Game Changers at the #PGHMNFreshmanShowcase

Willa delivered a ton of bang for the buck on Sunday with a small package that comes to the party in a  big way. The crafty point guard has quick hands, quick feet and terrific court vision. She demonstrated the ability to locate the intended target at just the right time in just the right place and fire rockets where they needed to go. There’s no doubt that Willa has great offensive tools but it is her work on the other side of the ball that caught our attention first. Defensively she is just so tenacious with the ability to suffocate much taller players. If you need further proof go to Willa’s Twitter page (@WillaWayT08) and check out the highlights of 5’4 guarding 6’1. It tells the story much better than we can.

Brylee is almost always a Game Changer regardless of where she’s playing or who the opponent might happen to be. With nice length and leaping ability, Miller is a terrific rebounder whose relentless pursuit of the ball sets the tone for her Minnesota Rise Wright squad, one of the very best 2026 units we’ve seen. But it is her perimeter defense that nearly always alters the course of the game. With super quick feet and hands, an uncanny sense of anticipation, and the ability to get tips and steals with high frequency, Miller is a difference-maker for sure and a scholarship-level prospect with a very shiny future.

Audrey is a pure athlete, the kind of kid who could probably take up whatever sport she wanted and become more than proficient than you in a big hurry. Her progress over the course of the past few months has been remarkable. Audrey’s skills have improved, her consistency has grown and her confidence has soared. That’s what earned her a spot on North Tartan’s top 2026 team for next summer and it will probably garner her some big varsity minutes this winter. When you combine athleticism, speed, tenacity and a significant physical presence, you can definitely be a Game Changer.

There were no superstars on Hope’s squad at the Freshman Showcase, just a lot of honest, hard-working athletes who competed together to demonstrate what they could do. And Hope can do a lot. She has a high basketball IQ, an understanding of the game that gives her the ability to anticipate what’s going to happen and put herself in the right spots to cash in. She is an excellent shooter off the catch who also showed the ability to attack the rim when the opportunity presented itself. We have always liked her quickness and intensity, both of which make her a factor defensively and lead to offensive opportunities for her team. She’s moving to West Central United next summer.

Chloe earned honorable mention status this summer on our AAU All-Star Teams for her rather impressive work on behalf of Starks Academy from Duluth playing in multiple age groups over the course of the season. No matter the size, strength or speed of her opponents, Carlson seems to consistently deliver a similar level of performance: High. Sometimes she’s so efficient that you hardly even notice her. Other times she’s like a rabid dog hunting frightened prey. Either way Carlson can be the kind of Game Changer coaches rely on and teammates cherish.