PGH GA Freshman Showcase – Akiem’s Primetime Performers (Part 1)
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Prior to August 13, Prep Girls Hoops Freshman Showcases had taken place in Illinois, Ohio and Kentucky the previous day. The day of August 13, two more states had their turn at the mic – including the Peach State. This…
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Continue ReadingPrior to August 13, Prep Girls Hoops Freshman Showcases had taken place in Illinois, Ohio and Kentucky the previous day. The day of August 13, two more states had their turn at the mic – including the Peach State.
This year’s Georgia Freshman Showcase took place at the Next Play 360 sports complex in Marietta. Out of the four courts that the venue has to offer, three of them were in use for game action and a few of the participants even traveled from other states to take part.
Without further adieu, here is an initial list of standout 2027s that caught my attention.
This Dennis began the day’s play at Next Play 360 by displaying that she’s got next with her menacing skills. As effective as a point-getter as she proved herself to be, she also showcased how effective she can be as a ball distributor as well. Dennis will also provide reliable defense in iso situations and combines ball handling with quickness and toughness. She is listed at 5-foot-4 and spent the travel portion of the offseason sporting the uniform of FBC United Young Gunz. If one is an aficionado of 5A Creekside, one has to be excited about what is in store for this stock riser for this year and the next few.
Highlights
Eliza Oechsle
Eliza Oechsle
One can count on plenty of oohs and ahhs from supporters of Oconee County thanks to Oechsle. A rising up-and-comer for the 3A Warriors, she particularly impressed with her 3-point shooting in the early portions of Sunday’s play. That 3-point accuracy combined with an ability to deliver strong finishes at the rim will keep many a defense honest. Oechsle is listed at 5-foot-6 and played her travel basketball with Classic City Ballers . In addition to her scoring prowess, Oechsle also displayed what she can get accomplished defensively as a shot blocker.
McIver arrived at this year’s Georgia Freshman Showcase from the neighboring state of South Carolina. Even moreso, McIver will be once again sporting the orange and brown of the defending 5A state champions in Mauldin. In Sunday’s early going at Next Play 360, McIver managed to impress by showcasing how versatile she can be despite standing at an imposing 5-foot-10. McIver will absorb plenty of contact in the interior and has no problems drawing contact which can give her team opportunities to complete free throws. Ball handling and activity away from the ball are also strong points of her game.
Highlights
Sha’nya Heath
Sha’nya Heath
In the second contest that took place on court 3, one could not help but take notice of the hard-nosed play that was put forth by the 5-foot-4 rising star out of Arabia Mountain. Toughness is a central portion of her game and she proves that with how fearless she is at going after defenders with the ball in her hands. Heath understands when the correct time is the pass and when the correct time is to score and also has no issues drawing contact and giving her team additional opportunities at the free throw line. Heath played with Totality TKO during the AAU season.
Following a 2023 club season that saw Moss wear the uniform of LE Elite 2027 over the spring and summer, Moss looks to translate that into even more success this high school season. With the strong finishes she can deliver at the rim, a few of those will result on contact being drawn and free throws being attempted. While willing to go at defenders, she also will attempt shots from range and knows when the right time is to score and when the right time is to pass. Moss also maintains a high level of activity even when the ball is not in her hands.