PGH EXPO RECAP: Team 5 - Skilled, Coachable and Talented

The PGH Expo once again proved to be a proving ground for Alabama's next wave of girls' basketball talent. From emerging guards with smooth skill sets to forwards with next-level versatility, this group didn't just show up — they showed out. The event offered a platform for players to showcase their growth, compete against elite peers, and display the kind of work ethic that separates prospects from players.   Each athlete brought something unique to the floor — whether it was playmaking, shooting, defensive grit, or leadership that extended beyond the stat sheet. For players like [player_tooltip player_id='1165218' first='Kaitlin' last='Mitchell'] and [player_tooltip player_id='877549' first='Ella' last='Davis'], it was about asserting themselves as two-way threats ready to elevate their programs. [player_tooltip player_id='1322232' first='Skylar' last='Johnson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1185585' first='Hensley' last='De Los Reyes'] used the platform to prove their reliability and poise, while [player_tooltip player_id='1321652' first='Garland' last='Thomas'] reminded everyone that shot-makers remain invaluable in any system. And even though [player_tooltip player_id='1207426' first='Jordyn' last='McRae'] couldn't compete due to injury, her presence and leadership spoke louder than words. Meanwhile, upperclassman [player_tooltip player_id='1322606' first='Teonna' last='Davis'] demonstrated what experience and maturity look like at the high school level — anchoring her performance with physicality, poise, and purpose.   Together, this group exemplified the heart of the PGH experience: talent meeting opportunity, with a commitment to growth leading the way.    [player_tooltip player_id='1165218' first='Kaitlin' last='Mitchell'] 5'10 Guard Saint James 2028    [player_tooltip player_id='1165218' first='Kaitlin' last='Mitchell'] is a skilled and versatile guard who can impact the game in multiple ways. She excels in transition, using her speed and vision to create scoring opportunities for herself and teammates. Kaitlin is a crafty ball-handler who can attack downhill, get into the paint, and finish through contact, while also capable of stepping out for midrange or perimeter shots. She sees the floor well and makes smart decisions, finding the open teammate or taking what the defense gives her.   Defensively, Kaitlin is active and disruptive, showing quick hands and instincts to create turnovers and contest shots. Her combination of skill, athleticism, and competitiveness makes her a player who can take over games and elevate those around her.     [player_tooltip player_id='1207426' first='Jordyn' last='McRae'] 5'11 Guard Saint James 2029    [player_tooltip player_id='1207426' first='Jordyn' last='McRae'], one of our top in-state players in the Class of 2029, was unable to perform at the PGH Expo due to an injury sustained prior to the event. However, that didn't stop her from showing up — McRae attended camp to support and cheer on her high school teammates. That kind of presence speaks volumes about the culture at St. James. Small acts like this often separate good programs from great ones, and they go a long way toward building championship habits. McRae's decision to show up, despite being sidelined, places her firmly in the “talent plus” category — a competitor whose leadership and character match her on-court ability.     [player_tooltip player_id='1322232' first='Skylar' last='Johnson'] 4'6 Point Guard Handley 2029   [player_tooltip player_id='1322232' first='Skylar' last='Johnson'] made her presence felt at the PGH Expo with her unselfish play and defensive energy. A true point guard, she did an excellent job distributing the ball and getting her teammates involved throughout game action. Johnson was a pest defensively — applying constant pressure, disrupting passing lanes, and setting the tone with her effort on that end. She also showed confidence knocking down open looks when defenses collapsed. During skill work, her coach ability stood out; she listened, adjusted, and executed instruction with focus. Her footwork and passing were consistent strengths throughout the day, showing a solid foundation and a willingness to learn. Johnson continues to emerge as a reliable floor general in the 2029 class — one who impacts the game through effort, attitude, and smart decision-making.     [player_tooltip player_id='1185585' first='Hensley' last='De Los Reyes'] 5'6 Guard Huntsville 2029   [player_tooltip player_id='1185585' first='Hensley' last='De Los Reyes'] impressed throughout the PGH Expo with her shooting touch and sound fundamentals. The 5'6” combo guard showcased a smooth, confident release during skill drills — and what stood out most was how that shot-making carried over into live game play. Whether spotting up off the catch or pulling up in rhythm, De Los Reyes consistently knocked down shots and played with poise under pressure. Her balance and footwork reflect a strong foundation, and she approaches every rep with focus and intent. Hensley's ability to blend shooting, decision-making, and composure at her age makes her a player to keep an eye on in Alabama's 2029 class as she continues to develop her all-around game.     [player_tooltip player_id='1321652' first='Garland' last='Thomas'] 5'7 Guard Montgomery Academy 2029    [player_tooltip player_id='1321652' first='Garland' last='Thomas'] is a floor-spacing sharpshooter who plays with poise and a strong understanding of who she is as a basketball player. Her self-awareness and maturity on the court set her apart from most players her age. Garland's shooting ability stretches the floor and opens driving lanes for her teammates, forcing defenses to stay honest. She's the type of player you can rely on to knock down open looks, punish zone defenses, and be ready in transition for rhythm threes. Her IQ, spacing, and shooting consistency make her a key offensive weapon and a difference-maker every time she's on the floor.     [player_tooltip player_id='877549' first='Ella' last='Davis'] 5'7 Guard Good Hope 2028   [player_tooltip player_id='877549' first='Ella' last='Davis'] is a dynamic and versatile guard who can impact the game on both ends of the floor. She thrives in transition, using her speed and quickness to attack the basket and create opportunities for herself and her teammates. Ella is a skilled ball-handler who can break down defenses off the bounce, finish through contact, and knock down midrange or perimeter shots. She sees the floor well and makes smart, unselfish plays, finding open teammates in key moments.   Defensively, Ella is active, aggressive, and instinctive, using her length and quickness to contest shots, get steals, and disrupt passing lanes. Her combination of athleticism, skill, and competitiveness makes her a player who can take over games and elevate those around her.     [player_tooltip player_id='1322606' first='Teonna' last='Davis'] 5'11 Forward Stanhope Elmore 2026    [player_tooltip player_id='1322606' first='Teonna' last='Davis'] is a versatile forward who impacts the game on both ends of the floor. She combines size, athleticism, and skill to score inside and out, whether finishing through contact in the paint or stepping out for midrange jumpers. Teonna's rebounding is a strength — she consistently cleans the glass on both ends and uses her length to alter shots and protect the rim.   Defensively, she's active, physical, and smart, able to guard multiple positions and disrupt passing lanes.   Offensively, she has a good feel for the game, makes the right reads, and can create for herself and teammates. Teonna's combination of athleticism, versatility, and competitiveness makes her a true difference-maker at the high school level.    When the final whistles blew and the lights dimmed on the PGH Expo, what remained wasn't just stat lines or standout plays — it was the impression left by a group of athletes committed to getting better. From underclass prospects making names for themselves to veterans sharpening their edges, this collection of talent reflected the depth and promise within Alabama girls' basketball.   The Expo isn't just about competition; it's about connection, culture, and character — and these players embodied all three. Whether it was Mitchell's leadership, Johnson's energy, or McRae's support from the sideline, every moment reinforced that growth comes in many forms. For these young athletes, the experience wasn't the finish line — it was another step in the journey toward greatness.

The PGH Expo once again proved to be a proving ground for Alabama's next wave of girls' basketball talent. From emerging guards with smooth skill sets to forwards with next-level versatility, this group didn't just show up — they showed out. The event offered a platform for players to showcase their growth, compete against elite peers, and display the kind of work ethic that separates prospects from players.