Brady’s Day Two Notes: PGH Midwest Melee

<span data-preserver-spaces="true">I couldn't stick around for the entirety of the final day of Midwest Melee, but I was around for all but the last two rounds of games. I thought plenty of kids showcased their abilities, but I want to highlight five today and continue to highlight others throughout the week.</span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">[player_tooltip player_id="409918" first="Keara" last="Mattingley"]-[program_tooltip program_id='715643' first='Kansas' last='Elite'] 2023 Novicoff</span></strong> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">The 5-foot-10 wing was one of the most well-rounded players I got to see in Kansas City. Her frame and skill level are what college coaches have told me they are looking for right now. She is a tall, long, athletic wing who can attack off the dribble and pull up from behind the 3-point line. I thought she moved her feet well defensively and showed her ability to score at all three levels this weekend. Even though it was the first time I'd ever seen her play, her talent was undeniable.</span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">[player_tooltip player_id="342210" first="Emma" last="Slings"]-[program_tooltip program_id='715980' first='Team' last='Iowa'] 2023</span></strong> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">The Iowa native is one of the more intense kids I've seen on the circuit. If you aren't mentally prepared to match Slings' intensity, you're not going to have fun. I looked forward to watching Slings when I saw her team was coming to Kansas City for a few reasons. One is the amount of winning plays she makes every time she steps onto the floor. She also never adds on to mistakes she does make. If she commits a turnover, she'll be the first one back on defense and possibly try to draw a charge. If I had to pick five kids for an all-region team, Slings has a strong case of being on it.</span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">[player_tooltip player_id="63010" first="Aaliyah" last="Beier"]-[program_tooltip program_id='715980' first='Team' last='Iowa'] 2023</span></strong> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">I loved how calm Beier was on the offensive end in Kansas City. The left-handed guard never looked rushed and looked more than confident with every shot. Beier seemed to find pockets of space to exploit when her team needed it most. It was my first time seeing her play, so I can't wait to see more of what she can do.</span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">[player_tooltip player_id="265111" first="Josie" last="Grosdidier"]-[program_tooltip program_id='715643' first='Kansas' last='Elite'] 2024 Zars</span></strong> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">I loved the multifaceted game that [player_tooltip player_id="265111" first="Josie" last="Grosdidier"] brings. She dominated around the basket and made it difficult for the opposition to find any momentum or rhythm. Even though the game I saw her play was over quickly, I enjoyed seeing her dominate. I can't wait to see what she accomplishes in the future.</span> <strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">[player_tooltip player_id="265115" first="Elise" last="Grosdidier"]-[program_tooltip program_id='715643' first='Kansas' last='Elite'] 2024 Zars</span></strong> <span data-preserver-spaces="true">Like her sister, I liked how well she played around the basket. I also loved some of the athletic plays she made in the halfcourt. Some of the blocked shots she had were outstanding and encompassed some of the plays she's making that others can't. I'll keep up with Grosdidier's as they continue to get better because I think they both have the potential to be excellent athletes.</span>