Danyle's All-Showcase All-Defensive Team

The PGH Michigan Expo tipped off on Saturday, September 27th, showcasing 80 talented prospects in a full day of competitive 3v3 and 5v5 matchups. My coverage centered on the players representing Teams 1, 2, 7, 9, and 10, and the level of play did not disappoint. Out of a deep pool of standouts, several athletes separated themselves with their performance, earning recognition on my Defensive Team.    Mayrese made her biggest mark on the defensive end at the PGH Expo, where she was selected to my all-defensive team. From start to finish, she applied suffocating ball pressure, using her quick feet and relentless motor to keep opposing guards uncomfortable and off balance. She read passing lanes with precision, turning her anticipation into several clean steals that quickly shifted momentum for her team. What stood out most was her discipline—she pressured the ball without overcommitting, cut off driving angles, and forced opponents into tough decisions. Her ability to disrupt plays before they developed and her constant energy as an on-ball stopper made her one of the premier defenders in the gym.     E'mani was a defensive sparkplug for Team 10 at the PGH Expo, earning a spot on my all-defensive team with the way she disrupted opponents from start to finish. Her on-ball pressure was relentless—staying low, moving her feet, and never giving ball-handlers a moment to relax. She anticipated plays before they developed, jumping passing lanes and swiping steals that turned into instant momentum shifts. Beyond just the steals, she wore down her matchups with constant effort, contesting every pass and shot while setting the tone for her team's defensive energy. E'mani's toughness, quickness, and determination made her one of the most difficult guards to play against all day.     McKynley was a defensive force for Team 7 at the PGH Expo, earning her way onto my all-defensive team in addition to being a First Team selection. From start to finish, she set the tone with her relentless pressure on the perimeter, staying locked onto opposing guards and making it nearly impossible for them to get comfortable. Her quick feet and sharp instincts allowed her to jump passing lanes and pile up steals, while her active hands constantly disrupted dribbles and passes. She also did the little things that matter—boxing out, fighting through screens, and bringing nonstop energy every possession. McKynley's toughness, focus, and defensive intensity made her one of the most impactful players at the event.     Emma's performance at the PGH Expo was defined by her defensive dominance, earning her a well-deserved spot on my all-defensive team. She brought an edge and intensity every time she stepped on the floor, pestering ball-handlers with constant pressure and using her quick reactions to strip the ball cleanly. Her anticipation allowed her to jump passing lanes and turn defensive stops into fast-break opportunities, while her physicality made finishing against her nearly impossible. Emma also showed grit on the glass, boxing out with authority and securing tough rebounds in traffic. With her toughness, effort, and ability to disrupt possessions from start to finish, she established herself as one of the most dependable defenders in the gym.     Daviya made her presence felt at the PGH Expo with her defensive intensity, earning a spot on my all-defensive team. She stayed locked in on every possession, pressuring the ball with active hands and forcing opponents into mistakes. Her anticipation was excellent, allowing her to jump passing lanes and create turnovers that disrupted the flow of the game. Daviya also brought toughness on the boards, fighting for rebounds and denying second-chance opportunities with her effort and positioning. Her commitment to defending, combined with her relentless hustle, made her one of the most disruptive and reliable stoppers on the floor.     A'leeyah made her mark at the PGH Expo with her defensive intensity, earning a spot on my all-defensive team. She brought nonstop energy on that end of the floor, smothering ball-handlers with on-ball pressure and refusing to give opponents any easy looks. Her anticipation in the passing lanes consistently led to deflections and steals, while her quick reactions allowed her to contest shots and close out effectively on the perimeter. A'leeyah's toughness showed in her willingness to battle for rebounds and scrap for loose balls, ensuring her team gained extra possessions. Her combination of effort, awareness, and determination made her one of the most disruptive defenders in the gym.

The PGH Michigan Expo tipped off on Saturday, September 27th, showcasing 80 talented prospects in a full day of competitive 3v3 and 5v5 matchups. My coverage centered on the players representing Teams 1, 2, 7, 9, and 10, and the level of play did not disappoint. Out of a deep pool of standouts, several athletes separated themselves with their performance, earning recognition on my Defensive Team.