Top 250 Expo: The "All Grit" Team

Too often showcase events like the Prep Girls Hoops Top 250 Expo only elicit attention on those that make an impact on the offensive end, but we all know defense and the intangibles win championships. This group did the dirty work that often goes unnoticed, but no worries, we were there to take notice and show these players some well-deserved love.       Harris has been trending upwards for some time now, but she's really starting to shine as a durable two-way player. She rebounds her position as well as anyone in her class and is an up-in-your-face physical presence on the defensive end. Her quick feet and instincts allows her to fly through the passing lanes causing deflections leading to easy transition buckets. That was on full display at the Expo as she was all business and made sure her presence was felt.    One minute you think you've beat your girl off the dribble for a nice easy layup, the next you're picking yourself up off the ground after Olson has snuck over from the weakside and beat your shot out of bounds like it was fired out of a cannon. Ava rebounds the ball well and throws one of the prettiest outlet passes in town. Like I mentioned before, a lot of the intangibles she brings on the defensive end won't be found in scorebooks, but that's OK by Ava, she's not looking for the spotlight, just results.      Once Wright recognizes her potential, she will be an unstoppable force. She's quick enough to check guards on the perimeter and strong enough to get down and dirty with bigger players in the paint. She never seems to be moving very fast, but always ends up in the right places on the defensive end to make game-winning plays. On Sunday at the Expo she blocked shots, deflected passes and just constantly disrupted whatever the opponent wanted to do.    While Pates is expanding her offensive game to quite impressive lengths, it's what's she's able to do on the defensive end that leaves us salivating and wanting more. Her footspeed and lateral movement has vastly improved making her a great all around defender. She's able to guard on the perimeter now and there's never been a question about her ability to protect the paint. Her mere presence deterred opponents from testing her mettle at the Expo solidifying the respect she's garnered as a feared shot blocker. Pates is well on her way to being a premier two-way player as she's added a consistent mid-range and 3-point shot to her bag.    Gillingham just walks like a ball player. She has good size, strength, and plays with a swagger that you have to just have in you. She has sort of an old school approach to her game where she just goes about her business allowing her game to do the talking. Paige plays with a physicality that can't be taught. At the Expo that was displayed as she didn't back down from anyone no matter their size or reputation. She was just as physical on the offensive end muscling her way to the basket for bucket after bucket.

Too often showcase events like the Prep Girls Hoops Top 250 Expo only elicit attention on those that make an impact on the offensive end, but we all know defense and the intangibles win championships. This group did the dirty work that often goes unnoticed, but no worries, we were there to take notice and show these players some well-deserved love.