PGH Minnesota Expo: Team 6 evaluations, part 1

The Prep Girls Hoops showcase season in Minnesota wrapped up on Sunday in Maple Grove with the PGH Expo. A variety of intriguing 2026 and 2027 (plus a couple of 2029) prospects were on hand and we're doing evaluations on all six teams. This is part 1 of our Team 6 evaluations.    Taylor's performance at the PGH Expo reminded everyone why she is one of the premier prospects in the 2027 class. With her athleticism on full display, Samira put on a clinic on the offensive end of the floor. From a swift Eurostep through traffic, to elevating over the defense for a smooth pullup jumper in the midrange, to knocking down threes with ease, the DeLaSalle junior showed what it means to be a three-level scorer. Following the graduation of several seniors, including Richmond freshman Aneisha Scott, Taylor is likely to be a crucial piece for the Islanders this winter.     The difference in Hinzmann's game from a year ago to now is remarkable. Her overall skillset has improved dramatically, as has her creativity on the offensive end. We were particularly impressed with Amaya's footwork in the paint, as she now has a wide range of moves in her arsenal. One of the highlights of the day was watching the 6'2 forward knock down a spin-move fadeaway midrange jumper, akin to the signature shot of Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier. Hinzmann will have some big shoes to fill this winter at STMA, but there is no doubt in our minds that Knights junior has what it takes.     Tennessen brought all of the energy to the PGH Expo. She was aggressive on defense, super active on the glass, and gave the extra effort on more plays than we could count. The 5'9 guard was highly effective in transition. Using her length and timing, Livia jumped passing lanes to force turnovers, then got the ball up the floor to the right places, allowing her teammates to pick up easy buckets. The Cannon Falls junior was effective in the half-court offense as well, using her well-timed cuts to get open looks at the rim. After averaging 16.3 points per game as a sophomore, we expect Tennessen will spend another year in the cockpit for the Bombers.     Johnson was highly effective for Team 6, using her sound fundamentals and work ethic to impact the game in a variety of ways. The 5'9 guard's high basketball IQ was evident on the defensive end, where she used her physicality and quick feet to make things difficult for the other team. Lucy also blocked shots without fouling and gambled for steals at the right times. On the offensive end the Benilde-St. Margaret's junior showcased her proficient three-point shooting, unselfish passing, and ability to create movement away from the ball. As the Red Knights enter a new era this winter, it looks like Johnson's patience may finally pay off.     As she so often does, Brynteson left it all out on the floor on Sunday. The 5'11 guard was a pest on defense, using her bounciness and quick feet to create pressure on the perimeter, and using her physicality to bump opponents off the line on drives to the basket. On numerous occasions Ava turned her defense into offense. On one possession, after her team had just scored a basket, she stole the ball off the inbound and laid it in for an easy two points. Following the graduations of a plethora of seniors, we suspect that this could be a breakout year for the Prior Lake junior.

The Prep Girls Hoops showcase season in Minnesota wrapped up on Sunday in Maple Grove with the PGH Expo. A variety of intriguing 2026 and 2027 (plus a couple of 2029) prospects were on hand and we're doing evaluations on all six teams. This is part 1 of our Team 6 evaluations.