Freshman Showcase: TEAM 3 EVALUATION

At the PGH Freshman Showcase, we had over 60 players who all came ready to compete. Many stopped me to say they were determined to earn their rankings and consistently asked for tips on how to improve their game. The gym was packed with talent, and the environment was electric. Players battled in 3v3 and then 5v5, and the atmosphere felt like a championship game as everyone left it all on the floor.    [player_tooltip player_id='1276121' first='Moriah' last='Walker'] brought energy to her team, making an impact on both ends of the court. Offensively, she cut to the rim for easy layups, while defensively, she forced turnovers with her active hands. She also knocked down some big shots off the catch, and her competitive motor stayed consistent all day.     [player_tooltip player_id='1229164' first='Grazia' last='Martin'] showcased her versatility, bringing the ball up in transition while also posting up smaller players. She created her own shot off the dribble, and with her length and quick release, she was tough to contest once she got her shot off. Defensively, she was just as impressive—guarding smaller guards, holding her own in the post, and blocking shots left and right, possibly reaching double digits on the day. A truly versatile player.     Amelie Riverio is a true point guard with the handles to keep defenses on their heels and the vision and anticipation to drop dimes—often passing her teammates open before they even realized it. She made some of the best passes in the entire showcase. But that wasn't all; she could let it fly too, knocking down shots both off the catch and off the dribble. One of the clear breakout players of the showcase.     [player_tooltip player_id='1273700' first='Emma' last='Stratton'] came to compete and did not back down from any matchup. She had no hesitation letting it fly from behind the arc, showcasing her smooth form and follow-through. If defenders gave her any space, she had the confidence to shoot it. Even when her shots missed, they were quality looks that barely rolled off the rim—her shot selection was strong. Especially on the drive was able to use nice floaters over taller defenders. Defensively, she gave her opponents very little room to get comfortable, making it a joy to watch her compete.     [player_tooltip player_id='1261369' first='Alexandra' last='Granados'] controlled the game at the pace she wanted to play. One of the top PGs in the building, her ability to get the ball where it needed to be showed her unselfishness. She delivered some of the best bounce passes all day, especially in transition. Combined with her ball-handling, timing, and understanding of the game, she was able to create her shot whenever she needed or wanted to.     [player_tooltip player_id='1279014' first='Johari' last='Oddman'] was a physical presence who brought the game to you without needing any fancy moves. She knew how to get downhill and absorb contact, and you could see it starting to wear down her matchups with how physical she was attacking the rim, fighting for rebounds, and battling for position. She kept that same energy the entire showcase, finishing at the rim through contact or drawing fouls and getting to the line.     [player_tooltip player_id='1266175' first='Kennedy' last='Lewis'] has a smooth style of play and never seemed rattled, no matter how the game was going or if she missed a shot. She played with veteran-like composure. She was able to slash to the rim, using her athleticism and length to finish effectively. There were also several moments when her team needed her to take over, and she responded by scoring three or four straight buckets.     [player_tooltip player_id='1309600' first='Ja'Zaria' last='Walker'] might have been the best rebounder and box-out player in the building. Once she secured the ball down low, she displayed several post moves, including drop steps and up-and-unders. If you didn't box her out, she was grabbing the rebound and putting it back up without ever bringing it down. Walker is the type of player who doesn't need a play drawn up for her—she'll fight for loose balls and still end up with a double-double in points and rebounds. Her relentless effort around the rim was one of the most impressive takeaways from the showcase.

At the PGH Freshman Showcase, we had over 60 players who all came ready to compete. Many stopped me to say they were determined to earn their rankings and consistently asked for tips on how to improve their game. The gym was packed with talent, and the environment was electric. Players battled in 3v3 and then 5v5, and the atmosphere felt like a championship game as everyone left it all on the floor.