PGH Expo IA: Five Players Looking To Make Their Mark This Season

In this article we talk about five players that are looking to make their mark on their Varsity program. Leading up to this event each of these players has shown promise, poise, smarts, and skill in this game. They just need to continue to work on their weaknesses moving into the season and the rest could be history.   Thanks for tuning in and enjoy!    [player_tooltip player_id='880925' first='Sophia' last='Bouchard'] is a trooper. Early on in this event Bouchard knocked heads with another guard her own size, leaving both with some nasty head scars and eventually, some stitches. That didn't stop Bouchard from competing though. Both players got a few bandaids for the time being and kept on balling until the event concluded. From this point on, this is someone who made some solid plays on both sides of the floor as a passer, defender, and scorer. She made the most of her opportunities when she got back on the floor and I'm sure that will be the case once again this Winter as well at North Polk.     Someone who has a high motor and a lot of athletic ability for her size is [player_tooltip player_id='1277020' first='Mikah' last='Duke'] of CR - Jefferson High School. Duke isn't the tallest but she makes up her timing with speed and an aggressive demeanor while attacking. Duke currently has the ability to move between the 1 or the 2 spot, depending on who else is around her. She really seems to thrive more as a PG but there is nothing wrong with being versatile as a player. It just means you can fit in more systems later on at the next level, which isn't a bad thing!     [player_tooltip player_id='800257' first='Payton' last='Travis'] got injured early on in this event with a lower leg issue. Prior to that, Travis was taking care of business. This is a prospect who defends at an extremely high rate, she always seems to make the right play when the ball is in her hands, and she can adapt in short amount of time - depending on the situation. Travis is going to be crucial this Winter to Norwalk's success. She should lead by example as a starter and that's going to bring a defensive edge to that program as they look to make it back to the State Tournament.     Everyone watching this event was impressed with [player_tooltip player_id='1302639' first='Macie' last='Leinen'] of ADM High School. Leinen demonstrated to everyone that she is going to be her team's starting PG this Winter as a Freshman. If she isn't, I have NO idea why that would be honestly. She can control pace of play to a T, she gets others open at a high rate, and she can also take over and score when a play breaks down if need be. When you pair that along with what they are already bring back on roster - player wise, it gets scary. ADM might surprise some people this Winter. If their young talent shows out, who knows how far they could take things. We will just have to wait and see.     It makes sense as to why [player_tooltip player_id='766446' first='Ainsley' last='Roberts'] of Underwood High School is so successful at the Varsity level with her squad. Roberts, a 5'8 PG/SG, is going to be a player that leads the Eagles once again this Winter with her coordinated offensive play, along with her scrappy defense. Roberts was more of a PG/facilitator at this event on Sunday but she also had her own moments of scoring the rock from all three offensive levels. All in all, good showing from Roberts. She does things the right way and that's going to help her succeed this Winter as a whole with her Underwood program.

In this article we talk about five players that are looking to make their mark on their Varsity program. Leading up to this event each of these players has shown promise, poise, smarts, and skill in this game. They just need to continue to work on their weaknesses moving into the season and the rest could be history.