Prep Girls Hoops Logo
Login Subscribe
    • Players/Parents
    • College Coaches
  • Alabama
    Arizona
    Arkansas
    California
    Colorado
    Dakotas
    Florida
    Georgia
    Illinois
    Indiana
    Iowa
    Kansas
    Kentucky
    Louisiana
    Maryland
    Michigan
    Minnesota
    Missouri
    National
    Nebraska
    New England
    New Jersey
    New Mexico
    New York
    North Carolina
    Ohio
    Oklahoma
    Oregon
    South Carolina
    Tennessee
    Texas
    Utah
    Virginia
    Washington
    West Virginia
    Wisconsin
  • Loading...
  • Loading...
  • Tournaments
    • Prep Girls Hoops Prep Girls Hoops
    Showcases
    • High School High School
    About Our Events
  • Prep Girls Hoops for
    • Players
    • Parents
    • Club Coaches
    • High School Coaches
    • College Coaches
    • Fans
    View All Features
    • Coverage Access Prep Girls Hoops articles year-round.
    • Rankings See how players stack up in each state.
    • Player Profiles Build your own profile and join the Prep Girls Hoops database.
    • Profile Trends Track your Player Profile views over time.
    • Recruiting Tasks Stay on-track in the recruiting process
    • Recruiting Dashboard All your recruiting tools in a single place.
    • Coach Views Get notified when a college coach views your profile.
    • College Match Recommends colleges that match with your profile.
    • Coach Contacts Contact any program in the country.
    • Event Credits Save $25 on all Prep Girls Hoops showcases.
    • Recruiting Tips Become an expert on the recruiting process.
    • College Email Templates Send customized emails directly to college coaches.
    • Scouts
    • How We Rank
    • Reviews
    • About Us
  • Illinois
  • Rankings
    • 2026 Rankings

    • 2027 Rankings

    • 2028 Rankings

    • 2029 Rankings

    • Archived Rankings

    • How We Rank

  • Prospects
    • Prospect Database

  • High Schools
    • Team Rankings

  • Clubs
    • Club Programs

  • Scouts
Prep Girls Hoops Logo
  • Home
  • Coverage
      Alabama
      Arizona
      Arkansas
      California
      Colorado
      Dakotas
      Florida
      Georgia
      Illinois
      Indiana
      Iowa
      Kansas
      Kentucky
      Louisiana
      Maryland
      Michigan
      Minnesota
      Missouri
      National
      Nebraska
      New England
      New Jersey
      New Mexico
      New York
      North Carolina
      Ohio
      Oklahoma
      Oregon
      South Carolina
      Tennessee
      Texas
      Utah
      Virginia
      Washington
      West Virginia
      Wisconsin
  • Events
      Tournaments
      • Prep Girls Hoops Prep Girls Hoops
      Showcases
      • High School High School
      About Our Events
  • Rankings
      Loading...
  • Scores
      Loading...
  • Features
      Prep Girls Hoops for
      • Players
      • Parents
      • Club Coaches
      • High School Coaches
      • College Coaches
      • Fans
      View All Features
      • Coverage Access Prep Girls Hoops articles year-round.
      • Rankings See how players stack up in each state.
      • Player Profiles Build your own profile and join the Prep Girls Hoops database.
      • Profile Trends Track your Player Profile views over time.
      • Recruiting Tasks Stay on-track in the recruiting process
      • Recruiting Dashboard All your recruiting tools in a single place.
      • Coach Views Get notified when a college coach views your profile.
      • College Match Recommends colleges that match with your profile.
      • Coach Contacts Contact any program in the country.
      • Event Credits Save $25 on all Prep Girls Hoops showcases.
      • Recruiting Tips Become an expert on the recruiting process.
      • College Email Templates Send customized emails directly to college coaches.
  • About Us
      • Scouts
      • How We Rank
      • Reviews
      • About Us
  • Support
Login Subscribe

Playoff Standouts Shine as Nazareth Tops Whitney Young

Playoff Standouts Shine as Nazareth Tops Whitney Young
Brazley Barnes
Brazley Barnes February 24, 2026 @ 10:51 AM
Facebook
X (Formerly Twitter)

In this article:

Mia Gage
Mia Gage 5'11" | SG/PG | 2029
IL
Yanni Smith
Yanni Smith 5'7" | PG | 2028
IL
Neelah Leach
Neelah Leach 5'9" | SF | 2027
IL
Molly Moore
Molly Moore 5'5" | PG/SG | 2027
IL
Samantha Austin
Samantha Austin 5'9" | SF | 2027
IL
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The game was competitive early, with both teams trading possessions. Nazareth gradually pulled away. Despite the final margin, there was strong individual play and plenty of long-term talent on both sides.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- 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-699c85a63dd03"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Impressed with her speed both with and without the ball. She was hard to stay in front of and pushed the pace to create fast break opportunities. Played with toughness and competed on every possession, consistently made plays for teammates, and moved the ball to open shooters. Her<br>ability to change tempo gave her team another dimension offensively. She brought energy that impacted both ends of the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["728005"],"_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-699c85a63ddda"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Shot it with confidence even when the shots weren't falling early. Spaced the floor for highe scoring teammates and understood her role. Has solid fundamentals and very few weaknesses. Her commitment to winning stood out. Continued refinement will only strengthen her overall impact. She provided valuable stability to the lineup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["884801"],"_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-699c85a63de78"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A top player but my first time seeing her play. She is a strong athlete who drove the ball with low leverage and control. Effective on both ends and played with quiet intensity. Rebounded well and pushed it in transition while also knocking down perimeter shots, including a four-point play in this game. Produced impact plays without forcing the action and showed promising long-term potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["879727"],"_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-699c85a63df52"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A tough physical guard who competed at a high level. Used her body well to protect the ball and attacked the lane to create opportunities. Played with the maturity of an upperclassman and brought strong defensive intensity every possession. Her competitiveness set a tone and<br>consistently raised the level of her teammates in a playoff environment.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["877136"],"_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-699c85a63dfed"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A long and versatile forward with significant upside. Rebounded well for her size and contributed in multiple areas including: rebounds, steals, blocks, and scoring. Most effective finishing around the rim and running the floor. Improving her perimeter shooting will elevate her<br>game. She impacted the game through effort and versatility, and her potential will continue to grow as her skill set expands.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->

The game was competitive early, with both teams trading possessions. Nazareth gradually pulled away. Despite the final margin, there was strong individual play and plenty of long-term talent on both sides.

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
Playoff Standouts Shine as Nazareth Tops Whitney Young
Impressed with her speed both with and without the ball. She was hard to stay in front of...
Written by Brazley Barnes
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

Samantha Austin

Samantha Austin

IL
SF
HEIGHT 5'9"
POS SF
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Samantha
Austin SF
Class
2027
Height
5'9"
HS
Nazareth
|
IL
Playoff Standouts Shine as Nazareth Tops Whitney Young
Shot it with confidence even when the shots weren’t falling early. Spaced the floor for highe scoring teammates...
Written by Brazley Barnes
Read more at PrepGirlsHoops.com
Prep Girls Hoops

Samantha Austin

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

Highlights

Mia Gage

Mia Gage

IL
SG/PG
HEIGHT 5'11"
POS SG/PG
CLASS 2029
View Player
​
Mia
Gage SG/PG
Class
2029
Height
5'11"
HS
Nazareth Academy
|
IL
Playoff Standouts Shine as Nazareth Tops Whitney Young
A top player but my first time seeing her play. She is a strong athlete who drove the...
Written by Brazley Barnes
Read more at PrepGirlsHoops.com
Prep Girls Hoops

Mia Gage

Instagram Twitter
State: Illinois
School: Nazareth Academy
Club: Mac Irvin Lady Fire P24
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Yanni Smith

Yanni Smith

IL
PG
HEIGHT 5'7"
POS PG
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Yanni
Smith PG
Class
2028
Height
5'7"
HS
Whitney Young
|
IL
Playoff Standouts Shine as Nazareth Tops Whitney Young
A tough physical guard who competed at a high level. Used her body well to protect the ball...
Written by Brazley Barnes
Read more at PrepGirlsHoops.com
Prep Girls Hoops

Yanni Smith

State: Illinois
School: Whitney Young
Club: Mac Irvin Lady Fire
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Neelah Leach

Neelah Leach

IL
SF
HEIGHT 5'9"
POS SF
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
Neelah
Leach SF
Class
2027
Height
5'9"
HS
Whitney Young
|
IL
Playoff Standouts Shine as Nazareth Tops Whitney Young
A long and versatile forward with significant upside. Rebounded well for her size and contributed in multiple areas...
Written by Brazley Barnes
Read more at PrepGirlsHoops.com
Prep Girls Hoops

Neelah Leach

State: Illinois
School: Whitney Young
Club: Lady Meanstreets
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Prep Girls Hoops

Access all of Prep Girls Hoops

Continue reading this article and more.

Continue Reading
Already a subscriber? Log in

Related Articles

  • Rising Prospects Headline Fenwick vs Intrinsic Playoff Matchup

    Rising Prospects Headline Fenwick vs Intrinsic Playoff Matchup

    Brazley Barnes • February 23

  • Who is the PGH x Dr. Dish Player of the Week (2/17- 2/23)?

    Who is the PGH x Dr. Dish Player of the Week (2/17- 2/23)?

    Gabrielle Bean • February 23

  • 3A/4A Regional Review: Who Performed

    3A/4A Regional Review: Who Performed

    Ashton Grady • February 23

  • Byron’s Full 2A Sectional Championship Picks

    Byron’s Full 2A Sectional Championship Picks

    Byron Xerxes Livsey • February 23

  • Byron’s Full 1A Sectional Championship Picks

    Byron’s Full 1A Sectional Championship Picks

    Byron Xerxes Livsey • February 23

Upgrade to Prep Girls Hoops+
Unlock rankings, insights, and recruiting tools to maximize your exposure and guide your path to college.
Learn More
Loading...
Home Illinois Playoff Standouts Shine as Nazareth Tops Whitney Young

Prep Network

  • Prep Network
  • Prep Dig
  • Prep Girls Hoops
  • Prep Hoops
  • Prep Lacrosse
  • Prep Girls Lacrosse
  • Prep Redzone
  • Prep Soccer
  • Prep Softball

Company

  • News
  • About
  • Careers
  • Store
  • Partner Interest Form

Resources

  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • Cookie Policy
  • NCSA College Recruiting
  • Recruiting Tips
  • Student Loan Resources
  • College Scholarship Search
  • Terms for Sales and Promotions

Support

  • My Account
  • Contact
  • Sitemap

© 2026 Prep Girls Hoops. All rights reserved.