USJN Midwest Summer Showcase Head Turners (Illinois)

The 3-day event has definitely been one to remember. The half-day showcase held 10 games per hour and the amount of talent that was on show.. was top tier. Attempting to watch every game was a challenge... but here are a few prospects that kept me wanting to stay a little longer to see a little more. <h6 style="text-align: center;">[player_tooltip player_id="203244" first="Georgia" last="Duncan"] |2022 High Caliber Combo Guard | Washington Community (<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">17 U Mid Pro</span>)</span></h6> Fluidity, patience and the will/want to compete. Georgia’s playstyle has those words written all over her game. The 3 sport guard is athletic as they come. Her length matched with her natural skill is D1 for sure. On both sides of the ball, she’s efficient and effective. Being a legit three-level scorer is one thing, but doing it with efficiency is another. She can honestly fill the stat sheet in every category in every game when needed. It’s no secret that she’s rising in the ranks and getting the exposure she deserves. Duncan will be one of the special ones that come out of Central IL <h6 style="text-align: center;">Claire McDougall |2023 Elite 2-way Guard/Wing | Washington Community <span style="font-size: 10pt;">(<span style="text-decoration: underline;">16u MidPro</span>)</span></h6> Claire’s skillset is on show 100% of every minute she is on the floor. Offensively, she has a gift for passing. Whether it’s one hand out of the paint, two hands from the arc or a bounce/chest pass on the break. She sees the game a frame ahead... and when the game slows down for a player it’s a whole different story. Whether it’s a drive, a middie, or a long ball... she can get the ball in the bucket. Having that ability to score on 3 levels is great... but she can and WILL defend all 3 levels. Chase a big out the paint, switch on the P&amp;R.. or play up in the zone. Claire will for sure leave her mark on the game when the clock hits zero. <h6 style="text-align: center;">Alexis Meyers |2025 Scoring Playmaker | Glenbrook North (<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">15u Fundamental U</span></span>)</h6> When you’re a natural athlete, every sport can come "easy" when you put the work in. Alexis plays with a flow and hunger. She moves around the court with grace and a different type of fluidity. She can shift, cut, and stop on a dime. The torque she puts on her body doesn’t seem to phase her.. (GOLF STUD). Playing with a certain "whatever happens... happens" attitude can take a player’s game to another notch.   On the offense, her scoring game is far from limited. Triple Threat? She’s got it. Creativity? Runs wild. Ball handling? Don’t reach. Her leadership shows on both sides of the ball... but is very much highlighted defensively. She speaks, directs, and encourages on every defensive possession. Alexis is a hooper. Time will do nothing but enhance each skill of hers. Keep an eye out. <h6 style="text-align: center;">[player_tooltip player_id="295357" first="Katie" last="Barger"] | 2023 2-Way Guard| Bloomington High ( <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">16u Fusion Academy</span></span>)</h6> Double-digit points, steals, and or rebounds aren’t a reach for Katie. She gives all of herself on each possession and recharges quickly to give more on the next. Whether is a deflection, tough d, or help side... Katie finds a way to get the ball back. Her defense and rebounding translates to her offense with ease. It seems to be all in one motion. Grab a board and go. Deflect a pass, find a lane and go. She is just always on go mode. Her first step is quick, which allows her jab steps to be more effective than most. She can shoot from the 3 &amp; drive with strength. With all her tools and work off the court, I can see her averaging a double-double in multiple seasons. <h6 style="text-align: center;">Raina Yang | 2023 Scoring Playmaker | South Elgin (<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">16u Hoop Dreams</span></span>)</h6> The midrange isn’t as sought after as it once was. So when you come across a player who loves to operate in that area, it’s refreshing to see. Though Raina has no uncomfortable spots on the court, the midrange seems to be where she flourishes. Her ball-handling skills are noticed immediately. Having the ball on a string can create so many opportunities for others and yourself. She can score at a high rate from the mid to the paint. Stepbacks, pullups and stop and pops are all in her toolbag and available for use. After she breaks down her man, gives a pump fake.. she can locate and pass with precision no matter the area. She has the skill set of a true point guard. &nbsp; &nbsp;