Michigan State Tourney: ’26’s Make Noise

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2026 class made some serious noise at this year's PGH Michigan State Tournament, held this past weekend at MSA Fieldhouse. With high-energy play, clutch shots, and standout performances, it was clear that the future of Michigan girls' basketball is in strong hands. Teams from across the state brought their A-game, but it was the 2026 players who captured the spotlight, showcasing their skill, poise, and basketball IQ. As these young athletes continue to rise, it's exciting to think about where their talents will take them in the years to come.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Evan and I put in the effort to scout as many players and teams as we could throughout the day! Now, let's spotlight some of the standout 17U players who truly impressed on Saturday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["802589"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1251268,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6835c06e65113"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Olivia, a dominant post player for [program_tooltip program_id='1249501' first='Grand' last='Rapids Outkast'], had an impressive performance at the PGH Michigan State Tournament on Saturday. She was a powerhouse in the paint, making an impact on both ends of the floor. Offensively, she kept the ball high on her finishes, making it tough for defenders to contest. On defense, Olivia was relentless, cleaning up the boards and altering shots with her physical presence. Her hustle and intensity were on full display, and she proved to be a key player for her team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["734924"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1251271,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6835c06e651c6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ella, a skilled post player for [program_tooltip program_id='1249501' first='Grand' last='Rapids Outkast'], had a standout performance on Saturday at the PGH Michigan State Tournament. She was a shot-blocking machine, swatting away several attempts throughout the game. On offense, Ella showcased her ability to finish strong in traffic but also demonstrated great court awareness, knowing when to dish it out to an open teammate. Her determination on the boards was evident, as she consistently battled for position to secure crucial rebounds. Ella's all-around effort helped her team stay competitive throughout the day.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["734926"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1251273,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6835c06e6525a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ryan has been playing at an elite level this spring, and Saturday at the PGH Michigan State Tournament was no exception. She was a standout on both ends of the floor, locking down defenders with her tenacious defense. Offensively, Ryan attacked the basket fearlessly, finishing with both hands around the rim. She also showed off her range, knocking down several key shots from beyond the arc. Her all-around game and relentless effort make her a tough matchup for any opponent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["734928"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1251276,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6835c06e652eb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Madisyn, a dynamic guard for [program_tooltip program_id='1249501' first='Grand' last='Rapids Outkast'], consistently pushed the tempo and made a major impact in transition, effortlessly converting easy fast-break opportunities. Known for her sharpshooting, she continued to display her scoring ability at the PGH Michigan State Tournament, hitting key shots from all over the floor. Her speed and awareness on the move allowed her to capitalize on the fast pace, making her a constant threat.<br><br><br><br><br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["773850"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1251279,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6835c06e6537b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ava, a standout player for the Naturals, had an impressive showing on Saturday at the PGH Michigan State Tournament. She showcased exceptional footwork around the rim, making her a tough matchup in the post. Ava's relentless effort on the boards was evident, as she consistently fought for rebounds. What stood out most was her ability to handle the ball in the open floor—she's not afraid to grab a defensive rebound and push the ball coast to coast, creating fast-break opportunities for her team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["734979"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1251285,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6835c06e6540b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ava, an athletic guard for the Naturals, had a strong outing on Saturday at the PGH Michigan State Tournament. Known for her lockdown defense, she consistently took on the challenge of guarding the opposing team's top player. Offensively, she attacked the basket with confidence, finishing through traffic with toughness and determination. Ava's ability to excel on both ends of the floor made her a key contributor to her team's success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->