Tree of Hope 17u USJN Premier Showcase Notes: Day 1
I had the opportunity of seeing three games at the USJN Premier Showcase in Indianapolis, Indiana. I previously posted notes on Tree of Hope’s 16u squad that can be found here. The second game I was able to evaluate was Tree of Hope 17u versus Kentucky Premier 17u EYBL. This game was neck and neck early on with Kentucky Premier holding just a three point lead at the half. Premier came out with a ton of energy and far less sloppy play to grow a 20 plus point lead at one point before knocking off Tree of Hope 76-64 at the final buzzer.
Team Notes:
Tree of Hope 17u had a far more difficult time than their 16u group with getting into their offense. Kentucky Premier used their superior foot speed in a soft press to control the tempo of the game and force turnovers or disrupt Tree of Hope’s flow at the very least. Tree of Hope (TOH) had some bright spots from a few players that helped their stock some on day one.
Prospect Notes:
2021 5’5 PG Esmeralda Morales Esmeralda Morales 5'5" | PG Bethel | 2021 State WA (Bethel HS) was one of the top performers for TOH in this game. The Portland State commit is exceptional coming off ball screens. She is a crafty scorer that handles pressure well. Kentucky Premier posed an aggressive threat and when she had the ball in her hands, she did a quality job. She is a three level scorer and knocked down her free throws.
2021 6’2 C Katie Peneueta Katie Peneueta 6'2" | C Heritage | 2021 State WA (Heritage HS) is a strong body down low and she cleans up on the glass really well. She clears space in the paint as a traditional big. She did attempt one three ball that just missed, showing some pick and pop potential. Uncommitted prospect in the 2021 class.
2021 6’0 SF Molly Moffitt Molly Moffitt 6'1" | SF Seattle Prep | 2021 State WA (Seattle Prep) was the third standout in today’s game against Kentucky Premier. She did a good job of scoring around the basket, being at the right place at the right time and just playing with a motor off the bench. She did her best to use her physicality against Premier’s outstanding foot speed on the perimeter. Moffitt also did her best defending bigger and more athletic posts inside and held her own on many possessions. Also uncommitted.
July 6 Schedule:
4:15pm vs. All Iowa Attack 17u EYBL
8:00pm vs. GTS Fusion 17u UAA