Reacting To The Weekend's Top Performers

This past weekend was definitely a nice way to kick off some high-level Spring action. Despite the region's girls taking off to play in different pockets of the country, it's important to have a central location to mention what took place as well as the highlights from just a few days ago. There's a lot to discuss, so without further ado, here are some reactions to the weekend's top performers.   Use code MBG30 for 30% off your first purchase of any subscription.    [player_tooltip player_id='288652' first='Elyse' last='Ngenda'] (2026) | 5'8 GUard | Rivals   One thing that became clear was how premier Ngenda truly is as a bucket-getter. Apologies for not being familiar with the caliber of scorer she actually is. Elyse finished the weekend top 8 in scoring on the 3SSBG circuit, averaging 18 ppg. What was even more impressive was how efficient she was while putting up a considerable number of shots. The midrange prowess is certainly unrivaled. Her dribble set ups aren't the fanciest, but she keeps the waisted movements to a minimum and gets straight to the point into attacking. The pull up shot is absolutely tremendous, with the addition of a high quality 3-point shot that can be found within the flow of the offense. Elyse doesn't just need clean looks to knock them down either. Altogether, Ngenda is quite potent; she showed she could score from all 3 levels, plus she still retained those foundational elite defensive characteristics.     [player_tooltip player_id='496170' first='Mollie' last='Mullen'] (2026) | 5'8 Guard | Bay State Jags   What a great weekend from Mullen in Ohio. The Jags were up against some stiff competition and Mollie shined bright through it all. The playmaking put on a full display of versatility as a primary playmaker for others as well as herself. She also showed she could hit from deep from various spots, plus she was able to find her way into the lane, showing she could finish multiple ways. The '26 guard made the most out of the defensive's mistakes and capitalized on most of the possessions with the ball in her hand. Mollie wasn't just a factor offensively though. She made it her point to exert herself on the other end. The lively guard didn't allow opposing guards to get comfortable coming up the floor. Her effectiveness in engaging ballhandlers and providing help from the proper position was forceful.     Worth all the hype and recognition, Pepper is one special talent. It was nice to be able to see her play a tad more freely without the restraints in these up-tempo battles. The cameras were on Ella this weekend and she didn't disappoint. She showed she was an uber-athlete with incredible length that affects both sides of the ball. By now it's common knowledge that Ella can dunk, but what was particularly outstanding was how smooth she moves at her size. It's rare to find someone 6'4 in this space as agile as most high caliber wings. Pepper isn't a player that fits in a singular box. She's able to put the ball on the floor, lead the break, knock down the longball efficiently and she can guard at least 3 different positions comfortably. The agility and athleticism combined are absolutely fascinating to watch.     [player_tooltip player_id='299953' first='Bela' last='Cucuta'] (2026) | 5'10 Guard | IBelieve   It was pleasant to see Cucuta in action again, especially considering the high-level of competition she was facing this weekend. Bela was regularly looking like one of the best players on the floor throughout this tournament's play. Bela is an innate creator with the ball in her hands. She uses screens to her advantage and will drag the mismatch out to exploit the mistakes or miscommunications from the defense. Her shot off the dribble must be mentioned too. Bela stops on a dime with players having a hard time recovering from the instant change of speed. The lift on her shot allows her to rise over taller defenders to get the shot to a point that's out of reach. Her ability to hit tough shots is spectacular.     [player_tooltip player_id='486083' first='Bella' last='Miele'] (2026) | 5'6 Guard | MA Huskies   Bella was a key contributor helping her team go 5-0 this weekend. The dynamic guard was able to find her groove early on in the flow of the offense. Her speed, decision-making ability, plus the effectiveness of the pull up jumper makes her very hard to stop. Her production as a primary creator should definitely be mentioned. Miele turned the corner swiftly, ready to have a counter for those stepping up to contain her. That earlier mentioned speed comes to her aid on the defensive side of the ball too. Bella has the footspeed to keep up with any sprightly guard. Her overall impact left a lasting impression in VA.

This past weekend was definitely a nice way to kick off some high-level Spring action. Despite the region's girls taking off to play in different pockets of the country, it's important to have a central location to mention what took place as well as the highlights from just a few days ago. There's a lot to discuss, so without further ado, here are some reactions to the weekend's top performers.