PGH Freshman Showcase: The best of Team 8, 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 8, part 1.    Ellis had her fingerprints all over the game at the Freshman Showcase, particularly on the offensive end. The 5'7 guard got downhill to the rim with ease, using her explosive first step, crafty ball handling, and soft touch to wrack up points in the paint. On the perimeter, Maliyah's shot is consistently smooth, with a silky, textbook form. The Eden Prairie freshman's athleticism shined on the defensive end, where her bounciness, active hands, and quick lateral movement made her a disruptive force. There's no question that Ellis is a rising star among the 2029s.     By this point we are well familiar with Perry's game. She plays with fluid athleticism, is a disruptive perimeter defender, and can shoot the lights out on any given day. On Sunday it was no different. The 5'8 guard helped lead the way for Team 8, providing quiet leadership and maintaining poise at the top of the key. We were impressed with Stella's ability to keep things simple, maintaining a calm, business-like demeanor. The Lakeville North freshman's high basketball IQ and court vision were also tremendous assets for Team 8.     Despite her small stature, McFadden never shied away from the competition at the Freshman Showcase. The 5'4 guard showed no hesitation when tasked with guarding much taller and stronger players. Mia was an aggressive force on the perimeter, using her high energy defense to make things difficult for the competition. On the offensive end the Maranatha Christian Academy freshman showcased both her unselfishness with the ball and her proficient shooting from the three point line. Having earned some varsity playing time as an 8th grader, McFadden looks ready for a larger role with the Mustangs in her freshman year.     George impacted the game in a variety of ways on Sunday. On the offensive end she excelled at creating movement off the ball and was a confident shooter from the midrange. Etta brought energy to the defensive end, applying pressure on the perimeter and wrestling for every loose ball in her vicinity. The 5'6 guard brought plenty of positivity to the floor and was a vocal supporter of her teammates from the bench all day long. With some work on her offensive skillset, George could become a rotational piece in the post-Jordan Ode era at Maple Grove.

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 8, part 1.