PGHByron's - "Attention To Detail": Where to Improve?

<h6 style="text-align: center;">As a Scout, we emphasize the strengths of your game. No matter the level or sport, every athlete can improve. Progression means more than Perfection.</h6> <h6 style="text-align: center;">Allow me to help, allow your trainers and coaches to help. Be a sponge, always.</h6> [player_tooltip player_id="205571" first="Bibi" last="Mercado"] | ‘23 Combo Guard | West Aurora Strengths: <ul> <li>Speed (stop and go, vertical and side to side)</li> <li>Finishing ability (contact, traffic, off-hand) </li> <li>Crafty around the rim (up and under, euro, floaters)</li> <li>Floor Awareness (defensive and offensive) </li> </ul> Where to Improve: Use your ball handling & quick speed to create & develop a midrange pull-up game. As defenders start to pick up on your north to south speed, they will adjust. They will sag off and allow you to bring up the ball and pick you up at the arc. Use your speed to dig them deep and a quick stop. Use your handles to create a comfortable and fluid pull-up jumper. This could potentially create at least 2-4 more shot opps per game. <hr /> [player_tooltip player_id="347001" first="Samantha" last="Origel"] | ‘23 Two Guard | Burlington Central Strengths: <ul> <li>Can shoot from any spot… (with accuracy and efficiency)</li> <li>High energy (never stays idle, constant mover)</li> <li>Off ball movement (V-Cuts, high and low screens)</li> </ul> Where to Improve: Being able to shoot at a high clip will always create opps for you to score at the rim. Footwork is key to creating a balanced shot and layup. Work on your footwork when driving (especially out of a triple threat). Whether it’s landing, step count, take-off point/foot, pivot work. Finishes will feel uncomfortable & even though they may go in, uncomfortable puts you at a disadvantage. (unless you work on uncomfortable) <hr /> [player_tooltip player_id="335798" first="Kaisje’" last="Pryor"] | ‘24 Combo Guard | Oswego Strengths: <ul> <li>Finishing ability (contact, traffic, offhand) </li> <li>Floor Awareness (defensive and offensive) </li> <li>Unselfish (head on a swivel, looks for the better bucket)</li> <li>Defensive menace (in your face, disciplined and balanced</li> </ul> Where to Improve: Use your quick speed and balance to enhance your stop-and-go skill. Being able to attack and cut at any angle will allow you to create opps for yourself and the rest of the team. When you can drive..they play off, which will create space. When your jumper is falling, they’ll play up… so when you stop and cut the defense is on their heels and off-balance. <hr /> [player_tooltip player_id="335714" first="Ellie" last="Thompson"] | ‘25 Combo Guard | Fremd Strengths <ul> <li>Ball Handling (contact dribble, sequence dribble, head & eyes are always up) </li> <li>Offensive Confidence (No memory, aggressive) </li> <li>Finishing ability (contact, traffic, off-hand) </li> <li>Can shoot from any spot… (with accuracy and efficiency)</li> </ul> Where to Improve: The same speed and quickness you show on offense… allow it to translate on defense. With a smaller frame, whoever you’re guarding will try to body you and play bully ball. Quick hands, quick feet, and good balance will take that advantage away. Don’t be afraid to gain muscle & strength as well. (LOW WEIGHT, HIGH REPS) <hr /> Maddie Friedle | ‘23 Two Guard | Mchenry Strengths <ul> <li>Space creator (shooting touch, retreat dribble)</li> <li>High energy (never stays idle, constant mover)</li> <li>Can shoot from any spot… (with accuracy and efficiency)</li> </ul> Where to Improve: A never-changing release and shot will always give you the advantage to be efficient. Being able to shoot off-balance shots is a tool to use for all different situations. As you’re working on your footwork, start to practice off-balance shots. Stop and bump against a defender, high arc over tall defenders, one leg, post pivot shots, etc. Use your release to your advantage. If the balance and footwork are right, you’ll create more opps for yourself. <hr /> [player_tooltip player_id="335804" first="Amara" last="Retreage"] | ‘23 Playmaking Guard | Niles North Strengths <ul> <li>Floor Awareness (defensive and offensive) </li> <li>High energy (never stays idle, constant mover)</li> <li>Unselfish (head on a swivel, looks for the better bucket)</li> <li>Decision making (accurate passes, retreat dribbles) </li> </ul> Where to Improve: Being a pass point guard is always a coach’s dream... however, look to score the ball. As you continue to go through possessions that turn into assists… the defense will pick up and adjust. They will play help and less on the ball. Find your spots in the lane. Use floaters, midrange pops, PNR top of the key threes. Be aggressive, aggression creates opps for the entire floor. <hr /> [player_tooltip player_id="335753" first="Sierra" last="Stevens"] | ‘23 Combo Guard | Niles North Strengths <ul> <li>Unselfish (head on a swivel, looks for the better bucket)</li> <li>Defensive Awareness (jumps pass lanes, active hands)</li> <li>Playmaking ability (in the paint, on the move & from the arc)</li> <li>Rebounding (uses length to grab and go)</li> </ul> Where to Improve: Your ability to shoot with passing... will continue to throw off the defense. When the defense adjusts and reacts… they’ll start to play up and tight. Put emphasis on ball handling when training. Add moves to your set, they don’t have to be flashy or difficult. Retreat dribbles, quick crosses, and size ups. Mix those with a change of speed and direction. The floor will open up even more when the defense knows you can beat your defender as well. <hr /> <h6>Alyssa Lewis | '24 Guard | Alton</h6> Strengths <ul> <li>Finishing ability (contact, traffic, off-hand) </li> <li>Space creator (shooting touch, retreat dribble)</li> <li>Ball Handling (contact dribble, sequence dribble, head & eyes are always up) </li> <li>Can shoot from any spot… (with accuracy and efficiency)</li> <li>Offensive Confidence (No memory, aggressive) </li> <li>WORK ETHIC.</li> </ul> Where to Improve: Never stop grinding and working. I have yet to see you play in person but from the clips that I've seen of you training, and a couple of AAU highlights... my thing would be consistency! I can't say that you're not, but just always keep that in mind. The talent you possess will get you far, but consistency will take you to another level. Show Illinois who you are, cause we're watching!