Freshman Showcase: Who will steal the show?

With so much talent at the Freshman Showcase—nearly 60+ of the top players in the state in the class of 2029, competing against each other—there are plenty of known names and up-and-coming stars. This event is also a prime opportunity for under-the-radar players to make a name for themselves and steal the show. Here are a few who might do just that:    [player_tooltip player_id='1266909' first='Amelia' last='Dammann'] is a high-energy player who has the chance to really make a name for herself at the Freshman Showcase. Her relentless defense and nonstop motor on every possession set her apart, while her ability to shoot the ball and score quickly with either hand can catch opponents off guard. Dammann keeps the game simple, trusting her instincts and leaving little room for hesitation or turnovers. Basketball is a game of confidence, and she plays with plenty of it—making her a strong candidate to steal the show at the showcase.     [player_tooltip player_id='1261253' first='Baylee' last='Sapp'] plays the game with strength, speed, and athleticism. She has the opportunity and ability to be recognized as one of the best defenders in her class. Her physical on-ball defense—applied full court without fouling—is impressive, and her defensive intensity and energy can neutralize even the toughest scorers. Combine that athleticism with her slashing ability, finishing through contact, and her ball-handling skills to create her own shot, and Sapp has all the tools to become a breakout star at the showcase.     [player_tooltip player_id='1245631' first='Kennedy' last='Jones'] is lightning-quick—probably still faster than most players even while dribbling. Her explosive first step consistently catches defenders off guard, and teams with late rotations can't recover before she's already at the rim. Her speed also fuels her defense, allowing her to jump passing lanes and quickly turn steals into transition offense. If defenders try to sag off to neutralize her speed, she can knock down shots off the catch, and after blowing by them a few times, she uses her jab step to set up her jumper. With this combination of speed, skill, and scoring versatility, Jones has all the tools to become a breakout star at the showcase.     [player_tooltip player_id='1273442' first='Brianna' last='Nolan'] is fearless on the court and a constant threat with the ball in her hands. She has the ability to draw defenders and make the right reads, setting up her teammates with precision bounce passes, skip passes, and pocket passes that lead to open looks. Offensively, her quick shooting trigger allows her to get shots off in an instant, and she plays with the confidence that if she gets it up, it's going in. On defense, she has a knack for poking the ball loose from behind and turning it into transition opportunities. With her skill set and play style, Brianna has all the tools to shine in this environment and emerge as a breakout star at the showcase.     [player_tooltip player_id='1240850' first='Khloe' last='Rodgers'] is impressive with the ball in her hands, showcasing some of the smoothest and most creative handles you'll see—far more advanced than many players her age. Her ability to use hesitation moves and change of pace in her combos constantly keeps defenders guessing. She can score in multiple ways, whether it's pulling up off the dribble or finishing at the rim with creativity. Just when you think you've figured her out, she delivers jaw-dropping passes—no-looks, look-offs, and perfectly threaded dimes that leave defenders frozen. Expect plenty of “wows” from the crowd and her peers at the showcase, as Rodgers is a strong candidate to emerge as a breakout star.     [player_tooltip player_id='1267366' first='Dasha' last='Armstead'] leaves it all on the floor every play. She possesses a skill many lack—the ability to play hard every single possession, no matter the outcome. A multi-sport athlete and natural competitor, she does a lot of things well. As she continues to perfect her game and develop her niche, she has the ability to catch fire at any moment during the showcase. Whether it's taking what the defense gives her, creating for herself, or helping her teammates, she knows how to impact winning. A true team player with great instincts on where to be—whether spotting up for a shot or attacking the rim—Armstead has all the tools to emerge as a breakout star among her peers.     [player_tooltip player_id='1273700' first='Emma' last='Stratton'] plays with passion and swagger every time she steps on the floor. She uses her ball-handling—most notably her smooth between-the-legs crossover—to freeze defenders just long enough to read the play and make the right pass. She can finish at the rim with either hand, and you can't afford to leave her open beyond the arc, as she can knock it down with confidence. With her versatile skill set and fearless style of play, Emma has the opportunity to make sure everyone knows her name and emerge as a breakout star at the showcase.

With so much talent at the Freshman Showcase—nearly 60+ of the top players in the state in the class of 2029, competing against each other—there are plenty of known names and up-and-coming stars. This event is also a prime opportunity for under-the-radar players to make a name for themselves and steal the show. Here are a few who might do just that: