Not to be forgotten, we also saw some great girls action across the region. Here is our final 09-10 recap:
Top 5 Players:
1. Danielle Walter: Another big surprise… Silky smooth, handles, range and can get to the hole. Definite D1 talent and will only improve in a system like Gonzaga. That Lady Bulldog team will be fun to watch in the years to come.
2. Mikala Rivard: Can take over a game at will, with a variety of moves. Maybe too unselfish? With a number of talented teammates on the Riverhawk squad that is not a bad thing. Could probably average 30 ppg if she needed to. Riverhawks will contend for a state title next year.
3. Jamie Wiesner: Jr-to-be will be a force to recon with. Showed toughness and competitiveness all season long.
4. Jordan Loera: Class of 2011 standout that plays taller than the 5’8″ she is listed as. Ultra-competitive, with the skills to back it up. Nice 1-2 punch with Bernsen, Chiefs will make another tourney run next year.
5. Heather Worley: Athletic, solid senior showed that volleyball leaping skills and no-fear of diving on the court can transfer very well to the hoops arena.
Top 10 to Watch In 10-11:
1. Mikala Rivard
2. Jamie Wiesner
3. Jordan Loera
4. Kayla Bersen
5. Hayley Hodgins
6. Sadie Sparks
7. Shelby Ellsworth
8. Jaylyn von Oelhoffen
9. Sammi Merry
10 (tie). Sophia Clinton
10. Katie Mahoney
Well, it was truly a fun season following the Big Nine. We covered probably 30+ games this year and got to know the players, coaches and venues quite well. Here is our official recap of the 09-10 season.
Top 5 Players:
We saw some teams more than others, but here are our picks for the top 5 in the Big Nine this year:
1. Gary Winston: Surprise, surprise. “The show” got it done when it counted, carrying his team to a 4th place finish, which is HUGE. Gary has all the tools to succeed at the next level.
2. Malachi Roberts: If I’m a college coach I’m all over this kid. At 6’4″ (and growing?) Malachi runs the floor like a D1 athlete, jumps out the gym, and uses either hand with ease. He projects in college to a 2-guard, but could also play the point.
3. Case Rada: Just a junior, Case is a gamer. One of the best jump shooters in the league, Case has the physical tools to survive a college season. Case can post up smaller opponents, and is also a good rebounder. He is also a clutch player who wants the ball in his hands when the game is on the line.
4. James Lopez: A true point guard, James is more than willing to distribute the ball. In fact, he is probably just as happy making a no-look pass as he is making a circus shot lay-up. He has outside game and is also not afraid to go to the rack.
5. Michael Wiesner: Showed in numerous games that he is a scorer. At 6’6″ this will serve him well at the next level. An excellent shooter who will only gain MORE range in college, look for the Grizzlies to be very happy with this addition to their squad.
Top 10 to Watch In 10-11:
1. Case Rada
2. David Trimble
3. Devonte Luckett
4. Justin Pedley
5. Tyler Holle
6. Calvin Douglas
6. (tie) Garrett Anderson
7. Reggie Clinton
8. Justin Smith
9. Israel Manzo
10. Derek Porter