PGH Freshman Showcase: The best of Team 9, 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 9, part 1.    Not surprisingly, Deleeuw was one of the day's standout performers, controlling the floor with confidence and poise from the opening tip. She creates space with her handle, knocks down tough mid-range and long-distance shots, and sees the game at a high level. The ball rarely leaves her hands without finding the right spot. Deleeuw is wiry strong and has the IQ, vision, and decision-making to outperform older, bigger players. She balances scoring and distribution seamlessly, knowing when to pull the trigger and when to dish. One of the premier performers in the Class of 2029.     Farmer has already made her mark as one of the state's top shooters. She set the Jackson school record this winter for three-point baskets in a season, doing so as an 8th grader. She's also money at the free throw line, making 39 straight over a 12-game stretch. At her best in catch-and-shoot situations, Zadi stretches defenses with deep range and smooth mechanics. Though a showcase isn't the best setting for Farmer to demonstrate her most deadly assets, she definitely made her presence known in a variety of ways. Yes, Zadi can do more than just drop bombs.     Orton is a long, athletic wing who runs the floor well and competes hard on defense and on the glass. Still working hard to develop her finishing and shooting skills, Julia plays the game with a high degree of effort. With East Ridge returning much of its backcourt, Orton will likely hone her game at the JV level this year. That experience should prepare her for a bigger varsity role down the road as her skill set continues to expand. This is a player with plenty of upside. We'll just need to be patient.     After a slow start on Sunday, Chatman found her rhythm following a halftime breather and immediately impacted the game with a higher degree of assertiveness and aggression. Chatman is always at her best when she's on the attack, blending strength and finesse to get downhill, showing a healthy array of point guard skills and quality court vision. With strong basketball pedigree, Tayja is a leader on both sides of the ball. We loved how she used her quickness and instincts to force turnovers for easy baskets.     Salas may be undersized, but she is overcoming that obstacle with creativity, handles, and pace. Shifty and clever, Alayla changes speeds, weaves her way through traffic, and isn't afraid to pull from outside when space is available. The South St. Paul guard has the vision to create for others. Once she masters the art of knowing when to go and when to dish, her impact will be that much greater. Long-term, there's plenty to be excited about here.

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 9, part 1.