State Farm Holiday Classic: Large School Standouts (Part One)
Last week was the 42nd annual State Farm Holiday Classic hosted at multiple high schools and gymnasiums across Bloomington-Normal, Illinois. Sixteen teams participated in the Large School Girls bracket and here are those that stood out to me in the…
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Continue ReadingLast week was the 42nd annual State Farm Holiday Classic hosted at multiple high schools and gymnasiums across Bloomington-Normal, Illinois. Sixteen teams participated in the Large School Girls bracket and here are those that stood out to me in the time I was able to watch this group:
2023 Katie Barger Katie Barger 5'8" | PG Bloomington | 2023 State IL , 5’8” Guard, Bloomington
A well-rounded Point Guard who is a constant playmaking threat with the ball in her hands, Barger showed that she can do a little bit of everything from the lead Guard position. She is a more than capable ball-handler who likes to push the tempo with her speed and quick decision making in the open floor. Katie is a three-level scorer who knocks down jumpers from anywhere regularly and doesn’t shy away from contact when finishing strong at the basket.
2022 Isabella Finnegan Isabella Finnegan 5'11" | SF Mother McAuley | 2022 State IL , 5’11” Guard, Mother McAuley
Finnegan is a skilled Shooting Guard who provides good versatility with her ball-handling skills and scoring ability in the lane. The Indiana State commit shows great confidence with her jump shot from beyond the three-point line and scores at a high rate around the rim. Isabella is a tough defender who guards multiple positions successfully and rebounds the ball well at both ends of the court.
2022 Kammie Ludwig Kammie Ludwig 5'10" | CG Geneseo | 2022 State IL , 5’10” Guard, Geneseo
Perhaps the player who impressed me most throughout the tournament, Ludwig continues to prove she deserves to be mentioned among the best in her class. The Providence commit can play any of the Guard positions with her reliable ball-handling abilities and lights out shooting from deep. Kammie thrives when pushing the ball up the floor in transition and is a high-level finisher around the hoop.
2023 Jordan Wood Jordan Wood 6'4" | PF Carmel Catholic | 2023 State #15 Nation IL , 6’5” Forward, Carmel
Wood showed downstate fans why she is a Top 10 player in Illinois’ loaded Class of 2023 with her three-level scoring and dominant defense in the lane. The Michigan State commit has a solid-looking jump shot from the perimeter and uses her length and athleticism to score in the post. Jordan can defend a variety of players with her quick feet and uses her long arms to block and alter shots frequently.
2023 Claire McDougall Claire McDougall 6'0" | SF Washington | 2023 State IL , 6’0” Guard, Washington
Another highly skilled Division One prospect who showed off her abilities throughout the week, McDougall is an extremely polished player who does a lot of good things on the court. The Bradley University commit consistently creates shots for herself off-the-dribble and converts at a high rate with a smooth shooting form. Claire has success playing and defending the 1-4 with her athleticism and high basketball IQ.
2022 Karleigh Creasey Karleigh Creasey 5'8" | CG Normal Community | 2022 State IL , 5’7” Guard, Normal Community
Creasey is an excellent leader at the Point Guard spot who always makes sure the offense is running smoothly. The Wisconsin-River Falls commit regularly takes care of the ball and uses her court vision and passing skills to set her teammates up for success. Karleigh shoots the ball well from beyond the three-point line and plays with good maturity to keep her team composed at all times.
2023 Tatym Lamprecht Tatym Lamprecht 5'7" | PG Morton | 2023 State IL , 5’7” Guard, Morton
A talented Point Guard with a little bit of everything to her game, Lamprecht is one of my favorite PG’s to watch regardless of class with her ability to control the pace of the game. She is as steady as they come with her ball-handling and confidence, and always plays at the speed she chooses, not what opponents try to force her to play. Tatym is a knock down shooter from deep who catches fire in a hurry and constantly uses her vision and passing to get the ball to open teammates.
2024 Ashley Schlabowske Ashley Schlabowske 5'8" | PG Carmel Catholic | 2024 State IL , 5’6” Guard, Carmel
Schlabowske is an under-the-radar Point Guard in the Sophomore class who is making a big impact at the varsity level this year. She is a quick athlete and reliable ball-handler who plays within herself and consistently knocks down shots from beyond the three-point line. Ashley is a tough defender on opposing Point Guards and willing rebounder at both ends of the floor.