HEADLINERS INVITATIONAL: Session One Preview
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The clock is ticking as the first-ever Headliners Invitational is set to tip off on Sunday, November 12th. With high school tryouts only two weeks away, this is the last opportunity for prospects to showcase their skills and compete at…
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Continue ReadingThe clock is ticking as the first-ever Headliners Invitational is set to tip off on Sunday, November 12th. With high school tryouts only two weeks away, this is the last opportunity for prospects to showcase their skills and compete at an elite event prior to the school season. Session One features high-profile prospects being led by college coaches Dave Smith, Katy Shannon, and Mckenzie Skendziel: who will win the Headliners Invitational Most Valuable Player Award? Here are a few front runners.
2026 PF Kara Straub Kara Straub 6’0″ | SF Grass Lake | 2026 State MI of Grass Lake has continued to establish herself as one of the top flex bigs in the state this off-season. She establishes herself inside as a strong rebounder and rim protector. Kara has the range to make shots outside and is an excellent passer. She is a prospect I am very excited to see matched up against other posts during session one on Nov. 12th.
2026 PF/Wing MacKenzi Duthie MacKenzi Duthie 5’11” | PF Howell | 2026 State MI was one of the top performers at David Barns this summer and I am eager to see her compete again at the Headliners. She has worked extremely hard this off-season to expand her shooting range and develop her ball handling abilities. Mac has the range to light it up from outside and the strength to score inside. She has the tools to be an excellent face up player in the high post and will secure the boards for her team. MacKenzi is a prospect you won’t be able to take her eyes off during session one on Nov. 12th.
Highlights
2027 PF Ryenn Becher Ryenn Becher 6’3″ | C Linden | 2027 State MI from Linden is going to be an instant impact player for the Eagles this season. She had herself an outstanding PGH Freshman Showcase: effectively scoring in the paint and disrupting the opponent with her long arms on defense. Ryenn will face off against other top posts Nov. 12th during session one and I can’t wait to see her rise to the challenge.
2027 CG Golden Nicholson Golden Nicholson 5’8″ | SG DeWitt | 2027 State MI will be one of the most athletic guards at the Headliners in session one. She was one of the best two-way basketball players at the PGH Freshman Showcase as a defensive stopper and offensive threat. Golden drives with precision and strength; she can finish around the rim and hit outside shots. Golden will be an impressive prospect to watch Nov. 12th.
2027 CG Kensington Freeland Kensington Freeland 5’8″ | SG Kent City | 2027 State MI of Kent City was one of the most impressive performers at the PGH Freshman Showcase. She is a threat to score from all spots on the court and attacks the basket downhill. Kenzy uses her court vision to find teammates in space and will be an impressive prospect to watch during session one on Nov. 12th.
2026 SG Ava Tate Ava Tate 5’10” | SG Portage Central | 2026 State MI was one of the strongest defenders and overall prospects at the PGH Top 250 Expo. It seems like she never stops grinding and working on her craft. Ava has accelerated her ball handling skills and offensive efficiency by working hard all off-season. Her strength and length makes her an effective defender and rebounder on both ends of the floor. Ava will be an exciting prospect to watch during session one on Nov. 12th.
At the Buzzer
Evan Bell is currently a scout for Prep Girls Hoops, Varsity Girls Basketball Head Coach at Lapeer High School, and Director of Lapeer County Cobras . Our mission at PGH is to cover as many athletes with D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO potential in the state as possible. If you have knowledge of a prospect off our radar, please DM Evan through Twitter @CoachEvanBell or email him at lapeercountycobras@gmail.com