MHS Academic Elite Showcase 2023 Standouts
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This year’s Midwest Hoops Spotlight Showcase was definitely one for the books. The 5-hour event held at the Athletico Center had a draft day combine feeling to it. Over 100 girls were there to showcase their skills, improve their skills,…
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Continue ReadingThis year’s Midwest Hoops Spotlight Showcase was definitely one for the books. The 5-hour event held at the Athletico Center had a draft day combine feeling to it. Over 100 girls were there to showcase their skills, improve their skills, and also receive information on the process of recruiting. Below are a few Juniors that kept heads turning.
Annalise Pietrzyk Annalise Pietrzyk 5'9" | SG Providence Catholic | 2023 State IL | 2023 High Caliber 2 Way Guard | Providence Catholic
Breaking and slowing the game down is a skill that comes with days and nights of training, Pietrzyk definitely puts that work in. Her overall IQ of the game is award-winning. Whether it’s defensive or offensive, she knows it. Annalise brings a type of passion on defense that seems personal, which is an annoyance for the opposite side. She’s an elite three-level scorer… but truly enjoys playing off the ball and using that high intellect to benefit her team.
Sidney Rogers | 2023 Playmaking Guard | Glenbrook South
“You just gotta want it” When Sidney steps on the court, that’s the energy that’s given off. The smaller-sized guard plays twice her height. Her ball-handling skills obviously makes her the primary facilitator on her teams but can put up a quick 7-10 when needed. I don’t see lights or crowds affecting her game in any way, pressure seems to be the world she excels in. Her ability to stay patient, shoot quick threes and play make, is the reason she’s an offensive threat.
Samantha Origel | 2023 3 & D Guard | Burlington Central
Shooters these days love to hover the arc… when you’re a true shooter you understand what movement will do for you. Find a confused defender.. set a pick, v cut, and or flare off a screen. Sam has figured that out. Her off-ball movement and IQ constantly gets her open 3s. She’s a knockdown shooter, who rarely sees a defender’s hands because the girl is always moving! Her everyday work off the court has transferred so smoothly on the court. “Train, work and practice YOUR skillset, not what you THINK you can do.” She will be a top shooter very soon… FG% and or makes. She’s ready for it.
Caitlyn Tolentino | 2023 Playmaker/Scoring Guard | South Elgin
Tolentino has that “ask forgiveness later” type of game that true basketball fans love. She’s a risk tasker.. and she will try anything. One hand full-court passes, up and under opposite hand layups and pass lane jumps that’s not on her side. This girl is passionate and ULTRA confident. Letting it fly and trailing back before the ball even falls and attacking crowded paints like there’s no one in there… you just gotta love it. She will find ways to put the ball in the basket or put it in the hands of someone who will. Knowing how to score and when to score.. is very important. With all that said, Caitlyn plays to win and not for herself and that’s why her risks aren’t bench worthy or selfish. I cant wait to see the young guards growth over these next two years
Jessie Ozzauto Jessie Ozzauto 5'10" | CG Huntley | 2023 State IL | 2023 All-Around Scoring Playmaker | Huntley
At her size and length, she has put together an array of moves that creates separation from other combo guards. She uses all of her length in every facet of the game. Passing, shooting, attacking, and defending. Her shooting form is high arced.. and when you match that with her height, it’s a closeout nightmare. If you play up, she’ll use her length to see the floor and pass over your head. On the drive.. she needs two or three moves, and one to two steps to finish at the basket. Defensively? Tell coach to sub you.. she doesn’t get tired, she can block and her long arms can close a bag real quick. Jessie is on her way to stardom.