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Byron’s Top Prospects Keep An Eye On Before Playoffs Kick Off

Byron’s Top Prospects Keep An Eye On Before Playoffs Kick Off
Byron Xerxes Livsey
Byron Xerxes Livsey January 14, 2026 @ 04:21 PM
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In this article:

Makayla Gajewski
Makayla Gajewski 5'9" | CG | 2027
IL
Molly Moore
Molly Moore 5'5" | PG/SG | 2027
IL
Marycait Mackie
Marycait Mackie 5'6" | SG | 2026
IL
Ava Giordano
Ava Giordano 5'4" | CG | 2026
IL
Arianna Garcia Evans
Arianna Garcia Evans 5'5" | PG | 2026
IL
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the playoffs approaching, these are prospects I've watched closely and trust to translate when the game tightens. Below are a couple of players who I believe will stand out during the playoffs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["741838"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-696816cedca22"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><em>Mackie is going to be a tough matchup for any player when the floor starts to shrink during the playoffs. She's not just fast, she's quick, and she has enough energy and stamina to keep her defenders uneasy every game. She rarely stands in one spot, and when she does cut.. she sometimes will draw another defender to cut her off or eyes, which allows her teammates an easier bucket. She fits perfectly into their system. </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["514036"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-696816cedcad8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Evans is at her best in the open court, but with her skillset being so wide ranged and deep, she'll be able to still impact the outcome of the game even when the court shrinks. High-level playmaker, and has the ability to score at all levels.. which will come in handy for the warriors when the game slows down. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["621775"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-696816cedcb6a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Giordano is the designated shooter for her program, and going into the playoffs, her expertise will be needed. With a ton of the focus point being on the paint players.. Ava will have multiple opportunities per game to get her shot off, and when she does its usually a bucket. Could have some game winners coming up. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["863113"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-696816cedcbf6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">What Makayla brings to this program is more than points or boards. She is the hustle, the muscle, and the enforcer of this program. She is at her best in the half court, and with Nashville coming off a title last season, she'll be back to help possibly win another. A major glue piece for this team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["743626"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-696816cedcc81"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">What Moore brings to the game when she subs in is what every program looks for in complementary pieces. The energy, movement, and ability to score without needing the ball in her hands are key for this team. She can also run the playmaker position and create for others. A player who can slide into many roles and provide immediate impact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->

With the playoffs approaching, these are prospects I've watched closely and trust to translate when the game tightens. Below are a couple of players who I believe will stand out during the playoffs.

Marycait Mackie

Marycait Mackie

IL
SG
HEIGHT 5'6"
POS SG
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Marycait
Mackie SG
Class
2026
Height
5'6"
HS
Loyola Academy
|
IL
Byron’s Top Prospects Keep An Eye On Before Playoffs Kick Off
Mackie is going to be a tough matchup for any player when the floor starts to shrink during...
Written by Byron Xerxes Livsey
Read more at PrepGirlsHoops.com
Prep Girls Hoops

Marycait Mackie

Twitter
State: Illinois
School: Loyola Academy
Club: All In
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Arianna Garcia Evans

Arianna Garcia Evans

IL
PG
HEIGHT 5'5"
POS PG
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Arianna
Garcia Evans PG
Class
2026
Height
5'5"
HS
Waubonsie Valley
|
IL
Byron’s Top Prospects Keep An Eye On Before Playoffs Kick Off
Evans is at her best in the open court, but with her skillset being so wide ranged and...
Written by Byron Xerxes Livsey
Read more at PrepGirlsHoops.com
Prep Girls Hoops

Arianna Garcia Evans

Instagram Twitter
State: Illinois
School: Waubonsie Valley
Club: Midwest Elite EYBL
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Ava Giordano

Ava Giordano

IL
CG
HEIGHT 5'4"
POS CG
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Ava
Giordano CG
Class
2026
Height
5'4"
HS
DePaul Prep
|
IL
Byron’s Top Prospects Keep An Eye On Before Playoffs Kick Off
Giordano is the designated shooter for her program, and going into the playoffs, her expertise will be needed....
Written by Byron Xerxes Livsey
Read more at PrepGirlsHoops.com
Prep Girls Hoops

Ava Giordano

State: Illinois
School: DePaul Prep
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Makayla Gajewski

Makayla Gajewski

HEIGHT 5'9"
POS CG
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Makayla
Gajewski CG
Class
2027
Height
5'9"
HS
Nashville Community
|
IL
Byron’s Top Prospects Keep An Eye On Before Playoffs Kick Off
What Makayla brings to this program is more than points or boards. She is the hustle, the muscle,...
Written by Byron Xerxes Livsey
Read more at PrepGirlsHoops.com
Prep Girls Hoops

Makayla Gajewski

State: Illinois
School: Nashville Community
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Molly Moore

Molly Moore

IL
PG/SG
HEIGHT 5'5"
POS PG/SG
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Molly
Moore PG/SG
Class
2027
Height
5'5"
HS
Nazareth Academy
|
IL
Byron’s Top Prospects Keep An Eye On Before Playoffs Kick Off
What Moore brings to the game when she subs in is what every program looks for in complementary...
Written by Byron Xerxes Livsey
Read more at PrepGirlsHoops.com
Prep Girls Hoops

Molly Moore

State: Illinois
School: Nazareth Academy
Club: Full Package
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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