Breakout performers at the Suns Spring Showcase

Though we spent much of the weekend at Jefferson High School in Bloomington, new PGH intern Paxyn Rendahl and I found time on Sunday to head over to Hopkins and catch the tail end of the [program_tooltip program_id='712700' first='Minnesota' last='Suns'] 11th Annual Spring Showcase. It wasn't long before we found a plethora of prospects who are taking things up a notch this AAU season. Here are seven players who impressed over the weekend.   [player_tooltip player_id='1314238' first='Kylie' last='Englund'] – 2029 Guard, Inspired Athletics 2029   The lengthy Inspired Athletics guard (pictured above) had a strong start to the AAU season, playing a major role for her team at the Suns Spring Showcase. A fluid, versatile athlete, Englund has developed greater coordination and looks more confident out on the court. The Wayzata freshman plays with a high-revving motor, crashing the boards hard, and bringing physicality on the defensive end. At 5'11, Kylie's size and quickness allow her to stretch the floor, but she can just as easily be a force in the post. She contributed 12 points in Sunday's narrow matchup against the [program_tooltip program_id='714566' first='Minnesota' last='Stars'], finding her shot both in the paint and on the perimeter. Englund is definitely a prospect for coaches to watch this summer.    [player_tooltip player_id='1052932' first='Grace' last='Oehler'] – 2029 Guard, [program_tooltip program_id='712700' first='Minnesota' last='Suns'] 2029 Bluestar   Oehler was an impact player for Minneapolis Southwest this winter, earning plenty of time in the rotation as a high-caliber defender and knockdown three-point shooter. The 5'9 guard appears to be riding that momentum into the AAU season with a standout performance at the Suns Spring Showcase. Grace brought the energy on defense on Sunday, using her quick, disruptive hands to intercept passes, get touches on the ball, and force turnovers. While her outside shots didn't quite fall like they normally would, Oehler found plenty of ways to help her team. Whether crashing the boards, pushing the ball up the floor in transition, or just flat out competing, Grace was crucial for the 2029 Bluestar squad.    [player_tooltip player_id='1256822' first='Azalea' last='Tesch'] – 2029 Forward, [program_tooltip program_id='712700' first='Minnesota' last='Suns'] 2029 S40   Tesch first came on to our radar back in the fall at the PGH Freshman Showcase where she immediately stood out due to her 5'11 stature, strong, solidly built frame, and physical style of play. After a compelling freshman season at Milaca, the [program_tooltip program_id='712700' first='Minnesota' last='Suns'] forward impressed our scouts yet again this weekend. Azalea looked for her shot early and often, finishing through contact at the rim. Persistent on the offensive glass, Tesch scored many of her points off of put-backs around the rim. She finished with a game-high 16 points in Sunday's matchup against Suns 2029 Bluestar. A top 50 prospect in the PGH class of 2029, this is a player with some serious upside.   Jilaeya Jefferson – 2029 Forward, [program_tooltip program_id='712700' first='Minnesota' last='Suns'] 2029 S40   We've been watching Jefferson's game evolve for a number of years now, and after what we saw on Sunday we can certainly say that the [program_tooltip program_id='712700' first='Minnesota' last='Suns'] forward has leveled up her game in a big way. Shifty with the ball in her hands, with smooth elevation on her jumpshot, Jilaeya was assertive in her attempts to score. At 5'10, the Minnetonka freshman is listed as a forward, but plays with guard skills, adding a high degree of versatility to her game. As the daughter of Skippers head coach Dre Jefferson, it's no surprise that Jilaeya has a strong fundamental skillset and a vast understanding of the game. She's bound to become a factor for the Lake Conference power in the coming years.   [player_tooltip player_id='1460682' first='Kim' last='Barkor'] – 2027 Post, [program_tooltip program_id='712700' first='Minnesota' last='Suns'] 2027 Bluestar   Standing at 6'2 and possessing immense strength, Barkor makes a considerable impact in the paint. As a post player, she quickly secures her position and leverages her size and strength to keep defenders at bay, creating scoring opportunities in the low post. The Osseo junior displays excellent balance and plays with a strong work ethic, often finishing plays even when challenged by defenders, and her drive and grasp of the offense make her a dependable inside presence. Defensively, Kim's physical approach allows her to contest opponents and protect the rim. Barkor's high basketball IQ enables her to read the court effectively and make smart decisions under pressure. The [program_tooltip program_id='712700' first='Minnesota' last='Suns'] center certainly has the potential to play at the next level.   [player_tooltip player_id='1491341' first='Alyson' last='Grinde'] – 2027 Guard, [program_tooltip program_id='712700' first='Minnesota' last='Suns'] 2027 Bluestar   Grinde stood out on Sunday, bringing a spark of energy for her team. The 5'9 guard is a leader on the court, pushing the tempo, while staying under control. Alyson reads the court in transition, finding the player ahead of her and making quick decisions with the ball. With or without the basketball in her hands, the Champlin Park junior finds ways to create movement offensively, making quick cuts and keeping the ball moving. Not only is Grinde a weapon on the offensive end, but her light feet and bounce on defense also make her a reliable defender in close scoring games. She finished second in the division in scoring this weekend, contributing 36 points across three games.   [player_tooltip player_id='901096' first='Katherine' last='Whited'] – 2028 Guard, [program_tooltip program_id='712700' first='Minnesota' last='Suns'] 2028 S40   With a feisty, scrappy energy on defense, Whited brings a non-stop work ethic and is willing to do whatever the team needs in order to win. The 5'6 point guard adds value to her game with precise decision making, and excels at pushing the pace and maintaining a handle on the ball under pressure. Her composure on the court makes Katherine a reliable player in close, end of game scenarios. The Edina sophomore stepped up to that challenge this weekend, coming in clutch in a close matchup against the [program_tooltip program_id='714566' first='Minnesota' last='Stars']. Whited shines on the defensive end, generating deflections and steals, on the perimeter. She was her team's leading scorer at the Suns Spring Showcase, scoring 35 points in three games.   PGH intern Paxyn Rendahl contributed to these evaluations.

Though we spent much of the weekend at Jefferson High School in Bloomington, new PGH intern Paxyn Rendahl and I found time on Sunday to head over to Hopkins and catch the tail end of the Minnesota Suns 11th Annual Spring Showcase. It wasn't long before we found a plethora of prospects who are taking things up a notch this AAU season. Here are seven players who impressed over the weekend.