Day One Playmakers at IE Classic

Day One of the Inside Exposure Thanksgiving Classic delivered everything — shot-makers, closers, takeover guards, clutch freshmen, and players who shifted momentum with single plays.  In this article, we  highlight the playmakers who controlled games and answered the bell on the first day of the annual Thanksgiving Classic.    [player_tooltip player_id='514522' first='Morgan' last='Cremen'] is playing with a different level of freedom — and it shows. On Day One she was explosive from the jump, attacking the rim with speed that defenders couldn't match - especially in the first quarter . Whether she was turning the corner, pushing the break, or slicing through traffic, Cremen's athleticism was on a different level than most on the floor. She handled pressure with poise, absorbed contact, and got to the rim in multiple ways. What elevated her game even more wis her improved shot: the jumper looked smooth and controlled. Defensively, she displayed the quick hands, active feet, and constant activity that created turnovers and transition chances. Cremen is a dynamic two-way guard whose motor and mentality made her one of Day 1's most impactful players.     [player_tooltip player_id='708144' first='Jocelyn' last='Hoffmann'] put on a masterclass — a true clinic in guard play. She controlled the game in every way: pace, spacing, decision making, shot selection, and execution. Her three-ball was on fire, shooting off the dribble and off of the clean looks created by great team ball movement. Defenders were forced to extend, and she punished them by attacking the paint and finishing at both sides of the rim. Hoffmann's downhill game has been elevated with her ability to create with creativity and touch. Her command of the floor elevated everyone around her — a true floor general and unquestionably one of the top playmakers of Day 1.     [player_tooltip player_id='1121344' first='Yaneyla' last='Pedraza'] is a certified big-time player.  From the opening whistle to the closing seconds, the ball gravitated to her hands and she delivered. Her perimeter shot was a major weapon, knocking down deep threes with rhythm and confidence. Pedraza shot the three in pressure moments , including a huge fourth-quarter three that pushed her team back ahead. The crafty guard isn't just three point shooter. She showed she could attack downhill, absorb contact, and get to the free throw line. Throughout the game, the Junior guard showed basketball maturity and a high IQ. What separates her is her calmness under fire. She never speeds up, never panics, and embraces every big possession. Whether it was a three ball in the clutch or a decisive drive to the rim, Pedraza provided a presence that lifted her team and earned her recogmnition for being a Day One standout.     [player_tooltip player_id='1051056' first='Cherish' last='Risbrook'] displayed an athletic burst that impacted gh game from beginning to end. She attacked off the bounce with confidence, getting downhill quickly and putting pressure on the defense every time she touched it. Her first step was explosive — defenders simply couldn't stop her from getting to the rim.   In big moments, Risbrook elevated her play and was clutch. She embraced contact at the rim, finished through traffic, and showed a willingness to take the shot with the game on the line. Defensively, she used her athleticism well and was active in passing lanes. Risbrook activity on both ends gave her team momentum swings and second chance shots.     Briyonna West was one of the most clutch performers of Day 1. She played with poise all game, and when the pressure hit its peak, she delivered-every time. She knocked down a timely threes, followed by a smooth mid-range shot. Her ability to perform under pressure, showed a maturity and competitive nature. What made her even more impressive was the feel she plays with — reading the floor, understanding the moment, and delivering when her team needed it the most. West was a play maker and a game change and one of the top players on the floor.     Azaziah Evans put on a display of shooing the midrange. She played with a controlled presence and knocked down jumper after jumper with a soft release that never changed — textbook form. What makes her so dangerous is her patience. She doesn't rush, she didn't force bad shots, and never looks sped up.   Defensively, she held her own and showcased a high IQ on both ends of the floor. Black was active, smart, and under control.     Audrey Davis made some winning plays and steady on Day One. Davis made splash plays on drives to the rim, back door cuts, and connected on several perimeter shots. Davis displayed a great feel for the game- and though she is a Freshman, her IQ was prevalent all game long. She showcased strong footwork, moved well without the ball, and spaced the floor very well to take advantage of every scoring opportunity presented. Davis also rebounded well and ran the floor, impacting areas beyond the score book.

Day One of the Inside Exposure Thanksgiving Classic delivered everything — shot-makers, closers, takeover guards, clutch freshmen, and players who shifted momentum with single plays. In this article, we highlight the playmakers who controlled games and answered the bell on the first day of the annual Thanksgiving Classic.