Friday Night at the PGH Champions Challenge
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There is something exciting about starting a tournament on a Friday night. If you live close to the venue, it could be the suspense building while sitting in class during the day. If traveling to the venue, the excitement of…
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Continue ReadingThere is something exciting about starting a tournament on a Friday night. If you live close to the venue, it could be the suspense building while sitting in class during the day. If traveling to the venue, the excitement of the drive and missing school may incite more anticipation. Playing on a Friday may eliminate the need to play 3 games in one day. If it doesn’t, then you are warmed up and ready for play on Saturday. Friday night at the Champions Challenge in Appleton brought out some talented players from Illinois in some nail biter, close games.
No surprise that Ciara Mcmahon Ciara Mcmahon 5’7″ | PG Rolling Meadows | 2024 IL broke the record for the most 3pt shots in a game at her high school this year. Not only does she have one of the most accurate 3pt shots, she is able to score on all levels. In her Friday night game, she was unstoppable. Her box outs, offensive & defensive rebounds, steals and great shooting made her a huge threat on Friday to her opponents.
Highlights
Playing in one of the most exciting games on Friday night, Bella Garcia Bella Garcia 5’9″ | SG Plainfield North | 2026 State IL showed why she is one of the most multi-faceted players out there. Reading her teammates’ movements allows her to get where she needs to be for a bucket. She is as successful from 3 as she is off the drive. Bella’s offensive game frustrates her defenders. Defensively, she is always boxing out and doing what she can to get her hands on the ball.
Quinn Arundel Quinn Arundel 5’5″ | PG Mother McAuley | 2026 State IL ‘s name is synonymous with precision shooting. Although blessed with natural basketball acumen, there is no doubt she works hard to get her shot accurate and consistent. While you can write paragraphs about her speed, quickness and shooting, she impresses me the most with her court IQ. Her ability to create space for shots or spot an open teammate displays her versatility as a player.
Isabella is such a tenacious player. Her tank is always full. The blend of high energy and athleticism produces a fearless player on the court. She is disruptive on defense and she is unbothered by the speed or size of her opponent-she works hard regardless. She will go up against the strongest and biggest defender and usually ends up on the winning side of the battle.
Highlights
Amelia Fernandez Amelia Fernandez 5’7″ | PG Maine South | 2026 IL , the freshman from Maine South, is an agile guard that showed her value for this Full Package team. She is an adept guard with great handles and quick feet. Her superb court vision allows her to direct traffic and execute plays. Fernandez applies tremendous pressure with her pesky defense on the press, forces turnovers and is a nuisance to her opponents.