PREVIEW: OAA RED

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With high school tryouts less than a month away the time has arrived to preview conferences from around the mitten. The fall basketball season has provided constant action at high school leagues and showcase events. In this preview edition, we take a look at Oakland Activities Association Red division prospects who will turn heads this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["424590"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"2025 SG [player_tooltip player_id='424590' first='Merrick' last='Schwalbach'] from Stoney Creek was one of the most outstanding prospects I watched during the off-season. Merrick demonstrates the competitive fire, verbal leadership, and toughness coaches need to be successful. She scores effectively when attacking the basket and pulling up from beyond the arc. Merrick has the vision to find teammates and the passing ability to get them the ball. She is an elite guard who will lead a young and talented Stoney Creek team this winter.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["336011"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"2025 [player_tooltip player_id='336011' first='Christen' last='Banks'] is a physically imposing prospect for Southfield A u0026amp; T. She consistently played impressively during individual camps and fall league basketball games. Christen has the size and strength to matchup defensively against bigger posts, while maintaining an advantage because of her quickness. Christen has the ball handling ability to run the guard spot and finish strong around the rim. She has an endless motor and will cause havoc with her ball pressure and offensive rebounding. Christen will be an exciting prospect to watch this winter.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["335990"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"2024 PG [player_tooltip player_id='335990' first='Destiny' last='Washington'] is a key player and leader in the West Bloomfield program. She has exceptional vision to see the floor and deliver passes from different angles. Destiny protects the ball with her dribbles and has the poise to create space and then burst to the basket. She has the quickness and strength to apply pressure and cause turnovers defensively. Destiny is a phenomenal prospect who will help WB make another deep postseason run.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["260505"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"2024 CG [player_tooltip player_id='260505' first='Cira' last='Racco'] is an outstanding offensive prospect for Birmingham Groves. Cira has a confident and smooth pull-up game from outside the 3-point line; she's a constant threat to bury triples. She is dangerous to score off of the dribble or the catch. Cira handles the ball effectively under pressure and creates plays for herself and teammates. Cira will be a senior to see in big moments with Birmingham Groves this season.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":[614650],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"2026 CG [player_tooltip player_id='614650' first='Ellie' last='Robak'] is a sharpshooter who made a name for herself immediately at Clarkston. Ellie finished the 2022 season All-Conference as a freshman and will look to repeat that success this season. She pushes the ball successfully up the court with both hands and throws accurate long passes to teammates. Her long-range shooting accuracy makes her a challenge to defend. Ellie can drive and dish or throw the cross court pass because of her vision; she rebounds the ball and creates transition baskets. Ellie will be a top player to watch in the OAA Red.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":5,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6546c4e362c48"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">At the Buzzer</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Evan Bell</strong>&nbsp;is currently a scout for Prep Girls Hoops, Varsity Girls Basketball Head Coach at Lapeer High School, and Director of<strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/lapeer-county-cobras/"><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/program/lapeer-county-cobras/"><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='715992' first='Lapeer' last='County Cobras']</strong></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong>. Our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.prepnetwork.com/frequently-asked-questions/">mission</a>&nbsp;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</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->