Freshman Showcase: First Team Defense

Natasha was electric on both ends of the floor, but it was her defensive performance that really jumped out. Natasha had the speed, quickness, and lateral agility to pressure her girl full court. She stole the ball many times and then had the getaway speed to take it all the way for two points. Natasha will be a defensive asset as someone who can match up with her opponents primary ball handler and keep them from setting up their offense. Read more about her performance from Sunday here.

Madisyn “Mad Dog” Aldridge hounded ball handlers all day Sunday. She has quick hands and the speed to cut off ball handlers from baseline to baseline. Madisyn steals the ball and then has acceleration to take it all the way and finish. She uses her vision and strength to create transition buckets for her team. Madisyn will be a menace for opposing ball handlers this winter. If we had a PGH Freshman Showcase title belt she earned it by making the starting team for all three PGH scouts at the event. Read more about her impressive Sunday here.

Nichole James Nichole James 6’2″ | PF Detroit Edison Public Academy | 2027 MI is another PGH Freshman Showcase prospect who earned the “title belt”, being recognized by all three scouts. She demonstrated her fierce competitiveness on the defensive side by controlling the boards with a forceful box out in the paint. There were many tall and skilled posts, but I can’t remember any out rebounding or working James for a ball. She blocked shots and verbally led others, which is exactly what great defensive players do. She will be an exceptional power forward for Edison moving forward. Read more about her standout Sunday here.

Jordynn Ratliff Jordynn Ratliff 5’6″ | PG West Bloomfield | 2027 MI is a very exciting prospect for West Bloomfield. She excelled on both ends of the floor, but her defense definitely contributed towards team success. Jordynn is built to apply ball pressure: she’s stocky and strong. Jordynn picks up the ball full court and has lightning reflexes with her hands and lateral slides to redirect opponents and force them to pick up their dribble. She steals the ball and then gets downhill with authority to finish plays using either hand. Jordynn has a dazzling behind the back snap and range to hit long 3’s. She’s left handed but you wouldn’t know it by how she finishes at the rim. Jordynn played elite basketball on both ends of the court and her defensive performance deserved to be recognized. Read more on her performance Sunday here.

Elise Bullock Elise Bullock 5’5″ | PG Grass Lake | 2027 MI played great on both sides of the basketball, but it was her defense that created many offensive opportunities for her team. She has lengthy arms for her size and used them often to deflect passes and cause problems on and off the ball. Her passing abilities converted many turnovers into points for her team. Elise has balance and quickness, which will help her match up with opponents and keep her playing valuable minutes this season. Read more about her stellar Sunday here.

Yazmyne Morales Yazmyne Morales 5’5″ | PG Kalamazoo Central | 2027 MI was one of the most aggressive on-ball defenders on the court Sunday. She applied full court pressure and used her long arms to make steals and deflections. Yazmyne’s pressure in the backcourt caused havoc and she finished her steals at the rim with layups and earned assists as well. Her endless motor and pursuit of the ball will make opponents frustrated this upcoming season at Kalamazoo Central. Read more about her outstanding performance Sunday here.

Brynn had a powerful performance Sunday on both ends of the court. There were multiple times where she was able to not only block a shot but also corral the rebound. She has the size and speed to defend the interior post or move out onto the perimeter and defend guards. Her communication defensively as a verbal leader raised the ability of her team as a group. Brynn plays tough and gets on the floor for loose balls. She converted many steals for layups and made interior passes extremely challenging for the other team. Her commitment to playing hard on both ends of the court will make her essential from day one at Jenison. Read more about her impressive performance here.