Queens of the Compound
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The Compound blasted out their schedule for Varsity girls basketball happening Sunday, October 22nd and I had no choice but to make the trip to their facility to watch some of our top prospects compete. I had time to catch…
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Continue ReadingThe Compound blasted out their schedule for Varsity girls basketball happening Sunday, October 22nd and I had no choice but to make the trip to their facility to watch some of our top prospects compete. I had time to catch action from the earlier games and here are the girls who kept my eyes glued to the court Sunday.
2025 SG/Wing Bri Young Bri Young 5’11” | PF Bloomfield Hills | 2025 State MI from Bloomfield Hills looked unstoppable on both ends of the court for the Blackhawks. She was the most impressive athlete using her speed and strength to set the tone for an impressive team performance. Bri deflected passes in the press, blocked shots on quick closeouts, and terrorized ball handlers. Notes: left wing drive with a tough right finish, pullup 2 from the elbow in transition, steal and extra pass assist to teammate in transition, steal of BLOB full court finish to the rim, and offensive rebound draws foul on put back. Bri put together a complete performance today and is an outstanding prospect for Bloomfield Hills. She is my impact performer of the morning session.
2024 PF/C Ruby Smith Ruby Smith 6’3″ | PF Bloomfield Hills | 2024 State MI is a natural center who has a relentless work ethic in the low post. She continually moves and seals to create open entry opportunities and it takes more than one defender to stop her. Ruby does not quit on a play, she will go after every rebound and create jump balls by getting on the floor. She missed a shot, earned the rebound and scored high off the glass. She moves the ball around for assists and finishes well around the rim. Ruby is a tall and strong post who will continue to receive looks from the next level heading into the winter season for Bloomfield Hills.
Highlights
CG Merrick Schwalbach Merrick Schwalbach 5’7″ | SF Stoney Creek | 2025 State MI was put in a challenging situation with senior PG Laprairie out with an ankle injury. The game did not have the desired outcome, but Merrick showed exactly why she has the qualities of a next level prospect on the court today. Merrick led off hitting a top of the key 3 and pursued a defensive rebound out of bounds then bounced it off an opponent to save possession. Notes: extra pass to the wing on a drive, hesitation left corner baseline drive to draw defenders then one handed left bounce pass to teammate, sideline dribble through pressure crosses splits back to the middle. Leadership moments: drive into hard contact on layup attempt, hops up, sails a pass to a cutting teammate out of bound and taps her chest taking responsibility, high-fiving and verbally encouraging teammates, calls teammates name in transition before making the pass so she knows the ball is coming. Merrick is a tough and gritty competitor who should definitely receive looks at the next level.
Michele Barnett Michele Barnett PG Bloomfield Hills | 2025 State MI
Michele Barnett Michele Barnett PG Bloomfield Hills | 2025 State MI
PG Michele Barnett Michele Barnett PG Bloomfield Hills | 2025 State MI is a vastly underrated guard in the OAA. I first saw her play last December in a scrimmage as she knocked down 3’s, caused havoc for ball handlers, and finished strong at the rim. Michele confirmed today that I was right. She can use inside out dribbles with both hands in pressure to create space and weave between defenders. Michele hit multiple 3’s today relocating to the wing and corner after a pass. She has excellent court vision and lateral movement on defense. Michele is a 2024 who definitely needs to be found by college coaches.
Cece Arico
Cece Arico
Cece Arico 2027 for Detroit Country Day absolutely dominated today. She used a low sweep baseline to draw a fall on the shot attempt and finished contested at the rim. Cece has explosive steps and finished with her left as well as her right. She finished effectively off one foot or two and physically imposed her will. Her ruthless defensive pressure caused continuous turnovers, which led to transition buckets. Cece is going to be an outstanding prospect for Country Day this winter season.
2024 Mckenzie Swanson Mckenzie Swanson 6’3″ | PF Bloomfield Hills Marian | 2024 State MI went up against a formidable opponent in Country Day today and with little help, kept her squad in the game. She blocked a shot on the defensive end and finished contested shots around the rim. She was able to hit clutch shots with pressure on her and physically earn rebounds to help her team compete. I was very impressed by her toughness and competitive drive today.