Legacy Region Finals: U16 forwards who excelled
If you’ve had a look at our All-Tournament Team selections for the Prep Girls Hoops Circuit Legacy Region Finals then you already know how we feel about Gabby Wilke Gabby Wilke 6'1" | PF Beaver Dam | 2024 State WI…
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Continue ReadingIf you’ve had a look at our All-Tournament Team selections for the Prep Girls Hoops Circuit Legacy Region Finals then you already know how we feel about Gabby Wilke Gabby Wilke 6'1" | PF Beaver Dam | 2024 State WI . The 6’2 rising sophomore from Beaver Dam led her Wisconsin Impact Kelley squad to the 16U title and was, in our opinion, the best power forward at the event. The #4-rated prospect in Wisconsin’s Class of 2024 is destined for a high-level opportunity in collegiate basketball three years from now, but she wasn’t the only quality 4/5 prospect in Wayzata last weekend. Here are 5 more U16 forwards who excelled.
Alyssa Wirth Alyssa Wirth 6'5" | C Altoona | 2024 State WI – 6’5, 2024, Team Wisconsin Select Hebert (Altoona, WI)
The first time I saw Alyssa on a basketball court she was in the 6th or 7th grade and was playing for Mykuhl Cade’s Minnesota Elite squad in the Twin Cities. Even with my less-than-towering stature, it’s not often I have to look up – waaaaay up – to converse with a 12-year-old, but I did that night. I was impressed with her movement and coordination, enough that on the way home I called a couple of D1 coaches suggesting they take a look at some point. This weekend was the first time I’ve watched her since then and I’m happy to report that Wirth is making excellent progress. With much-improved footwork, and the evolution of her overall skill set, Wirth is clearly a quality prospect. Whether she’s defending her team’s goal, or attacking the rim at the other end of the floor, Wirth’s size and athleticism make her a weapon. Her work ethic and coachability bode well for the future. Alyssa is ranked #5 in Wisconsin’s Class of 2024.
Sam Ehlers – 6’0, 2023, United Sports Academy (Ponca, NE)
Despite give away five inches and a whole lot of length, Ehlers was more than willing to take on the task of guarding Wirth when we watched them go head-to-head on Sunday. That’s not surprising given Sam’s no-fear approach to the proceedings, and she did a very nice job of it. Sam has a big frame with wide shoulders and an athletic build. She’s strong and physical and willing to do battle inside or out. We loved Ehlers’ level of intensity, a go-go-go approach that makes her a terrific rebounder and disruptive defender. At the other end of the court, she can score off the bounce or knock down shots. Ehlers has a deadly mid-range jumper and isn’t afraid to launch it from distance, either. She averaged about 12 points and 8 rebounds per game this winter. Sam’s team made it all the way to the championship game in Wayzata and she played a huge role in their success.
Willow Thiel Willow Thiel 5'11" | PF Perham | 2024 State MN – 5’11, 2024, West Central United (Perham, MN)
Willow was an impact player in Perham before she had reached her 14th birthday. When you consider the fact that she’s a power forward, that speaks volumes about her size, strength and athleticism. After stepping into the lineup in 8th grade as an injury replacement, Willow averaged 11 point and 6 rebounds per game while shooting 65% from the floor. Thiel has made great progress since then, earning herself a top-40 ranking in Minnesota’s Class of 2024 in the process. The fruits of her labor were on full display this weekend. She has become a very fluid player who can make quick decisions, overpower defenders, and finish at the rim with a soft touch. She defends hard and goes about her business with maturity well beyond her years.
Kyla Mason – 5’11, 2023, Team Iowa Elite (Cedar Rapids, IA)
Kyla caught our attention immediately on Sunday before the game had even begun, largely because she’s got athlete written all over her. Mason is just built like a basketball player with a ton of length. She also moves very well. As we quickly discovered, she can also shoot it lights out. With a smooth delivery, and the ability to create time and space for herself, Kyla is a weapon from pretty much anywhere. Her ability to go around, over or through defenders down low was equally impressive as was her explosiveness and leaping ability. What really sets Mason apart, however, is her motor which was revving at high RPMs on Sunday. If there was a loose ball up for grabs, Kyla was in the mix to get it and more often than not she did. When Kyla’s ball-handling in the open court catches up to the rest of her rather lengthy repertoire, we’re talking here about a scholarship candidate at the next level.
Nicole Storck Nicole Storck 5'9" | PF ADM Adel | 2023 State IA – 5’10, 2023, CY Select Wolves Alpha (Adel, IA)
Much like Mason and Ehlers, Storck (pictured in the top photo) is a physical competitor who plays much bigger than her size. She, too, is well put together. With broad shoulders and a strong build, Storck isn’t afraid to do the hard labor down low when necessary. If there’s an on-court collision taking place, my money’s on Nicole to be the last one standing. She is a no-nonsense player with great versatility who can put her fingerprints all over a game, whether that’s through strong defensive play (her ample wingspan is a major asset here) or via a rather extensive offensive skill set. Storck is also really smooth and shoots the three very well, and she gets to the basket with high frequency where she can finish with either hand. That’s a nice list of pluses, isn’t it? Add it all up and it’s not surprising that Storck is a top-35 prospect in Iowa’s Class of 2023.