BallN Prep MLK Day Standouts

The Balln Prep MLK Day Classic showcased elite competition, and these six players separated themselves by how they impacted winning in the biggest moments. Whether it was controlling the paint, setting the tone defensively, or managing the game from the backcourt, each brought a presence that went beyond the stat sheet. In an environment built for spotlight performances, they stood out through poise, physicality, and purpose, proving why they are difference-makers as the postseason approaches.    [player_tooltip player_id='382891' first='Khloe' last='Ford'] showed exactly why she's the No. 1 player in the state and the most dominant presence on the floor. Her strength set the tone early, as she consistently walked defenders up the lane, fronted the post, and sealed for uncontested finishes when the ball came over the top. When shots didn't fall, Ford owned the glass, turning missed opportunities into automatic second-chance points. Defensively, she controlled the paint, blocking shots and altering everything around the rim, especially throughout the first quarter, forcing opponents to rethink every drive. Performances like this don't just impact games — they define them.     [player_tooltip player_id='1253064' first='Madison' last='Eddings'] was the difference in a game that was closer than expected. Northridge's defense was forced to commit extra attention to her presence, and in the crucial moments of a one-possession game, that gravity opened up clean looks for her teammates. When Hazel Green was able to get the ball inside, it was a clear mismatch — Eddings' combination of height and strength was too much to handle. She controlled space, finished through contact, and dictated defensive decisions. This is the version of [player_tooltip player_id='1253064' first='Madison' last='Eddings'] that Hazel Green needs to see every night to make a true state championship run.     [player_tooltip player_id='382895' first='Hannah' last='Smith']'s three-level scoring was on full display. It didn't matter who was assigned to guard her — defenders were either too small to handle her strength or couldn't stay in front of her when she put the ball on the floor. While many view her as a post because of her size and physicality, Smith's game tells a different story. Her handle, touch, and decision-making highlight a versatile, college-ready skill set that stretches well beyond the paint. Performances like this show why she's a matchup problem at any level.     [player_tooltip player_id='901363' first='Kamryn' last='Kelly'] brought a worker's mentality on a night when things didn't come easy. While the scoreboard leaned the wrong way, her effort never wavered. Her on-ball defense and relentless motor stood out, setting a standard possession after possession. Kelly didn't allow the moment to dictate her energy — jumping passing lanes for steals, picking pockets on the ball, and chasing down players in transition for blocks. Plays like those don't always change the score immediately, but they change the culture, and Kamryn's effort spoke louder than any stat line.     [player_tooltip player_id='1186360' first='Eleanor' last='Shea'], the backcourt partner of De Los Reyes, was equally impressive with her poise and playmaking. She showed a strong change of pace, consistently keeping defenders off balance. What stands out most is her composure, rarely seen at her age — Shea plays at her speed and refuses to let the defense rush her decisions. That control allows her to make winning plays and stabilize the game when tempo matters most.     True point guards are hard to find in today's game, and [player_tooltip player_id='1185585' first='Hensley' last='De Los Reyes'] is exactly that. She's capable of getting her own when needed, but her greatest value is how she keeps teammates engaged and organized. De Los Reyes plays with poise beyond her years, reading the floor and making the right play at the right time. As a young floor general, her feel for the game and leadership traits point to a bright future ahead.

The Balln Prep MLK Day Classic showcased elite competition, and these six players separated themselves by how they impacted winning in the biggest moments. Whether it was controlling the paint, setting the tone defensively, or managing the game from the backcourt, each brought a presence that went beyond the stat sheet. In an environment built for spotlight performances, they stood out through poise, physicality, and purpose, proving why they are difference-makers as the postseason approaches.