Freshman Fire: Rising Stars Ready For Live Period

With the first live period of the travel season about to tip off, teams and players have gotten their warm-up games in and are now ready to showcase their skills under the lights—and in front of coaches, evaluators, and scouts. The Class of 2028 is coming in strong, shaking off the freshman 15 and ready to prove they belong. Here are a few names to keep an eye on.    [player_tooltip player_id='248355' first='Alana' last='Pinnock'], at first glance, doesn't look like a freshman. The 6-foot guard draws immediate attention with her presence and poise. Competing with the [program_tooltip program_id='713602' first='Essence' last='EYBL'] 17U squad, she fits right in. Her ability to handle the ball with confidence and score off the dribble will attract plenty of attention during the first live period. She also uses her length effectively on the defensive end, allowing her to guard and compete against some of the best players in the nation.     [player_tooltip player_id='1214289' first='Arianna' last='Murray'] had a productive first season at Montverde Academy, playing all across the nation. The skilled wing player can play the 2 or 3 and also can stretch the floor as a 4, Murray has the ability to shoot it well, while also being able to score in the post with physicality. Her versatility makes her adaptable to play anywhere on the floor, and she will be one to watch during the first live period.     [player_tooltip player_id='1092442' first='London' last='Thomas'] is already built like a Division I point guard, and she uses her strength to get to her spots and score at will—whether it's off the dribble, off the catch, or finishing at the rim. She also has great vision, finding open teammates with ease. On the defensive end, she doesn't mind getting gritty, taking charges, and forcing turnovers.     [player_tooltip player_id='727591' first='Jaiden' last='Peterson'] is a crafty scoring guard who has no problem creating her own shot when plays break down. Her ability to play both on the ball and off the ball makes her a constant offensive threat, as she can impact the game even when she's not the one taking the shot.     [player_tooltip player_id='646516' first='London' last='Baez'] is one of the best shooters in the state, and she will be showcasing her talent with [program_tooltip program_id='1214895' first='MBJ' last='Elite'] 16U on the Adidas circuit. Her ability to shoot the ball off the catch or the dribble at 6'1" is a coach's dream. Whether contested or not, if she gets the shot off, there's a strong chance it's going in. Her consistency from beyond the arc is sure to draw a lot of attention this season.     [player_tooltip player_id='1229156' first='Shaw' last='Summer'] gained a lot of attention this high school season as a double-double machine in points and rebounds. She has already carried that momentum into the travel ball season with Essence 15U EYBL. Her ability to adapt to the speed of the game so quickly, make decisive plays, and still play with confidence will undoubtedly catch the attention of many.     [player_tooltip player_id='880384' first='Jada' last='Clardy'] is a 6-foot guard who uses her length to score in multiple ways—finishing high off the glass, shooting over taller defenders, and using her handles to get to her spots and finish creatively around the rim. She also uses her length defensively, making her one of the better shot-blocking guards, often catching her opponent's shot at the top of their release and sending it right back. The [program_tooltip program_id='713522' first='Miami' last='Suns'] guard will look to add to her already impressive list of Division I offers.

With the first live period of the travel season about to tip off, teams and players have gotten their warm-up games in and are now ready to showcase their skills under the lights—and in front of coaches, evaluators, and scouts. The Class of 2028 is coming in strong, shaking off the freshman 15 and ready to prove they belong. Here are a few names to keep an eye on.