Great Lakes Challenge – Floor Generals Part 1

The Prep Girls Hoops Circuit visited Grand Rapids this weekend for the Great Lakes Challenge. There was a plethora of talent at all ages and all positions. We’ll start by looking at some of the top floor generals that I saw this weekend at the event. These players may or may not have been point guards, but either way, they displayed the traits of a floor general at the Great Lakes Challenge. * This is not an all inclusive list. It’s what I was able to see from the players I watched, at the times I was able to watch them. <strong>Laila Abdurraqib (2025, 5-8, Ohio United 2025, Fall Creek Valley Middle School/Lawrence Central High School)</strong> Abdurraqib’s game had the look of a potential next level point guard. She could push the ball with the dribble into transition off a steal or turnover. Abdurraqib showed off elite handles and the ability to use a skipping bounce pass to hit a teammate in the open floor. She had the ability to play on or off the ball, but in my opinion, has a big time future as a lead guard. <strong>Sydney Borer (2024, 5-6, Athlete Headquarters 2024 - 1, Whitmer)</strong> Borer simply made things happen on offense at the Great Lakes Challenge. She was effective putting the ball on the floor, getting in the lane, and drawing fouls. Borer was able to connect from deep as well. She showed the ability to recognize mismatches when her team had them and get the ball where it needed to be in order to take advantage. <strong>Naiya Darden (2022, Hype Athletics 2023 White, Westfield Prep)</strong> Darden was a leader with the ball in her hands on the perimeter. She was an excellent transition passer, effectively slicing the defense with a bounce pass. Darden made plays with the ball, aggressively driving the baseline and finishing. She also showed 3 point range on her jumper. <strong>Skylar Ferry (2024, 5-6, NWI Thunder 2024 Grey, Hannover Central)</strong> NWI Thunder played really well when the ball hit Ferry’s hands. She played downhill on offense, taking control and attacking the basket. Ferry showed nice touch on her finishes and was able to draw fouls. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="244305" first="Hailey" last="Freshcorn"] (2024, 5-5, MSF Flight 2023, Onsted)</strong> Freshcorn is the type of true leader that every coach wants on their team. She moves well laterally on defense, always establishing position and beating her opponent to their spot on the floor. Freshcorn is an athletic guard that has a high basketball IQ. She can create her own looks at the rim as well as score in the natural flow of the offense. Freshcorn can log heavy minutes, exemplified by her playing every second of a physical game against Hype Athletics 2023 White. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="270500" first="Uriah" last="Jennings"] (2023, 5-8, Team Evolution United 2022, Mayfield Heights)</strong> Jennings was very dynamic with the ball in her hands. She attacked the rim athletically and was able to go with either hand. Jennings flashed her ability to finish at the rim or draw a defender and dish it off to an open teammate. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="189300" first="Shamya" last="Reid"] (2023, 5-5, Hype Athletics 2023 Red, Westfield Prep)</strong> Reid is a next level point guard, without a doubt. She’s leads by example and is a vocal leader is well. Reid is dangerous on offense with her ability to shake a defender with her handles as well as spot up and hit a 3. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="175968" first="Maddie" last="Smith"] (2022, 5-6, FSA Grey/Green, Marysville)</strong> Smith was extremely impressive this weekend. She handled pressure in the backcourt well, knowing when to dribble through or pass the ball up court. Smith had a knack for drawing contact and getting to the free throw line. She showed the ability to lead the break and finish or dish the ball off. &nbsp;