BITM: 2027 Chicago Force Invaders
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On Sunday, August 7th Michigan opened up the travel season with a loaded lineup of teams at the Battle in the Mitten. Michigan’s top travel programs attended the event, which led to exciting matchups and impressive prospects on the floor!…
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Continue ReadingOn Sunday, August 7th Michigan opened up the travel season with a loaded lineup of teams at the Battle in the Mitten. Michigan’s top travel programs attended the event, which led to exciting matchups and impressive prospects on the floor! Teams from out of state made an appearance including an outstanding Chicago Force 2027 team. Here is the first group of 2027’s who excelled in their first tournament on Sunday.
Ava Mersinger Ava Mersinger 5’6″ | PG Benet Academy | 2027 IL was the court general of the day at Battle in the Mitten. She played aggressively on defense forcing turnovers and turning up the heat pressuring ball handlers. Ava had an unstoppable motor and the handles to break pressure from athletic guards. She attacked downhill to kick out passes to open shooters. Ava knocked down 3’s all day and bursts through defenders to the rim. One of my favorite plays was when she leaped up to bat down a pass, corralled the loose ball quickly, and then accelerated to score in transition. She is an excellent PG prospect for the Chicago Force .
Highlights
Taji Alexa
Taji Alexa
Tajia Alexa dominated all day at Battle in the Mitten Sunday. One of her signature moves to score was a fake pass finish layup that she used multiple times to freeze defenders in the paint. She has length and strength that makes her an imposing presence with her ability to use a variety of dribbles to create space. Tajia caught fire to hit multiple 3’s outside and has the quickness to challenge ball handlers. She finishes strong at the rim off two feet and attacks downhill. Tajia made a huge impression on Michigan scouts and coaches Sunday.
Sadie Marks Sadie Marks 6’2″ | PF Hersey | 2027 IL was an impressive wing from Chicago Force on Sunday at Battle in the Mitten. She has outstanding length with her 6’1 frame Sadie showed her range knocking down a 3 from the wing and she used her athleticism to sky up for a rebound then draw the foul on the put back. She effectively screened for teammates and passed out of the high post, while also snatching a lob and scoring through a foul at the rim. Sadie will be a wing to keep watching throughout the spring season.
Aaleigha Roberson Aaleigha Roberson 5’10” | C Portland | 2027 MI was a dominant forward for MDP P24-Hutson Sunday at Battle in the Mitten. One of her best plays was when she used a counter up and under spin move in the post; she has outstanding footwork. Aaleigha plays tenacious inside on both ends and is going to be one of the most powerful forward prospects in the 27 class this spring.
Highlights
Victoria Palmer Victoria Palmer MI
Victoria Palmer Victoria Palmer MI
Victoria Palmer Victoria Palmer MI is a shifty PG for Michigan Drive Premier who spun defenders like a top at the Battle in the Mitten on Sunday. She was cornered by three defenders near half court and used low dribbles and a quick spin to escape, draw a defender in paint, and make a great bounce pass assist. Victoria uses her speed to drive and create open looks for teammates; she is a guard I am excited to see more of this spring.
Lillie Johnston
Lillie Johnston
Lillie Johnston was a wing for REAL who had impressive strength and versatility on the court at Battle in the Mitten Sunday. Her length and strength as a guard/wing stands out when she competes on the floor. Lillie made a strong block inside the paint and battled for rebounds. She used push out dribbles to drive by a defender with pace and then made a perfect bounce pass to her teammate through traffic. Lillie is a player I will enjoy seeing at more tournaments this spring.
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 know a prospect off our radar, please DM Evan through Twitter @CoachEvanBell or email him at lapeercountycobras@gmail.com