17u Standouts At The Great Lakes Challenge – Part 2

The PGH Circuit's Great Lakes Challenge was THE event to see in the state of Michigan last weekend! Earlier we looked at some of the standout talent featured in our 17u brackets (article below). https://prepgirlshoops.com/2022/05/17u-standouts-at-the-great-lakes-challenge-part-1/ Here in Part 2, we will look at more players that had great weekends at the Great Lakes Challenge. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="230791" first="Shahd" last="Bakkar"] (2023, 1829 Blue 2023, Plymouth Salem)</strong> Bakkar brought all types of energy to the floor. Her movement off the ball stood out to me, which really helped her get looks at the rim. Bakkar showed that she could play the game at a fast pace as well. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="416181" first="Mia" last="Carson"] (2023, Michigan Goonies 2023, Stoney Creek)</strong> Carson was a menace with the ball in her hands. She used a quick first step and a physical drive to attack the rim. Carson was a good finisher at the bucket when she went downhill. <strong>Ni'rah Clark (2024, HYPE Athletics 2023 Doc, Rogers)</strong> Clark stood out with her toughness and physicality. Not only was she ok with a physical game, but she was better with it that way. Clark initiated contact and played off of it well. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="178868" first="Asia" last="Cochran"] (2022, HYPE Athletics 2023 Price)</strong> Cochran is a highly influential athlete on both ends of the floor. I've always have, and still really do as of this weekend, like the way that she defends. Cochran can guard and create chaos from baseline to baseline. <strong>Abby Hicks (2024, Hardwood Midwest 2023, Hart)</strong> Hicks was very solid late in the morning on Sunday. She was steady with the ball and kept her turnover numbers very low in a tight and competitive contest with 1829 Blue. Hicks scored a big bucket helping her team grab some momentum at a critical juncture. <strong>Breanna Thomas (2023, HYPE Athletics 2023 Price, Westfield Prep)</strong> Thomas was a must see player at the Great Lakes Challenge. She showed a nice combination of strength and athleticism. Thomas had a knack for making big plays that gave her team momentum. <strong>Kendra Pritt (2022, Downriver Elite 2023, New Boston Huron)</strong> Pritt can flat out handle the rock. She consistently wrong footed defenders using a crossover, change of speed, and a hesitation move. I felt like if Pritt used the space she created to get off a jumper or get downhill on her defender, she could put up 20 points in a game. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="280221" first="Rachel" last="Williams"] (2023, HYPE Athletics 2023 Doc, Canton)</strong> Williams is as tough as they come and stronger than most. This isn't the first time that I've seen her go toe to toe physically against D1 post prospects. Williams deserves more credit and college looks because she plays her role better than most. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="190708" first="Mia" last="Zorski"] (2023, PR1DE 2023, Clarkston)</strong> Zorski was terrific both offensively and defensively. On D, she really used her length to challenge, alter, and block shots. Zorski cut hard through the lane, stayed pass ready, caught the ball high and kept it there through the finish.