In honor of last week’s NBA Draft, the Express made a mock draft of players — both boys and girls — to hit the court for Whitman-Hanson Regional High over the past four years.
1. Orlando Magic — Stevie Kelly, G
The former Patriot League MVP, who fueled the Panthers to the 2019-20 Div. 2 state crown, will add some much-needed toughness to the the Magic’s young backcourt. There isn’t much he can’t do.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder – Nate Amado, G
Also a former Patriot League MVP and crucial part of that Div. 2 state title team, Amado gives the Thunder a player who can score with ease. He’s also a plus-defender.
3. Houston Rockets — Cole LeVangie, G/F
Houston, you’ve landed a player who has an uncanny feel for the game and is a stat-sheet stuffer. Great scorer, passer and rebounder, who was a three-time Patriot League All-Star and 2020 state champ at W-H.
4. Sacramento Kings — Abby Martin, F
You can’t go wrong with Martin here. Need a late bucket? She’ll answer the call. Need a key block? She can do that, too. Stretch forward paced the Panthers to their best season ever a few months ago.
5. Detroit Pistons — Ben Rice, F/C
Captain on the Panthers’ state title team and last of three brothers to suit up for W-H, Rice gives the Pistons a lights out three-point shooter, who has great size, and is a great teammate.
6. Indiana Pacers — Amari Jamison, G
The dynamic and shifty guard can get to the hoop at will. Has great finish around the rim and can also throw it down. Pacers just got some serious athleticism.
7. Portland Trailblazers — Lauren Dunn, G
Blazers need a guard and they land one in Dunn at No. 7. Superb three-point shooter who is a lockdown defender. Watch out western conference.
8. New Orleans Pelicans — Kathryn Dunn, G/F
Just a solid all-round player. Adds a lot of Brandon Ingram-like qualities. Can score inside and out, rebound, defend and shoot.
9. San Antonio Spurs — Reese Codero, G
With Dejounte Murray possibly on the move, the Spurs have selected their future point guard. Former Patriot League All-Star has excellent court vision and will add some humor to the locker room.
10. Washington Wizards — Ryan Vallancourt, G
The Wizards land their replacement for Bradley Beal, if he does indeed move on. Patriot League All-Star and former captain adds some leadership, shooting and passing to the nation’s capital.
Picks 11 through 15:
11. New York Knicks — Olivia Martin, G/F 12. Oklahoma City Thunder — Malcom Alcorn-Crowder, F/C 13. Charlotte Hornets — Erin Leahy, F 14. Cleveland Cavaliers — Meg Stone, F/C 15. Charlotte Hornets — Caity Leahy, G
- All photos by Sue Moss