PGH Minnesota Expo: Top performers on Team 3

After back-to-back weekends of watching some of the best freshmen and sophomores in Minnesota strut their stuff at two Prep Girls Hoops showcase events, it was the juniors and seniors who had their turn in the spotlight this past Sunday. More than 75 prospects took to the floor at Jefferson High school in Bloomington. Grant McGinnis, Ally McGinnis and I are doing individual evaluations of the top performers on each of the eight teams this week. Here are the best of Team 3.    When you have a player who has already made a college commitment participate in an event geared towards helping players with their recuitment, you know it's simply for the love of the game. Mullenbach committed to North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) back in May, but she's a fierce competitor and when an opportunity to get some reps in presents itself, you better believe she'll take advantage of it. The diminutive sniper was up to her old tricks again at the Expo. You'd better have a hand up when Ella crosses half court because she will let it fly! Make or miss, she shoots with extreme confidence and never stops attacking. Ella's arsenal is not just limited to 3-point bombs. She has a deadly mid-range pull-up and is absolutely fearless attacking the basket. The Mankato West product is looking to go out with a bang her senior season and we're excited to watch!     I must be honest; I hadn't seen much of Thomas prior to the PGH Expo and shame on me. Aniyah seemed to be on a mission and whatever that was, she accomplished it. Thomas caught my eye during the 3 x 3 games, getting to wherever she wanted to and knocking down jumpers in abundance. Now could she do it in a real game setting? The answer was a resounding 'yes!' She has a very tight handle and doesn't over-dribble. If she's not getting to the basket, distributing or shooting the jumper, the ball isn't sticking in her hands. Thomas was very good in transition hitting teammates in stride rewarding them for sprinting ahead of the defense. Speaking of defense, she was just as determined, fighting through screens and making her opponent work for everything. I'm very excited to see what the future holds for Thomas.     Simonsen is listed at 5'8, but certainly appears to be taller. She had a very consistent showing at the Expo. Along with having good size, Kat has a good feel for the game. For me, part of that means being able to adapt to different situations on the fly and being under control. Her ball-handling and decision making in the open court was top notch and with her size, she was able to get to the basket and finish over the top at a consistent clip. She moved well without the ball and was ready to shoot when the ball found its way to her. Simonsen displayed the ability to shoot it from mid-range and beyond the arc. All signs point to her being a big part of the Eagan Wildcats attack this upcoming season, and with the work she's putting in, she'll be ready.     I feel like with Hooks, you can put her anywhere on the floor and she'll find a way to make an impact. Jazmyn has a nice, strong build and can handle the ball well enough to get you into your offense and can also play off the ball and hurt you from the outside with her shooting ability. When you have a tough-nosed player who defends, rebounds and checks all the boxes, you can't go wrong. Hooks' willingness to give up a good shot for a better shot shows how unselfish she is, which is commendable when a lot players think scoring is the only way to make an impact. We don't know what's in the cards for Hooks at Eden Prairie this season, but I know she'll be ready when her number is called.     Give me five players like this as a coach and I bet even I could win a few games. Morrisey just seems to always be in the right place at the right time. Sometimes with players that happens by accident, but not in this case. It's hard to guard someone who doesn't stop moving. I watched Morrisey during the 3x3 action and during the two showcase games and it was the same thing, She just has a good feel on where to be. It's one thing to be in the right place, but to be able to capitalize on it is what's important. That ability led to numerous offensive rebounds for put-backs and layups from being in the right spot when her teammates would penetrate. When she wasn't gobbling up all the offensive rebounds, Lillian stepped outside the arc and displayed her ability to knock down the 3-ball. On the defensive side, her 5'11 frame and long limbs altered many shots and made it flat out tough for opponents to get quality looks. Keep an eye on this one; she is far from finished.     Grab a bowl and toss in some patience, footwork, IQ, and all-around skill and you get [player_tooltip player_id='676690' first='Abby' last='Ruda']. The 6'1 wing out of Monticello can do it all, and don't let her somewhat slight frame fool you because Abby has no problem getting physical. She can punish bigger, slower post players on the perimeter and use her height and length to dominate smaller players in the post. It's all business when Ruda takes to the court. Along with being a nifty ballhandler, Abby is also a gifted passer and can shoot it with the best of them from the outside. Stay tuned for a breakout season as Ruda has clearly been putting in the work.

After back-to-back weekends of watching some of the best freshmen and sophomores in Minnesota strut their stuff at two Prep Girls Hoops showcase events, it was the juniors and seniors who had their turn in the spotlight this past Sunday. More than 75 prospects took to the floor at Jefferson High school in Bloomington. Grant McGinnis, Ally McGinnis and I are doing individual evaluations of the top performers on each of the eight teams this week. Here are the best of Team 3.