Obviously, Ladine was a very good high school player. Her engine set her apart, as she would just take over games with her size and physicality.
The issue was athleticism, and could she guard at a high level. Given Stanford's offensive issues -- they play too many kids who can't shoot threes -- Ladine's weakness there isn't as big an issue. She can guard Talana Lepolo, say, or even Haley Jones, because they can't shoot, and not kill the Huskies at that end.
I think Stanford is suffering from conference teams knowing the Cardinal well, and making the proper adjustments. It's just hard for Stanford to score against a) teams that know them well; and b) teams with strong defenses.
It was interesting to hear on the broadcast that Washington supposedly runs a very similar system to what VanDerveer runs at Stanford. (I never thought Stanford to be a Princeton offense type of team, but now that I sort of know that, it makes more sense upon rewatching.) So Stanford sorta just got beat at their own game.
I think Ladine will eventually be fine behind the arc.