PGH Freshman Showcase: 10 Breakout Players

These showcases give young athletes a chance to put their names and games on the map in Michigan as they start their high school basketball careers. While every player at the event played well and sent a message, I’m going to pinpoint 10 that really broke out. These could be players that I’d never seen, that hadn’t received their just due of media, or even that had flown under the radar until last weekend.

McKenley Reid (5’4″, Bloomfield Hills Marian)

Reid played up all summer in grassroots ball. And just like in the summer, she did more than just fit in this weekend. Reid is a terrific point guard talent. She sees the floor very well and can work around the defense. Reid finds teammates and finds the most efficient and effective way to get them the ball.

Elle Lorente Elle Lorente 6'0" | SF Eaton Rapids | 2027 MI (6’0″, Eaton Rapids)

Lorente is a player that we could hear a lot from over the next 4 years. She showed a skill set that should have coaches and scouts very excited to see her play. Lorente has the strength to battle in the paint and compete on the glass. She also has the ball skills and jumper to cause damage when she has the ball on the perimeter.

Yazmyne Morales Yazmyne Morales 5'5" | PG Kalamazoo Central | 2027 MI (5’5″, Kalamazoo Central)

Morales was able to turn heads the the Freshman Showcase. She had the look of a highly skilled lead guard with a ton of potential. She had an ease of movement that can allow for very nice growth of her game. Morales played strong on ball defense and was able to get a handful of steals on the day. She was able to attack the rim to her right and turn the corner on defenders.

Natasha Shell Natasha Shell PG Cass Tech | 2027 MI (5’5″, Cass Tech)

Shell showed a big time game and physical skills. She might have been the overall fastest player in the gym. Shell’s speed with the ball has a chance to be elite. She has the waterbug type of game where she just seems to be everywhere. Shell can be a big time creator with both the pass and when attacking off the bounce.

Sydney Black Sydney Black 5'8" | CG East Lansing | 2027 MI (5’8″, East Lansing)

Black made some jaws drop at the PGH Freshman Showcase. She showed off a top notch combination of strength and ball skills that allow her to be aggressive offensively from basically anywhere on the floor. Black was able to power drive, shoot and pick up put back buckets under the rim. The best part is that she was one of the first to hit the floor for a loose ball.

Olivia Gadson Olivia Gadson 5'9" | CG Holt | 2027 MI (5’9″, Holt)

I was very impressed watching Gadson play on Sunday. She was underrated as an overall athlete and she possesses the ability to glide into a change of direction. This helped her create lanes and create space, with or without the ball in her hands. Gadson had the look of a 2 way player that can make it tough for a coach to take out of the game.

Aashleigha Roberson (5’10”, Portland)

Roberson has a ton of upside in her game and put herself square on the recruiting map. She could end up having an elite 2 dribble power drive by the time it’s all said and done. Roberson showed the she’s a threat to score both facing the rim and with her back to the basket. She can be a matchup nightmare every time she steps on the court.

Joselynn Begick (5’9″, Freeland)

Begick has the chance to be a top notch wing and make a lot of noise in the state of Michigan. I saw her attack both right to left and left to right, either way getting herself in the lane on a consistent basis. Begick looked like a playmaking wing that will not only get buckets herself, but draw the defense and create opening for her teammates as well.

Kolbie Roelofs Kolbie Roelofs 6'0" | PF Royal Oak | 2027 MI (6’0″, Royal Oak)

Let’s be real, coaches are always scanning the gym for talented post players. Roelofs looks like one of those players that will catch many coaches eyes. She rebounds well and establishes and maintains her position in the paint. It will be interesting and fun to Roelofs develop her game and develop as a prospect.

Caitlin Ryan Caitlin Ryan 5'5" | PG Mattawan | 2027 MI (5’5″, Mattawan)

Ryan almost slipped under the radar for me again last weekend. But when I scanned my notes, her name kept popping up. Ryan is officially on the radar. She showed off a very well rounded game. Ryan was good in the open floor and even turned a steal into a bucket. She had a pretty baseline take for 2 and picked up a put back and 1. Ryan just did a lot of things really well.