The Expo and Fall Leauges : Prelude to the Upcoming Season

The PGH Expo left lasting impression and was a top notch showcase with some of the state's best on hand. Though the event was a major showcase of talent, it also played out to be a launching pad for the upcoming season. The gym buzzed with intensity and the competition and skills displayed did not disappoint. For many, the Expo was a preview of who's about to take the biggest jump when the lights turn on this winter.   Many Fall-Leagues wrapped up this past weekend and many new players made their introduction. As with the Expo, these preseason basketball leagues also served as launching pads for the upcoming season.   Standout Guards    [player_tooltip player_id='515089' first='Ameera' last='Koné'] was quietly one of the most polished guards at the Expo, [player_tooltip player_id='515089' first='Ameera' last='Koné'] continues to expand her game with a blend of control, confidence, and versatility. Kone' was smooth in the open floor and deadly in the mid-range area and from behind the arc. Her first step created separation, and she also has the ability to stop and pop from the mid-range area. Kone all afternoon, and her ability to finish through contact or pull up with balance made her one of the event's most complete perimeter scorers. Koné left the Expo looking like a guard who's ready to play for a title. She is a versatile player who knows how to play on the ball or off the ball. Her versatility and ability to adapt will be key as she will be playing along side some of the state's top talent. With her ability to impact the game in many ways, expect Kone' and company to figure it out. Their starting five could be one of the top lineups in the entire state.         [player_tooltip player_id='514689' first='Emma' last='Parker'] brought toughness and physicality to every drive, showing she's ready to shoulder more scoring responsibility this winter. She attacked the paint and challenged bigger defenders in the paint. On defense, she played with purpose and intensity.     [player_tooltip player_id='1246253' first='Jordyn' last='Brooks'] is another young player who stood out this past Fall League. The young guard can get to the rim and was a force in the mid-range area. What really impressed me was her ability to handle the ball. She came into her team's situation with the best handles on the squad, and she shouldered the responsibility of running the point and also scoring the basketball.       This Fall, [player_tooltip player_id='1308934' first='Kaitlyn' last='Farr'] has been a bright spot and one of the most polished young players we saw in the Fall. Her three point accuracy stood out and her versatile game has put the entire First Coast on notice. Farr playing along side [player_tooltip player_id='400785' first='Audrey' last='Beyer'] makes for "much see TV." Farr has an exceptional three point shot and is a three-level scorer. She can drive to the rim and can knock down the mid-range jump shot. At '6'0, Farr uses her length to rebound and play interior defense. Over the Fall, she was a beast on defense blocking shots and snagging every rebound in site. Farr is skilled and will have a huge impact on both sides of the court.     [player_tooltip player_id='1003136' first='Skylar' last='Wilson'] was one of the brightest young players I covered over the Fall. Wilson is a young prospect who has the "it" factor. Confidence - she has plenty of it. A nice three point shot - check, the intensity Wilson is a two way player who impacts the game. She plays tight defense on the ball and causes havoc on the opposition. Wilson can also get downhill to the rim.    [player_tooltip player_id='748837' first='Taleah' last='Turner'] showcased her crafty scoring ability behind her calm and quiet demeanor. She was polished and played the pick and roll game very well. She is poised to have a great and productive season this upcoming season.   [player_tooltip player_id='249434' first='Meralis' last='Garcia'] flashed a confident three-point stroke that keeps defenses honest. She is a player who will open the floor for everyone around her.   [player_tooltip player_id='1232615' first='Faith' last='Thompson'] looked poised for a breakout — length, athleticism, and improved offensive assertiveness make her a sleeper as we head into this upcoming season.

The PGH Expo left lasting impression and was a top notch showcase with some of the state's best on hand. Though the event was a major showcase of talent, it also played out to be a launching pad for the upcoming season. The gym buzzed with intensity and the competition and skills displayed did not disappoint. For many, the Expo was a preview of who's about to take the biggest jump when the lights turn on this winter.