Elite 8: Enquirer's 'Top 8 Players to Watch' in girls basketball for 2021-22
You want to see them play. Often, the other team is focusing on them as well. They are the ones to watch because they are the top high school girls basketball players in the area.
It is a tough list to make, especially since there is only room for eight. But as we tip off the 2021-22 high school girls basketball season, this is who we consider the Battle Creek Enquirer's Elite 8 — the top players to watch from teams in our readership area.
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They are the players leading their teams to victories, dominating on the floor and filling up the box score. And they are the players who are bound to get noticed by college scouts as some of the best recruits our area has to offer.
They are the players leading their teams to victories, dominating on the floor and filling up the box score. And they are the players who are bound to get noticed by college scouts as some of the best recruits our ard
So read on to find out who are the most dynamic and talented players for 2021-22 (in alphabetical order):
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Enquirer's Elite 8 for 2021-22
Kylie Brown
School: Marshall
Why she is on this list: In her first year as a starter last year, Kylie Brown broke onto the scene by leading the Redhawks in scoring in her junior season as the solid all-around player earned all-league honors in the Interstate 8 Conference as Marshall was 8-6 overall.
The Numbers: Brown, now a senior, can score on the drive and from the outside as she averaged 10.1 points per game last year, shooting 46 percent from the floor and 33 percent from the 3-point line, while adding 3.8 rebounds a contest.
What was said: Part of an experienced senior starting group for Marshall, 'With five returning starters back from last year's team, I feel like we will make a run at a conference championship and play deep into March," Marshall coach Lance Hawblitz said. "More importantly, our starting five have been on varsity for at least two previous seasons. They have experienced a lot of situations which should pay off in close games."
Amira Gaddy
School: Battle Creek Central
Why she is on this list: Last season, Gaddy showed good ball-handling skills and ability to score from multiple areas on the floor. It was her first year on varsity and BCC needed her scoring ability early as the team was shorthanded at times and missed several games due to COVID concerns..
The Numbers: Gaddy finished with 15.1 points per game and 6.5 rebounds plus 5.1 steals as she earned honorable mention all-league honors in the Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference as the Bearcats finished 4-6 and saw their season cut short before districts as the program was put into quarantine before the tournament.
What was said "Amira was our floor general. She facilitated our offense and she was tenacious on defense," BCC coach Tony Warren said.
Kaylee Glidden
School: Pennfield
Why she is on this list: A junior who played her first varsity season last year, Glidden had a breakout year as a scoring threat for the Panthers, leading Pennfield in scoring and rebounding, averaging 13.5 points per game and 6.8 rebounds.
The Numbers: Glidden was part of a young core group of Panthers and earned honorable mention all-league honors as she helped Pennfield to a 9-13 record, including leading the Panthers to their first district championship since 2006.
What was said "An outstanding shooter and scorer who developed into a good defender and rebounder as the season went on. Developing into a complete player who is just scratching the surface of her ability. She is gym rat who loves being in the gym and is always working on her game," Pennfield coach Todd Grennes said.
Addison Hutson
School: Lakeview
Why she is on this list: A returning varsity player last season, Hutson helped Lakeview to a district title and a sparkling 13-2 record, while earning all-league honors in the Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference.
The Numbers: A point guard, she was asked to bring the ball up and get others involved, Hutson could score off the dribble and hit from the outside as she averaged 9.4 points per game with 4.5 assists and 2.8 steals.
What was said: "Hutson is an extension of the head coach on the floor as she makes sure to involve all of her teammates and has a true calming influence when the ball is in her hands," Lakeview coach Blake Shaw said.
Alex Kersten
School: St. Philip
Why she is on this list: A key ball handler and scorer for a young St. Philip team, Kersten averaged 11.5 points per game with 8.8 rebounds as a junior.
The Numbers: Last season, Kersten played all the positions on the floor for the Tigers, who went 4-9, as she earned second-team all-conference in the SCAA.
What was said "Alex took a huge step forward in her development and played a major role for us this season on both sides of the ball," St. Philip coach Devon Gibson said.
Kylie Quist
School: Athens
Why she is on this list: Kylie Quist is a third-year starter on an Athens team that was state ranked much of last year and finished 17-2, advancing to the regional finals. The Indians won the Southern Central Athletic Association West Division, with Quist earning all-league honors as well as being named honorable mention All-State.
The Numbers: Quist was named MVP of her team last year, averaging a team-high 10.7 points per game and shooting 35 percent from the 3-point line, while dishing out 3.4 assists per contest and coming up with 2.3 steals.
What was said: Part of an experienced Athens team with four returning starters, 'We have a lot of experience on this team and have high expectations for this season. This group of young ladies are hard working, very competitive, and have great chemistry, expecting the best from each other," Athens coach Calvin Quist said.
Payton Rice
School: Harper Creek
Why she is on this list: A first-year varsity player a year ago, Rice stepped into her role as a key player in the frontcourt for the Beavers as Harper Creek went 7-7 on a season that was plagued with interruptions due to COVID concerns.
The Numbers: At 5-10, Rice was the leading scorer and rebounder for the Beavers and earned all-league honors as she averaged 12.4 points per game and 8.8 rebounds, while shooting 41.9 percent from the floor.
What was said "Payton always had a positive energy on the court and on the bench. Payton's ability to attack the hoop is like no other and is how she found a lot of success on the floor," said Gadwood.
Eliana Wilson
School: Calhoun Christian
Why she is on this list: At 6-foot-1, Elie Wilson can play center or forward for Calhoun Christian and is a returning starter on a Cougar team that won a district last year. Calhoun Christian finished 9-4 and didn't get a chance to defend its district title as the team was put into quarantine prior to the tournament starting.
The Numbers: Wilson, a two-time All-City selection, averaged a team-leading 13.2 points per game and 11.2 rebounds per game with 4.5 steals a game.
What was said "Elie took over the point guard position and led the team in points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks. She can score with her back to the basket as well as shoot 3s and she is our best all-around player," Calhoun Christian coach Chad Smith said.
Bill Broderick can be reached at bbroderi@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow him on Twitter:@billbroderick
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Enquirer's 'Top 8 Players to Watch' in girls basketball for 2021-22
