PGH Freshman Showcase: The best of Team 6, part 1

Nearly 100 prospects competed on Sunday in the Prep Girls Hoops Freshman Showcase at Maple Grove Middle School. We'll be releasing the first ranking of the 2029 class in a few weeks – our annual Freshman 50 – and numerous players made a strong case that they should be included. We're publishing evaluations on all 10 teams in the event. This is the best of Team 6, part 1.    Gustafson made her presence known at the Freshman Showcase, bringing a high degree of confidence and leadership to the floor for Team 6. With speed, an explosive first step, and a muscular frame, the Wayzata freshman is a naturally gifted athlete. What else comes naturally to Nikki is her ability to score at every level. The 5'8 guard shot the lights out on Sunday, making one three-pointer after another all with the same smooth, textbook release. There is no doubt in our minds that Gustafson is one of the premier prospects in the class of 2029.     It should come as no surprise that Henrikson was a standout performer this weekend. From her powerful athleticism, to her high basketball IQ, to her consistent effort on both ends of the floor, Macie is one of the most well-rounded guards in the class. With an offensive skillset that is extraordinarily polished for her age, Macie is a true three-level scorer with a particular affinity for the midrange. Following an outstanding AAU season with the [program_tooltip program_id='712687' first='Minnesota' last='Fury'], the 5'9 guard will make her debut for Lakeville South this winter where she is headed for great things.     The Freshman Showcase often serves as an excellent measuring stick for young players. With many of the top prospects in the class in attendance, we got a chance to see how Layton stacks up. From her three-level scoring, to her high-tempo perimeter defense, to her endless motor and radiant positivity on the floor, it's safe to say that the Big Lake freshman passed with flying colors. Combining Sunday's performance with a breakout AAU season, it's easy to see how Greta has made a name for herself among the 2029s over the past 6 months.     Swanson impacted the game at both ends of the floor on Sunday, making an impact in a variety of ways. On defense the 5'7 guard/forward took on the challenge of guarding much larger players, such as 6'2 [player_tooltip player_id='1233136' first='Korbin' last='Tanner']. Hadley held her own, playing physical defense in the post while showing no fear. On the offensive end, her cuts were well-timed, creating plenty of off ball movement. We were also impressed with Hadley's awareness in late game situations. By keeping her eyes on the clock, the St. James freshman always made sure her team got an open look before the time ran out.     If there's one thing about Johnson's game that stood out to us on Sunday, it would be her seemingly endless motor. Regardless of the score, the 5'7 guard gives her full effort on every single possession. Alyson's defense is aggressive, high-tempo, and often results in a steal and a fast break opportunity. The Andover freshman is lightning quick in the open court, and pushes the pace in transition. On the offensive end Johnson is equally aggressive, particularly on the offensive glass. She consistently crashes the boards, leading to second chance scoring opportunities for her team.

Nearly 100 prospects competed on Sunday in the Prep Girls Hoops Freshman Showcase at Maple Grove Middle School. We'll be releasing the first ranking of the 2029 class in a few weeks – our annual Freshman 50 – and numerous players made a strong case that they should be included. We're publishing evaluations on all 10 teams in the event. This is the best of Team 6, part 1.