Powerful Performances At The Victory Region Finals

There was a lot of unique and special basketball talent in the gym this weekend for the Victory Region Finals in Chicago. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="419439" first="Lillian" last="Barnes"] (2026, G, City Elite Basketball 2025, Ben Franklin, IN)</strong> I saw Barnes play above her years, making big plays in key stretches for her team. She had a key sequence where she showed a very effective turn around jumper for 2, then stole the ball, was fouled and sank 2 free throws. This put her team within 1 point. Barnes did a nice job sealing her defender as well. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="148165" first="Peyton" last="Gerdes"] (2023, F, Wolverinas 2023, Grayslake North, IL)</strong> Gerdes was one of the best players in the gym on Saturday. She had 23 points in a win over Illinois Hustle 2023 Red. Gerdes can bang in the post as well as step behind the arc and stretch the defense. Gerdes was an elite defender this weekend. She can guard the entire length of the floor, has soft feet on that end, and uses her arms effectively to aid in her D. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="329518" first="Gabriella" last="Moore"] (2024, G, Team Evolution United 2024, Mayfield Heights, OH)</strong> Moore proved to be a powerful player that could muscle up a shot in traffic. I liked how she swung the ball and it didn’t stick in her hands on the perimeter, which forced the defense to constantly move. Moore effectively used a jump stop to gather momentum for a shot and a score. She also showed the ability to play off the ball as well as on the ball, where she could effectively set the offense. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="189314" first="Abby" last="Pasinos"] (2023, G, Michigan Goonies 2023, Bishop Foley, MI)</strong> Pasinos is playing some really good basketball this spring and she’s bringing an aura of confidence to the floor. She was confident in her jumper, especially off the catch, where there was no hesitation. Pasinos swung the ball with quickness and crispness and showed that she could go either way off the bounce. Pasinos flaunted some in the gym range on her jumper as well. <strong>Shar’on Tidwell (2024, F, Team Firstep 2024, John Hardin, KY)</strong> Tidwell sent a loud message at the event. She was a sneaky scorer in the lane. She’s slide between 2 opponents and grab rebounds, sometimes getting looks at put back buckets. Tidwell showed excellent balance and control, even in a congested painted area. <strong>Makiya West (2023, G/F, Kentucky Ice 2023 Select, Male High School, KY)</strong> Sometimes you can put yourself in a great position just by outworking your opponent. Enter Makiya West. She was an absolute grinder in the lane. She knew where she wanted to be and battled for position offensively. This gave West an opportunity for some good looks at the rim. <strong>Nariah Wilson (2024, G, TML Splashers 2023, Homestead, WI)</strong> Wilson was a long and slick athlete. She showed great straight line speed up the floor and moved really well without the ball. Wilson cut hard to the rim with her hands up and ready for a feed over top to utilize her arm length. She also showed some shiftiness in the lane.