By Cara Pearson
WAUKEGAN, Ill.– The second annual USJN Qualifier-Midwest took place this past weekend bringing together 92 teams and some of the brightest young talent from the region. With 22 pools broken down into three age divisions, fans and college coaches got a peek into the collegial rivals that will battle for championships this spring on the USJN tournament circuit. As the players continue to brush up on their skills and learn the nuances of their new teammates, the upcoming months offer an exciting glance at the rising stars in the game.
To see all final post event page results and colleges in attendance go to http://www.usjn.com/xtm_post_event_new.php?which=296
Hannah Whitish is a Courtney Vandersloot type point guard that every coach would love to have on their team and every fan loves to watch. Her teammates must have their hands ready at all times, because this 5’7”play maker has a high basketball IQ and the ability to see ahead in the game, in a way that is unique at her age. A member of the 2016 class, Whitish never seems to get rattled and has a calm demeanor about her game. Playing for the WI Academy, she does what needs to be done, be it, hit the three, deliver the pass on point, or taking it to the rim. She makes everyone around her better!
A 2017 prospect, Sidney Cooks is a long and rangy post that has the unique combination of agility, touch, timing and footwork along with a 6’4” frame. Already possessing a list of go-to moves in the post including; double drops, power slides and jump hooks, she is the dominate presence in the middle for Midwest Elite Platinum EYBL. Showing a glimpse of what the future will hold, Cooks showed her expanding perimeter game and basketball savvy with a few no look touch passes. A player with the ability to finish, she has the room to grow her game as her strength increases.
A vocal leader that is willing to step up in the crunch time and wants the ball in her hand for the last second shot, Lily Wehman is a versatile player with the ability to create mismatches playing either inside or out. Causing the most havoc for opposing teams, team All-In Perillo took advantage of her skills in the open court. At 6-2 it is difficult to press a team that has a guard of her size who also can make moves at a high rate of speed in traffic. Wehman has the ball handling ability to bring the ball up the court, drive it to the basket, or break down a defender. As a 2018 prospect, the ceiling is high, and her best basketball is ahead of her.
A true sit on the block low post at 6-5, Lindsey Jarosinski is a bona fide presence that is not afraid of physical play. She positions low and wide and understands how to maintain contact to reverse seal and call for the lob. An agile post player that pursues offensive rebounds, Jarosinski has the body control to turn in the air to outlet the ball or start the fast break herself. The center for IL- Lady Lightning Platinum is a competitor able to read pick and roll situations while demonstrating a maturity and basketball IQ rare for a 2018 player.
At 6-3 Aaliyah Patty recognizes change of possession quickly and gets out fast in transition. A finesse post player, Patty has the agility and coordination to turn 360 degrees at top speed then catch and finish with a finger role in transition. In the half court offense, the IL- Lady Lightning Bronze will have Patty flash cut the lane. Right now she is best on the move but has begun to use shoulder fakes to counter her drop steps and jump hooks. With increased development this 2018 rising star will become a dominant low post presence and increase her versatility out to the arc.
You will be checking the roster twice to be sure that Brea Beal is really a 2019 prospect. She already has the body frame at 6-0 plus the elite skill set of a college player. Able to play both post and perimeter positions for Midwest Elite Yates, she is powerful and yet fluid in her movement. Keep watching!
Marissa Knobloch is a 5-7 scoring point guard that is equally adept at creating for her teammates. This 2019 prospect for IL Elite Gold has deep three point range and the ability to get her shot off quickly. A crafty ball handler, she has the ability to change the cadence of her dribble, attack and retreat constantly keeping defenders on their toes in the half court set. Knobloch can dictate tempo and understands end game situations. It will be fun to watch her development in breaking down ball screen defense.
Zoe Zacker has the ability to read and use a ball screen plus the ability to pull up behind the arc when her defender goes under. At 5’9” she has the stature, ball handling chops and passing skills to break down a hedge and double team. Pushing the tempo every change of possession, the skills are there to create in the open court. In traffic, the 2019 Zacker knows to tuck the ball when attacking the rim. This point guard for the IL- Lady Lightning Bronze has a mature court sense and high Basketball IQ.
Cara Pearson joins Blue Star after nearly two decades of being involved in women’s basketball at multiple levels. Serving most recently at Western Michigan, she has been on staff at Buffalo, North Dakota State, Loyola – Chicago, as well as her alma mater, Minnesota during her career. As a player, the former All-Big Ten selection had the opportunity to play professionally overseas in Switzerland, Finland, & Spain before joining the sidelines.
