PGH Freshman Showcase: The best of Team 9

More than 100 prospects put their skills on display Sunday at the third annual Prep Girls Hoops Minnesota Freshman Showcase. The talented field at Hopkins High School was divided into 12 teams chosen at random by the super-secret (but less than perfect) PGH algorithm. The squads weren't exactly even, but our focus was on the individual performances rather than game outcomes or team play. We're analyzing players on a team-by-team basis. Here are the top performers from Team 9.    It didn't take long for Amari to make a good impression when she made her varsity debut at Spring Lake Park as a 7th grader. Fast forward to now and the Hopkins guard continues to illustrate why she was selected to the Prep Girls Hoops Class of 2028 Watch List. At 5'11, Johnson has length. She's athletic, she's fast and she's got plenty of skill, as well. In other words, she makes life difficult for most opponents. Johnson can also make shots from beyond the arc and slip through and around skilled defenders to score at the rim. Add a dose of healthy competitiveness and you have a premier prospect on your hands. As she becomes more seasoned, and gains from the Hopkins environment, there's no telling how high Amari can soar.     Albany has had so much success in recent years and last winter's 30-win campaign was no exception. Having now graduated half a dozen players (including Lylah's starting PG sister Tatum), there are going to be minutes available. Based on what she did this summer and at the Freshman Showcase, Lylah appears ready to step up. We didn't see all of her 3 x 3 play on Sunday but we're told she made nine threes! Findley's offensive skill set is impressive, with a great set of hands and the ability to attack the basket from either side equally well. Defensively her length is helpful, she can guard multiple positions, and she'll be physical if needed. All of that, and a calm presence on the court, will eventually carry this MN Comets standout to the next level.     If you saw our list of 10 top performers following the Showcase then you already know that McGriff had a great day. She certainly looks ready for a productive high school season, as well. Her size, strength and physical presence should fit right in with the Roseville varsity for whom she made eight appearances last year. Kiyanah is assertive, she is aggressive, and she plays with a bit of an edge. She's also got skill with the ability to make shots and score down low. From the time we first saw McGriff at the Fall Exclusive in 2023 to last Sunday, the growth in her game is palpable. She's vocal, confident and is poised for a breakout season.     We've been impressed by Drea's growth over the course of the summer playing on the highly successful [program_tooltip program_id='713021' first='West' last='Central United'] squad that features [player_tooltip player_id='565313' first='Elsa' last='Retzlaff'] and [player_tooltip player_id='904190' first='Malin' last='Youngberg'] among others. The improvement was obvious on Sunday. Fernholz is long and athletic and she has a terrific motor. She loves to play fast and isn't shy about launching threes on the fly. Defensively she can guard multiple positions and is a gamer on the boards. We love her attitude and energy, and Drea does all of the little things that coaches love. She was first off the bench on the Chargers' varsity last winter. Look for more in 2024-25.    PGH scout Ally McGinnis contributed to these evaluations.

More than 100 prospects put their skills on display Sunday at the third annual Prep Girls Hoops Minnesota Freshman Showcase. The talented field at Hopkins High School was divided into 12 teams chosen at random by the super-secret (but less than perfect) PGH algorithm. The squads weren't exactly even, but our focus was on the individual performances rather than game outcomes or team play. We're analyzing players on a team-by-team basis. Here are the top performers from Team 9.