- Will defend both guard spots
- Efficient and consistent 3 point shooter
- Crafty scorer
- Trustworthy playmaker/secures the ball
Grace Oliver Grace Oliver 6'2" | PF Noble & Greenough | 2024 State NewE – Norwell/Lady Rivals – 6’1’’ – PF
PGH Rank: #20
- Top 2 defender in the class
- Protects rim well
- High IQ/quick reaction time
- She makes up for team defensive lapses
- Soft-touch around the basket
- Excellent mid-range shooter
TIER 2:
Oluchi Okananwa Oluchi Okananwa 5'10" | CG Worcester Academy | 2023 State NewE – New Hampton/Lady Rivals – 5’10’’ – CG
PGH Rank: #1
Okananwa was dialed in from deep, converting three-pointers at a high clip during the weekend. Her catch hand shoot ability helped open the floor for her Rivals’ teammates and was crucial for a couple of wins. Okananwa’s hustle, effort on defense, and rebounding are what puts her in the top 2 tiers from the weekend. Her activity on the glass was eye-opening because she was snatching rebounds over bigger forwards and giving her team extra possessions in critical moments of the game. Okananwa’s length and athleticism were causing her opponent fits, forcing turnovers and disrupting passes. She got on the floor for loose balls and competed at the highest level all weekend.
Abigail Wright Abigail Wright 6'2" | SF Newton North | 2023 State NewE – Newton North/MCW Starz – 6’1’’ – SF
PGH Rank: #9
Wright was an absolute monster from the time “Live! At The Nook” started until the end. I don’t think another player in the ’23 class can play the 2-5 better than Wright if that player even exists. She can rip threes from anywhere on the court, muscle you on the block, rebound and is in the discussion for the best and most versatile defender in her class. Wright should also be in the conversation for a most impactful player in ’23, and I will be the first to say I underrated her ability to influence games on both sides of the ball. Her weekend performance was no flash in the pan; the consistency and ability to play at that level throughout 5 games were highly impressive. Wright is tough, plays mean, competes, and is a coach’s dream at the wing position whose value skyrocketed this weekend.
Queen of The Nook:
Yirsy Queliz Yirsy Queliz 5'5" | PG St Mary's | 2023 NewE – St. Mary’s (Lynn)/MCW Starz – 5’5’’ – PG
PGH Rank: #19
As excellent as Abigail Wright Abigail Wright 6'2" | SF Newton North | 2023 State NewE was, there was no one better than Queliz in the ’23 class. In a previous article analyzing the top 5 2023 point guards, I stated that Queliz has the highest ceiling. I was looking to see her playmaking ability and her efficiency in running the team’s offense. Queliz played the point guard position, as well as anyone could ask. Her facilitation was elite, she shot the ball lights out specifically from three, and was a fierce, aggressive defender. Queliz played with good pace and was the driving force behind the MCW Starz 5-0 weekend. Most importantly, what I appreciate about Queliz is how she plays the game. She is the ultimate competitor, plays with an attitude, has fun, and rubs off on her teammates. I always believed that the team takes on the personality of its leader. When I see a floor general bring that kind of intensity and energy to each game, then see the team collectively play the same way, it speaks volumes to the player doing the facilitation. This MCW Starz ’23 team is an absolute problem and is a “must watch,” especially when Queliz plays the point guard position at the elite level she played during Live! At The Nook.