Zero Star Showcase Preview: 2027 Prospects

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Girls Hoops is breaking a new trail this weekend. [program_tooltip program_id='923712' first='Prepare' last='2 Win Basketball'] and AdvantEdge Sports Training have combined forces to present the first-ever Zero Star Showcase at Northern Michigan University. Middle/High School boys and girls prospects from the Zero Star travel basketball program are putting their best basketball on display with live Prep Girls Hoops coverage and college coaches in the gym. This is a monumental moment for Michigan girls' basketball recruiting and coverage. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":879008,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/03/20240325_142416-crop-1536x1009-1711391481.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-879008" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jenna Maki, 2024, Ishpeming, Breslin Center, Mar. 22</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The seed was planted in March of 2024 during the state semifinals when I watched prospects Ella Mason from Negaunee and Jenna Maki of Ishpeming blow the roof off the Breslin Center. Both were soon-to-be graduating seniors who, quite frankly, should have been on our radar sooner and more heavily recruited by colleges in the state. That day, I realized an entire peninsula of Michigan was being missed, and I vowed never to let another Yooper girls basketball prospect graduate without being known by Prep Girls Hoops, seen, and evaluated by college coaches. Many schools with great basketball players in the U.P. do not make it to the big dance at the Breslin Center, and those kids deserve an opportunity to be noticed. I met Advantedge Sports Training and [program_tooltip program_id='928192' first='Zero' last='Star Basketball'] owner/director Dustin Brancheau when he brought his [program_tooltip program_id='928192' first='Zero' last='Star Basketball'] teams to our Prep Girls Hoops Live tournament. There, I discovered many additional prospects with college basketball pedigree. <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/05/prep-live-17u-morning-session-notes/">Read More</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1261138,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/06/PXL_20240624_002006959.MP_-crop-3657x2401-1750431982.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1261138" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Zero Star Practice, Republic Jr/Sr High School, Michigamme, June 23rd, 2024.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After driving up with Cleary University Assistant Coach Jerry Wallace for a Zero Star Girls Basketball practice almost a year ago to the day, it was clear that this needed to become an annual event. I started the&nbsp;<a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/2024/12/yooper-hoopers-week-one/">“Yooper Hooper”</a>&nbsp;article series to give U.P. prospects Prep Girls Hoops coverage during their high school season, and I'm excited to see many of those girls competing this weekend. Dustin and I have high hopes for the U.P., and this Zero Star Showcase is the starting point of what will be a marquee event for Yooper boys and girls basketball prospects for years to come. Here are the 2027 prospects lacing up their shoes during the girls' showcase on Saturday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1112163"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","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-6855902d56959"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Piper is an explosive point guard from Sault Ste. Marie, who will be a must-see prospect at the Zero Star Showcase tomorrow. She drives by defenders with a burst and has a full bag of dribble combinations that keep defenders off balance. Piper is a ruthless on-ball defender who chases the ball sideline to sideline to create steals. She's an excellent facilitator and full-speed finisher who can bury three-pointers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["902865"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","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-6855902d569be"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Makayla is a versatile combo guard prospect from Gwinn who had a great tournament at the MBA Mother's Day Classic. She has excellent footwork and balance when she drives to the basket. Makayla finishes well with both hands and makes great passes to teammates when her shot isn't there. She anticipates passes on defense to create steals and pushes with pace to score transition layups. Makayla has the range to knock down three-pointers, and I'm excited to see her compete at the Zero Star Showcase.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["903129"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","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-68561d122986c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ellie is a guard from Houghton who will be one of the top 2027 prospects to watch tomorrow. Her length and athleticism make life difficult for opposing guards, she's a lockdown defender. Ellie handles the ball confidently with both hands, dishes passes on a rope, and finishes with excellent dexterity around the basket. She creates space from defenders with a variety of dribble moves and has an explosive burst with her steps. I'm expecting a great day from Ellie tomorrow after her showing at the MBA Mother's Day Classic.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["903059"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","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-6855902d56a06"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gretel is a playmaker from Negaunee who has the athleticism, robust strength, hard-working demeanor, and basketball abilities that immediately grab your attention. She handles the ball with speed and control. Gretel contributes in every statistical category and makes three-pointers at a high rate--a very efficient shooter. She is a tough, hard-nosed defender and determined rebounder. Gretel is a prospect who I feel is on the verge of a monster Junior season and will be a phenomenal prospect for college coaches to pay attention to at the Zero Star Showcase. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1247299"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","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-6855902d56a49"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Addi caught my eye at the MBA Mother's Day Classic with her pinpoint three-point shooting. She finishes layups with finesse around the basket and is a Marquette guard I'm eager to see again at the Zero Star Showcase. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["885003"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","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-6855902d56a8a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ahnaka is a versatile guard prospect from Sault Ste. Marie that I'm excited to watch. She is a sharpshooter who can be deadly from three-point range. Ahnaka's aggressive and active defense creates deflections and steals--she's a determined rebounder. Ahnaka has the potential for a breakout day at the Zero Star Showcase tomorrow. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["904979"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","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-6855902d56ac9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sadie missed the majority of her sophomore season because of a shoulder injury, but she earned perhaps the highest honor of all--the BCAM Team First Award. Sadie worked hard during rehab and returned for the playoffs. She sounds like the type of teammate and student-athlete any coach would love to have on their team. I'm looking forward to seeing Sadie compete at the Zero Star Showcase tomorrow. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["886859"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","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-6855902d56b09"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jessa is a guard from Norway who pours in triples when defenders give her space to fire. She works hard to secure rebounds, pushes the ball confidently down the floor with both hands, and dishes crisp passes to teammates. Jessa creates steals on the defensive end, and I'm excited to see her play at the Zero Star Showcase. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1219954"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","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-6855902d56b47"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bailey turned some heads during the D3 State Semifinals with Calumet. She is a three-point shooting threat who can take the ball hard downhill to cause fouls and score layups. Bailey keeps her hands active to cause deflections and jumps passing lanes to grab steals. I'm excited to see her compete again at the Zero Star Showcase tomorrow.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["902756"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","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-6855902d56b84"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ruby is a guard who has an all-around impact on the court for Houghton. She knocks down triples with a high-arcing shot, drives hard to the basket, and finishes effectively off two feet. Ruby creates steals with her defensive pressure, and I'm looking forward to seeing her compete at the Zero Star Showcase.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->