Milestones and Big Performances at Christmas Invitational

Amere Kone is a true small forward whose versatility drives lineup balance. Her ability to score on the block forces defenses to focus on her abilities inside, , which in turn opens the floor for shooters and cutters. Kone is comfortable stepping outside and running the point or playing on the wing. She has the ability to attack off the bounce, get into the paint and dish the rock, or knocking down shots when defenses collapse. Her versatility and inside-out presence allows her team to play through her without becoming predictable; It creates great spacing and offensive . Her versatility is what makes her production so impressive and and why her 1,000-point milestone serves as a reminder of just how special her game is.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/12/IMG_8682.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1578909" /></figure>     [player_tooltip player_id='400816' first='Leila' last='Bryant'] (cover photo) plays the wing with a level of basketball IQ and composure well beyond her years. Reaching the 1,000-point milestone as a ninth grader is a reflection of more than scoring ability — it speaks to her understanding of the game. Bryant consistently makes the right play, whether it's attacking off the catch, relocating into the open gaps in the defense, play-making when defenses collapse, or defending bigger matchups without hesitation. Her knowledge and maturity allow her to be impactful without forcing the action and letting the game come to her. She plays within the offensive flow, and scores and makes plays as the opportunities present themselves.     Vanessa Vancott impacts the game with skill and an advanced feel for the flow of the game. There is nothing flashy about her demeanor, but her game showcases elite basketball skills. She plays with strong basketball IQ, using her handle to get to the rim or create space and shoots her smooth jumper - an all around package that keeps defenses honest. While her approach is low-key, her reads are advanced — she understands when to attack, when to pull up, and when to move the ball. Defensively, she made her presence felt with a few key blocked shots down the stretch, showing her awareness and timing. Vanessa's maturity shows in how she stays composed, lets the game come to her, makes impactful plays and produces without forcing shots and playing outside of the offense.       [player_tooltip player_id='439459' first='Ashley' last='Knox'] showed why she was one of the top prospects in the building. The small forward is elite and has ability to change the complete momentum of a game with her scoring versatility. At the Christmas Invitational, Knox displayed a polished midrange game with a smooth turnaround jumper and caught fire from the perimeter — knocking down multiple threes in succession. Knox's ability to score at multiple levels and seize momentum hi lighted her skillset and level of play. She was definitely one of the top ballers in the building.     Sophia Louis-Pierr puts pressure on the defense with her ability to create and get downhill. At the Christmas Invitational, she attacked the defense with purpose, finished through contact, and embraced playing physical in the paint. That aggressive offensive mindset set the tone early. From there, Louise-Pierre stayed active around the rim—following her shot for offensive rebounds and put-backs—and continued to score in the paint and around the basket. Some of her shots were of the spectacular nature as she was very creative around the rim. Louis-Pierre was impactful all over the court. She applied pressure on the perimeter, drew fouls, and also showed confidence and versatility stepping out to knock down perimeter shots. Her left-handed drive and finish going left was a standout play, highlighting her balance, strength, and touch. Louise-Pierre was high-motor wing whose offensive assertiveness and effort consistently impacted the game and made her an easy selection for one of the top standouts on Day 1 of the tournament.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/12/DSC05527.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1578941" /></figure>