PGH NE Expo: Determined Young Guns

I've seen some talented and impressive prospects the past few weeks on the road, in a handful of different states. In this article, we highlight five individuals that are in-store for impactful high school seasons ahead.   Thanks for tuning in and enjoy!    I have always spoken highly about the up and coming prospects in the Skutt High School program and [player_tooltip player_id='1045022' first='Penny' last='Currans'] is another one to know about. I wasn't familiar with Currans play-style prior to this event but she stood out to her coaches as a top player on the floor in more than one of her contests throughout the day, leaving the standing impression on everyone spectating that she is going to be a producer, down the line at the Varsity level. This program will return their main producer from last season in [player_tooltip player_id='276516' first='Molly' last='Ladwig'] and company, so it might not be this season but that's okay. If Currans can trust in the process, it's all going to work out for the best.     This is the second year that I've had a chance to see [player_tooltip player_id='1045025' first='Sanai' last='Cotton-Welchen'] at this type of event and both times she has stood out as someone that can produce on the floor on both ends. Cotton-Welchen might not be the biggest of the hardwood, but she makes up for that with heart, determination at her PG position, and some swift skill. I'm not sure if Central High School will have a lot of player out of the 2027 Class compete for Varsity minutes this Winter as they are a big program but I'm sure when Cotton-Welchen is ready, she will get her shot. She does too many good things not to be noticed and she put together a solid showing at this Showcase. Now she just has to build on that momentum moving into the season!     I did not have a chance to see much of Aquinas High School last Winter throughout the season but from the looks of it, they have a number of prospects that could be impactful this Winter at a state-wide level. Someone out of their 2027 Class, that comes to mind is [player_tooltip player_id='1045023' first='Riley' last='Campbell']. Campbell will look to take the floor and make an instant impact this season in whichever way possible. Campbell is a 5'5 Guard, that shows glimpses of some real promise. She doesn't seem to force action on the offensive side, while being a player with the combination of active hands and quick feet that every coach loves to see. High School ball is all about the role you have on your team for that specific season, it's not always what you do best. As long as everyone in this situation understands that and adapts, they should put together a memorable Winter.     Norris High School put together an impressive 19-6 record last season, capping off their year as one of the better overall teams throughout the state of Nebraska. During this time, they really stuck to their identity as a group and made every contest count. A Freshman of their's that came in and did their part throughout all this was guard, [player_tooltip player_id='1045014' first='Landri' last='Gates']. Gates only competed in about half of the contests throughout the Varsity season and she did a great job at sticking to what she does best. She took what the defense gave her and made some solid plays because of that, just like she did this past weekend at our Showcase. You could tell in moments that she was trying to show-out and standout but she also understood when to tone it back, which is a major key in someone's progression. At Norris as she gets older, her role on the team will grow and over-time, she will produce solid numbers for her squad at that Varsity level by the looks of it.     Millard South is a school that produces a lot of solid prospects on the basketball court. They have talent at all age levels and they do a respectable job of showing that talent off. Someone from their 2026 Class, that has been a quality influence for them is Bella Lucero-Miner. Miner moves around at the guard position and primarily does her best when she is off of the basketball. It's all situational as she can take her defender off the dribble at times but to start, she really kills it when she can play off of someone else's creation. All in all, I'll be keeping my eye on Lucero-Miner and the Millard South program these next six months. They should be in stored for impactful seasons together, as long as their interests aline.

I've seen some talented and impressive prospects the past few weeks on the road, in a handful of different states. In this article, we highlight five individuals that are in-store for impactful high school seasons ahead.