Fall Exclusive Recap: Future Stars, Present Impact

I'm a firm believer that as an athlete, putting yourself in uncomfortable situations is one of the best ways to grow. Stepping outside your comfort zone builds adaptability – a key skill for performing in any circumstance. The Jr. All-Star Fall Exclusive is a prime example of that mindset in action. The three-session event serves as an excellent tune-up for the winter season, whether players are preparing for travel ball or gearing up for high school competition. There were a ton of impressive performances during week 1 on Friday night, but here are six players from both groups who truly put in work and stood out on the court.   [player_tooltip player_id='834489' first='Paige' last='Determan'] – 2028 guard, Sauk Centre   Paige's game seems to elevate every time she steps on the court. She's no longer just focused on scoring – she's evolved into a true floor general, dictating pace, pushing the ball ahead, and capitalizing on scoring opportunities when they come. Defensively, she's a menace, applying constant pressure and setting the tone with her intensity. Paige competes like it's a championship game every single time she laces up, and that competitive edge continues to set her apart.   Catie Young – 2029 guard, Eden Prairie   The long, athletic wing does a lot of things well – she runs the floor, rebounds, and defends at a high level. During the Fall Exclusive, she consistently made life difficult for her matchup, showing great effort and focus on both ends as she refused to take plays off. Offensively, she could afford to be a bit more assertive, as she's clearly capable of getting to the basket and creating scoring opportunities. However, she often chose to defer to her more offensively minded teammates. There's tremendous upside with Young, as she's only beginning to tap into her full potential.   [player_tooltip player_id='990284' first='Dreah' last='Christiansen'] – 2028 guard, Menahga   The sophomore from Menahga plays with a contagious joy that lifts everyone around her. During the Fall Exclusive, Christiansen (pictured above) scored effortlessly from all three levels – knocking down bombs from beyond the arc, attacking the rim, and showing off her midrange touch. What stood out even more was her unselfishness and energy as a teammate. She celebrated others' success just as much as her own and kept the team connected. Her love for the game and team-first mentality make Dreah special.   [player_tooltip player_id='1246119' first='Erlande' last='Lonsdale'] – 2031 guard, St. Louis Park   I've said it over and over, Minnesota girls basketball is in great hands with the young crop of players coming up. Out of St. Louis Park, Lonsdale runs the floor like a gazelle and never settles. She attacks the rim with great control, finishing at a high clip. On defense, her instincts stand out – she moves her feet, anticipates well, and knows exactly when to stick her hands in the cookie jar. She's definitely one to keep your eyes on.   [player_tooltip player_id='1243842' first='Mara' last='Segerstrom'] – 2030 wing, Prior Lake   Segerstrom plays with a maturity well beyond her years. At 6'1, the wing brings a strong presence on both ends of the floor. She runs hard in transition, finishing through contact and establishing deep position on the block where she's tough to handle. Defensively, she uses her length to block shots and alter others without fouling. What stood out most during the Fall Exclusive was her leadership – calming her teammates, communicating, and keeping everyone locked in. She's a tone-setter and a winner.   Zion Nnaji – 2030 wing, Shakopee   Nnaji started the night a bit quiet, feeling things out, but once she settled in, she completely took over. The 6'1 wing out of Shakopee is a difference-maker in every sense. As her confidence grew, so did her impact – dominating the paint, running the floor for easy transition buckets, and showing great vision as a passer. She even mixed in some smooth mid-range jumpers to keep defenders honest. When Nnaji realizes just how powerful her game can be, it's game over for the competition.

I'm a firm believer that as an athlete, putting yourself in uncomfortable situations is one of the best ways to grow. Stepping outside your comfort zone builds adaptability – a key skill for performing in any circumstance. The Jr. All-Star Fall Exclusive is a prime example of that mindset in action. The three-session event serves as an excellent tune-up for the winter season, whether players are preparing for travel ball or gearing up for high school competition. There were a ton of impressive performances during week 1 on Friday night, but here are six players from both groups who truly put in work and stood out on the court.