PGH 250 Dream Team
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Over 120 girls converge on MSA Woodland in Grand Rapids. Players from all over the state played three games and had the chance to shine in front of college coaches, myself, and Scott Hankamp. I walked away with a list…
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Continue ReadingOver 120 girls converge on MSA Woodland in Grand Rapids. Players from all over the state played three games and had the chance to shine in front of college coaches, myself, and Scott Hankamp. I walked away with a list of kids that I can’t wait to follow this year. The competition was intense, yet I saw a lot of kids just enjoying the game. Below is my long awaited ten girl Dream Team.
This was my MVP of the Expo and would be my first pick if I was doing a fantasy draft. I get that there were kids that put up more points, but I’ll take a kid that had an Offensive Rebound Rate well over 50%, that scored double digits despite not being the “play maker”, and that kept several possessions alive with sheer hustle. She is a walking double double. She showed that she at least has a midrange game, and based on the form, projects to have three point range (didn’t see her shoot any). She is a solid finisher that hides the ball from shot blockers and feasts in transition. Maya has impeccable manners and seems to be a high character kid. This is a kid that you build a program around. I am definitely going to be watching Canton play every chance I get.
While I am going a little small in my starting lineup, I’ll be fine with Bridget next to Maya. Bridget is all of the 5’11 that we list her at. She is another relentless player that goes after every ball with hunger. She is a physical athlete that blocks shots from help side. She gets open in transition and attacks off the bounce in the half court. She flashed some three point shooting ability today. She is a menace in the passing lanes and converts these opportunities into points. Bridget is another kid that can be a double double without ever having the ball as the official playmaker. Plus, she is tall enough and quick enough to defend 1-5. This is the second time this fall I’ve had a chance to watch Bridget, and she keeps exceeding expectations.
Highlights
This combo guard is a kid that guarded 1-5 with ease. She is a strong driver that finished through contact with ease. She was automatic in spot up threes. The most impressive aspect of her drives and her work in transition is that she is constantly looking for teammates. Whether it is a pinpoint assist or a connecting pass, Taryn is getting the ball to the right spot. I love kids that make others better, and Taryn was one of the best at PGH.
The Hartland product is a gym rat and is at every event that I cover. She is plus shooter. She is becoming a willing passer that finds jaw dropping opportunities for teammates. She has the ability to take over at any point with a wide array of moves off the dribble and in the mid range.
You can’t stop Samone. She simply drove by every kid in front of her. I have had the misfortune to coach against her, and I promise you scheming for her is a nightmare. She has a very nice three point stroke that makes sagging off her difficult; Samone even showed off a pullup three that is just unfair for defenses. She is an intense defender that recovers for some really amazing blocked shots.
This is a kid that should jump up the rankings this year. Tianna is an absolute jet with the ball and just flies by defenders with ease. She uses her athleticism to shut down other teams ball handlers, even kids that had elite speed. She has great hands that deflect passes or corral errant passes. She is a big time scorer that has an array of moves off the bounce. She is going to be a major problem this year because of how accurate her deep shoot is. She hit multiple deep shots with great form.
Highlights
I don’t believe that she is only 6’1. She projects to be a good shot blocker and post defender. Posts don’t get the ball in the paint a lot in expos, but she made the most of her touches. It’s the shot that intrigues me. Zion’s shot is as pure as it comes and has a high release point that is unblockable. She is still young and projects super high.
This is my shooter. Reese hit pullup threes in transition. She hit pullup threes off a shimmy move. She hit spot up threes. She hit a three from the volleyball line. Not only do the shots go in, they barely move the net. This kid is a zone buster and would punish held defenders.
This is my elite defender. Keiyera is just an intimidating defender. You’re not getting by her-no chance. She will dog you the entire way up the court and just wear you out, and then, she will be ready to capitalize on your mistake. She also showed great savvy in off ball positioning to pick up a ton steals. She is super quick and rebounds like a kid five inches taller. She keeps plays alive and is a fierce driver.
I love hybrid bigs, and Faith fits this. She has nice feel around the rim with her spacing and her finishing. She has beautiful spin moves and positions her feet well. She is a good midrange shooter and has the athleticism to go coast to coast. She did a nice job protecting the rim as well.
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