Champions Challenge: Illinois Prospects To Track Over Time (16U)

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">This weekend, I'll be out in Appleton, Wisconsin, covering the 16U division at the Champions Challenge. With over 20 teams in this division, there's definitely going to be some strong talent in the building, and a good opportunity to get eyes on many players early. Below are some players who are still growing as strong prospects but have certain traits and intangibles that can separate them over time, and will be on my list to watch this weekend.</h3>    Pittman has nothing but time on her side, but even now, you can tell there is a solid foundation of skill in place. Offensively, she can score around the rim, but can also step behind the arc and knock down long range shots. What stands out to me is the mobility on that end. She can be the rim runner, the lane runner, or even be the one controlling the break if the ball ends up in her hands. On the defensive side, her frame and willingness to stay active help slow players down on the perimeter and force second thoughts when players look to score in the paint. With the right development, Pittman can be a focal piece for her HS and AAU programs going forward.     When it comes to defensive awareness, McAllister stands out. She has a good feel and solid instincts when it comes to making something happen on that end of the floor, and she stays active throughout possessions. She does a good job reading the ball, being in the right spots, and using her physical tools to create disruption. The offensive package is still growing, but when you have the frame, the motor, and you're in a program that emphasizes development, she'll get to where she needs to be soon. The tools are there, and as the skill set continues to catch up, she can become a player who brings real value on both ends.     A player who has all the tools to be dominant, and if the work behind the scenes has been put in, we should see a strong performance this weekend. Most of Olivia's success has come on the defensive end of the ball, as well as rebounding. She has the size, strength, and presence to impact possessions without needing much to be called for her, and that gives her a solid floor right now. As she develops a more complete offensive game, she'll be a player to follow as she gets older.     The length and her ability to actually use it are things O'Neal can hang her hat on. On the defensive side, her frame helps her a ton on the perimeter and allows her to make up ground even when the foot speed is still catching up. Around the paint, she can contest, alter, and block shots just by being in the area, and that presence alone can change possessions. Offensively, she looks comfortable as a cutter, knows how to find space, and shows some confidence stepping out beyond the arc as well. The potential is there, and as the skill set keeps catching up to the tools, she can become an interesting long term prospect.     From a stature standpoint, Alcala can bring major impact to every possession. She's a solid 6ft plus and has solid muscle to go with it. She's usually positioned at the 4/5, which allows her to use her size to defend the paint, take up space, and make things tougher around the rim. She does a good job contesting shots and securing boards, and even when she's not blocking shots, her presence can still alter possessions. When it comes to scoring, that impact comes from around the paint and beyond the arc, which she truly seems comfortable with. As everything in her skill set starts to sharpen, she can set herself up as a 3&D prospect with real long term value.