Fall Exclusive Recap: Future Stars, Present Impact Pt. 2

Week 2 of the Jr. All-Star Fall Exclusive picked up right where things left off the week before. I've always believed that growth comes from being uncomfortable, and this event continues to prove it. When players step into new matchups, play with unfamiliar teammates, and adjust on the fly, you can see who's learning to adapt – and that's what makes this setting so valuable.   Saturday morning's session on November 1st came just hours after Halloween, but the gym energy was high, and the competition didn't miss a beat. The second week of action served as another strong tune-up before the winter season kicks off, giving athletes a chance to sharpen their game and test themselves against some of the state's best. Here are several players who made a strong impression and continued to raise their stock in Week 2.   [player_tooltip player_id='1246847' first='Greta' last='Layton'] – guard 2029, Big Lake   Layton checks every box you want in a young guard – great handle, high basketball IQ, a jumper that can heat up in a hurry, and defensive intensity that never lets up. She was locked in at the Fall Exclusive. When her squad fell behind by double digits early, she didn't flinch. Instead, she took over the game – hitting timely shots, forcing turnovers, and sparking her team with energy that was contagious. By the time the final horn sounded, they'd flipped the script and cruised to a double-digit win. What stood out most was her poise; she played like a seasoned vet, not a freshman. Layton is a gamer – the type of player that changes momentum, commands respect, and leaves you checking the schedule to see when you can watch her again.   Suri Gourd – guard 2028, Four Winds High School (North Dakota)   The North Dakota product missed the first week of the Fall Exclusive but wasted no time making an impression once she hit the court. The 5'8 guard, set to suit up with the [program_tooltip program_id='714566' first='Minnesota' last='Stars'] 3SSB next spring, is a natural scorer. Her smooth handle and effortless shot making stood out immediately once she got comfortable. She's quiet by nature, but her game does all the talking. What really separated Gourd as the night went on was her feel for the game – pushing the ball ahead in transition, breaking down the defense, and making the right reads to find shooters. Her ability to balance scoring and facilitating helped her group pick up two big wins on Saturday. She's got that rare mix of poise and confidence that makes her tough to guard.   [player_tooltip player_id='1354631' first='Kendra' last='Lynch'] – guard 2031, Northfield   Don't let her size or calm demeanor fool you – Lynch can flat-out play. She's fearless, sometimes to a fault, and doesn't hesitate to take it right at defenders. Whether it's a smooth pull-up or a soft floater in traffic, she's got answers for whatever the defense throws at her. Her handle is tight, allowing her to get to her spots whenever she wants, and if you give her space, she'll make you pay from deep. On the defensive end, she competes every possession and takes pride in making life tough for her matchup. As her game continues to mature, especially with her ability to draw help and find open shooters, she'll become even more of a handful. There's a lot to like about Lynch – and even more to look forward to.   [player_tooltip player_id='1313938' first='Evelyn' last='Peterson'] – guard 2030, Eden Prairie   Peterson is the kind of player every coach wants on the floor because she quietly impacts the game in so many ways. At around 5'10, she brings great size and versatility – able to defend wings, battle inside, and hold her own on the glass. She rebounds with purpose and immediately looks to push the tempo, turning defense into offense. On the offensive end, she's comfortable handling the ball on the perimeter and has the footwork to score in the paint when matched up inside. What really stands out is her willingness to make the extra pass and do the little things that help her team win. Peterson is a true glue player – steady, reliable, and always finding ways to make a positive difference on both ends.   Elin Peterson – guard 2031, Hopkins   Peterson might not be the loudest player on the floor, but her game speaks for itself –especially her outside shot. After missing the first week, at the Fall Exclusive, a it took a little time for her and her teammates to find rhythm, but that changed the moment she buried her first three. Then came another, and another. Before long, her teammates were hunting her in transition, and she kept delivering. She stretches the floor and forces defenses to adjust every time she spots up. As she continues to grow more comfortable handling the ball and finding her voice as a guard, her game will only take another step forward. Defensively, she competes hard and holds her ground. Peterson's shooting touch and quiet confidence make her one to keep an eye on – here's plenty of upside here.   Melanie Carlson - guard 2030, Duluth Marshall   Shooters shoot — and that's exactly what Carlson (pictured above) does. The lefty from Duluth Marshall has embraced that mindset fully. She's confident, competitive, and brings it every possession on both ends of the floor. What stands out most is her accountability — when something doesn't go her way, she owns it and immediately works to fix it. During the Fall Exclusive, she's shown she's more than just a shooter. She can get into the lane, make the right read, and set up her teammates. But when she's got space, you already know — she's letting it fly. Her range stretches well beyond the arc, and she doesn't hesitate. With her energy, leadership, and growing confidence, Carlson is a name to remember. Expect her to make an impact this winter and light up a few gyms along the way.

Week 2 of the Jr. All-Star Fall Exclusive picked up right where things left off the week before. I've always believed that growth comes from being uncomfortable, and this event continues to prove it. When players step into new matchups, play with unfamiliar teammates, and adjust on the fly, you can see who's learning to adapt – and that's what makes this setting so valuable.