17u Standouts At The Great Lakes Challenge – Part 1

The PGH Circuit made a stop in Grand Rapids for the Great Lakes Challenge over the weekend. The talent was deep with a wide variety of skill sets in all of the brackets. We’re going to look at 10 Michigan players that starred in the 17u brackets. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="418208" first="Malyah" last="Bynum"] (2023, Downriver Elite 2023, Trenton)</strong> Bynum looked really solid at the Great Lakes Challenge. She showed the ability to score from so many spots on the floor, including getting to the free throw line and converting when there. I was impressed with Bynum’s ability to play on and off the ball on the offensive end of the floor. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="230785" first="Molly" last="Deurloo"] (2024, PR1DE 2023, Howell)</strong> Deurloo is a standout prospect. She was really effective feeding the post over the top as well as seeing and hitting teammates going to the rim. Duerloo also showed the ability to bury a triple off the catch. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="230801" first="Maddie" last="Ebbert"] (2023, PR1DE 2023, Lake Orion)</strong> Ebbert should be on a lot of college coaches recruiting boards. She has strong hands and cut to the rim with a purpose every time. She was the first to hit the floor for a loose ball and turned offense into defense when guarding the ball. Ebbert played a smart game this weekend, showing the willingness to pass up a good shot and hit an open teammate for a great shot. <strong>Gabby Foster (2026, UTS Lady Elite 2023 East, Macomb Dakota)</strong> Yeah, you read that right.....CLASS OF 2026 playing up at 17u. Watch out when UTS gets a skilled young lead guard! Foster may be next in line. She’s fast with the ball in either direction and does a great job turning the corner on her defender. <strong>Ashley Kopacko (2023, 1829 Blue, Plymouth Salem)</strong> The phrase ’defense travels’ is one of the truest statements around. Kopacko could make a name for herself on that end of the floor. She was a versatile defender that kept a powerful base. <strong>Anna Lundquist (2024, Hardwood Midwest 2023, Muskegon Oakridge)</strong> Lundquist was critical to her team’s success. When Hardwood Midwest needed to lock down on D, Lundquist helped lead the way. She was disciplined, brought energy, and changed the feel of the game with the way that she defended on Sunday. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="336018" first="Christina" last="Maze"] (2022, HYPE Athletics 2023 Price, Union)</strong> Maze showed off her diverse skill set last weekend. She did a lot of everything including score, distribute, and defend. Maze was athletic and fast up and down the floor. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="244274" first="Layla" last="Marshall"] (2023, HYPE Athletics 2023 Doc, Westfield Prep)</strong> Marshall was speedy and slick with the ball. She can play a fast game and change direction with the ball on a dame. It’s a requirement that a Doc Cornell coached player defends, and that is exactly what Marshall does. She can pressure the ball handler with quick feet and understands how to effectively trap at halfcourt. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="418266" first="Lilly" last="McCollom"] (2023, Michigan Goonies 2023, Regina)</strong> McCollom’s numbers may not have jumped off the board, but her shot did to me. She looked confident and pure with her jumper and she showed deep range. I liked the way she used a behind the back move with the ball to create space to get her shot off. <strong>Caitlyn Rayl (2023, TC Elite 2023, Howell)</strong> Rayl made a statement with her play this weekend. Stats are fun, but they don’t tell the story of what I saw with her game. When her team was looking for a bucket or needed a play, Rayl was the one with the ball in her hands being aggressive and getting her team rolling. This is a trait that creates winners. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="189300" first="Shamya" last="Reid"] (2023, HYPE Athletics 2023 Doc, Westfield Prep)</strong> Where do I start? Reid is a D1 point guard prospect through and through. She stood out, especially when she dropped 31 points against a super talented Wolverinas squad. Reid is a magician with the ball and can take any defender to the rim. Her handles created space and got her looks from behind the arc as well. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="420493" first="Tracy" last="Thomas"] (2025, Michigan Lady Playmakers 2023, Detroit Cass Tech)</strong> Thomas was playing up a couple levels, but she proved that she more than belongs. It wasn’t her numbers or any fancy plays that stood out, but more her versatility and ease of movement that grabbed my attention. Thomas is such a valuable piece to a team with her ability to play and defend nearly every position. <strong>Mariana VanAgtmael (2023, Hardwood Midwest 2023, Hart)</strong> VanAgtmael was so efficient on both ends. She was a gritty and tough defender and opportunistic on offense. VanAgtmael had a smooth jumper and she played very well coming off a screen. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;