PGH EXPO TEAM TEAM 1 EVALUATION

With so much talent in the gym, I want to break down each individual's performance from a team perspective. Here is Team 1.    [player_tooltip player_id='1041872' first='Leiyah' last='Bain'] was one of the top ball handlers at the event and earned my vote for best handles. However, she did more than just handle the ball—her quick first step made her a threat to shoot off the dribble. She was also able to finish at the rim with either hand, showcasing creativity in finding different ways to get her shot off.     [player_tooltip player_id='514545' first='Mariah' last='Young'] impressed me with her ability to handle the ball and her skill set that allowed her to get to the rim. Young used her strides wisely when attacking, creating more space to finish at the basket. Mariah shined in transition with the ball in her hands, either finishing at the rim or pulling up for a smooth mid-range jumper while the defense was on its heels. She also delivered some impressive no-look passes to her teammates.     [player_tooltip player_id='1039026' first='Lavin' last='Savage'] was a top defender at the event, but she also scored the ball effectively. Savage used her quickness to get to her side-step pull-up jumper, throwing off the timing of her defenders and getting her shot over taller players. She also initiated contact on drives, forcing defenders to foul her. Savage definitely lived up to her name as she showed no mercy on either side fo the ball and showed her versatility as a 2-way PG     [player_tooltip player_id='633529' first='Mia' last='Chandler'] was definitely one of the top three players in the showcase. Mia hustled for every loose ball and blocked any shot that came into her paint. She held her ground against other talented post players, not falling for any moves or pump fakes, forcing opponents to try to shoot over the top of her—very few were successful. Mia also excelled as the roller in the pick-and-roll. Her ability to make contact before the roll made it easy for her to catch the ball high and finish with soft hands and a gentle touch around the rim, making her an automatic bucket every time.     [player_tooltip player_id='514689' first='Emma' last='Parker'] had a smooth handle that allowed her to change direction effortlessly. I watched her drive to the left side of the rim, change direction with one dribble, and finish quickly on the right side against one of the most athletic players in the building. Emma was constantly moving, creating easy buckets by cutting in front of her defenders. Parker always had her head up, whether dribbling or catching a pass, with a quick reaction to get her teammates the ball when they cut or finding the open teammate on a drive and kick. Emma is definitely what we call an impact player who can help a team win in many ways.     [player_tooltip player_id='1039033' first='Monica' last='Mercado'] was an impactful player, moving well on offense and demonstrating a great sense of where to cut after the pass and how to fill in after a teammate's cut. Mercado always knew where to be on the offensive end, making her a constant three-point threat. She shot the ball confidently and made several contested threes that helped her team pull away in a couple of games. You definitely can't take your eyes off her on the offensive end, as she's always moving and cutting.     [player_tooltip player_id='1039034' first='Mya' last='Greene'] played exceptionally well, creating opportunities for her teammates by making smart passes that others didn't see. In one play, I watched Mya dive for a loose ball and tap it backward to a cutting teammate for an easy bucket, which drew a lot of "wows" from the crowd. Mya also hit several key shots when her team needed them. Her solid form and follow-through forced opponents to respect her shot, especially after she hit two in a row, prompting the opposing coaches to shout, "Shooter!"     [player_tooltip player_id='1039030' first='Maya' last='Pinero'] was very active throughout the showcase, scoring the majority of her points by constantly moving on offense and cutting. She excelled at finding ways to get open and filling the gaps where the defense was lacking, scoring easy buckets to help her team. Maya also hustled on every play. In one instance, I watched her grab a rebound over taller defenders, bring the ball back out, and attack for a smooth two-dribble mid-range pull-up. Maya has a nice shooting form and follow-through, making her a threat on catch-and-shoot jumpers.     Alana Tatum was one of the best overall players in the gym. She ran the point guard position like an elite talent, showcasing her ability to push the ball in transition and quickly draw defenders to create easy scoring opportunities for her teammates. Once she had set up her teammates, Alana began scoring herself. She shot the three-ball well and used her handles to get into pull-up jumpers.    Defensively, Alana played lockdown on-ball defense and was active and vocal off the ball. Whether on the strong side or weak side, she caused turnovers and consistently turned defense into offense. She's not only one of the best point guards in her class, but one of the best in the state, period

With so much talent in the gym, I want to break down each individual's performance from a team perspective. Here is Team 1.